20050705Testimony supporting settlement.pdf

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE
APPLICA TION OF
ACIFICORP DBA UTAH
POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
FO RAUTH 0 RITY TO
INCREASE ITS RATES FOR
ELECTRI C SERVICE TO
ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS
THE ST ATE OF IDAHO
Honorable Commissioners:
CASE NO. PAC-O5-
TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF
THE PROPOSED
SETTLEMENT
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June 30, 2005
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I would like to file testimony in support for ~his proposed settlement. My
background in utility matters has been very extensive in the last few years. I feel
that this proposed settlement represents a very good compromise between all the
intervening parties. Though it does not solve all the issues in this case, it does and
will provide a solid foundation for future negotiations between the company and
other intervening parties resulting from this case. As a customer, I feel this
agreement provides price stability in the coming year for the Utah Power
customers. The net 1.7% increase is a reasonable cost that we as customers should
bear to insure the stability of Utah Power. While I as a customer would rather not
see a price increase, Utah Power in my opinion should be entitled to request an
honest return for their investment with in Idaho.
I do not oppose Utah Power s contention that all its Idaho customers should
be served under a tariff standard. However, I feel that before any future general
rate case is filed by Utah Power that the commission should make a reasonable
judgement as to who will be served by the tariff standard.
Utah Power s willingness to increase by $50 000 per year to the low income
weatherization tariff schedule 21 is an outstanding gesture to provide much
needed assistance to their low income customers.
In conclusion, I feel that I can fully agree with this proposed settlement.
This settlement represents an honest effort by all parties to provide a reasonable
settlement in this case. I have been impressed with the professionalism of the
commission staff, the Utah POVler representatives, and the other interveeners in
this case. The work in this case represents a fine example of dedicated public
service by all those associated in this case.
Respectfully,
J4rr
Timothy J. Shurtz