20070830Comments.pdf

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PPS Co.
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375 E. 2nd S.
O, Box 627
Soda Springs, Idaho 83276
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-800-752-8778
Fax: [phone]
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
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August 28,2097
Dear Commissioners:
I understand that the electric utility PacifiCorp has a rate case either before you
now or upcoming shortly. This rate increase is being touted as a "10%
residential rate increase
The actual proposed rate increase for large industrial customers in the Soda
Springs area is more like 24%. These same customers experienced a 16%
increase just last year. If the pending case is approved as is, these industries,
the backbone of the Southeast Idaho economy, will experience electrical rate
increases of over 70 % in just the last five years!
In 1951 , my grandfather, Doyal Keller, came to Soda Springs and began a fuel
lubricant, and implement business. Within months of his arrival, Monsanto
Company arrived, with the humble but exciting beginnings of what is now one of
the anchors of the southern Idaho economy. My father, Ed Keller, joined the
family business in 1958. I followed as a youth in 1972 , becoming a fulltime
worker in 1979, then taking over in 1994. My children all work or have worked
for our business (now called PPS Co) in roles fitting their age and experience
and my wife Nancy, president of the company, is here every day with me.
During all this time I have watched Monsanto grow with the good times and
even more impressive, stoically continue to perform even when times were
harder. I have watched as they have consistently led the nation in environmental
care; experienced first hand their emphasis on safety in and out of the
workplace , and seen first hand the results of their volunteerism , merchandise,
and monetary contributions to almost every deserving event and cause in the
region. Talk of your good neighbors, but there aren t any to compare with
Monsanto.
Monsanto and Agrium-Nuwest (a stellar community citizen in its own right) are
two shining examples of what has made the American economy the envy of the
world. The represent everything that is right about development of natural
resources into value-added products for the benefit of us all.
Economic impact of this industry goes far beyond its employees, my business, or
even the immediate community here. Social impact from the employees and
their families are what make our towns what they are.
Neighboring counties serve as bedroom communities for industry and the
supporting businesses and schools. Check job demographic information for
Bear Lake County and Lincoln County, Wyoming, to get a better look at the
reach of our local industrial influence.
My fear is that we are about to lose alii have just described to you. It is
unreasonable to think that Monsanto and Agrium-NuWest can simply absorb
massive rate increases, which , if the case in question is approved, will amount to
over 70% of raise in the last five years. And it is unconsionable to take the
chance of losing the heart and soul of the southeastern Idaho economy by
increasing industrial power rates by 24% while residential rates only move 10%.
I understand that energy prices are high; that all of us are going to experience
some discomfort as we adjust to a higher level of costs for all kinds of energy.
Pacificorp has to have more for their product or they won t be able to supply us in
the able manner we have gotten accustomed to. But it is unfair to Monsanto
Agrium-NuWest, Soda Springs , and Idaho to try to cover all those costs on our
backs. Monsanto is Pacificorp s largest single customer. If they shut down , who
will pay Pacificorp s bills?
You have a hard task in front of you , but the right answer is easy. Rates may
need to go up, but make them equitable. The rate case in front of you will likely
decimate our local economy so some rich guy in Park City, Utah , can have air
conditioning and surround-sound stereo next to the beer cooler by his heated
pool. Is that fair?
Thanks for your time. I am available to talk at 547-2555 days, if I haven t said
too much already.