19990201_2.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
February 1, 1999 - 1:30 p.m.
In attendance were Commissioners Dennis Hansen, Ralph Nelson and Marsha H. Smith and staff members Don Howell, George Fink, Scott Woodbury, Ron Law, Keith Hessing, Bill Eastlake, Stephanie Miller, Joe Cusick, David Scott, Kathy Stockton, Randy Lobb and Myrna Walters. Also in attendance was Eldon Book of Intermountain Gas Company.
Items from the published February 1, 1999 agenda were considered at this time.
Commission President Dennis Hansen called the meeting to order.  
First item of business was approval of minutes from previous meetings - 1. Minutes of January 12 and January 19, 1999 Decision Meetings (Minutes have circulated to the Commissioners for their review and corrections have been made).  
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve the minutes; vote taken; passed unanimously.
Next to be considered were Items 2 thru 5A on the Consent Agenda.
Commissioner Hansen asked if there were questions or comments on any of the items on the agenda.
Commissioner Smith asked about scheduling on No. 3 - WWP-E-98-11 (Avista) Rate Case. Thought there was something else scheduled for June 9.
Scott Woodbury responded that the  hearing previously set there was being moved.
Commissioner Nelson said he had a question on No. 4 - George Fink’s January 28, 1999 Decision Memorandum re: Intermountain Gas Company Tariff Advice No. 99-01 Amendment to Schedule A - Optional Installation of Excess Flow Valve (EFV).
Commissioner Nelson questioned the sentence that said: In addition, IGC intends to contact area developers and builders to obtain “blanket” sign-offs of the EFV notification form.
George Fink responded with - if it is new construction, the builder is considered the “owner”. He gets to decide about the EFV. Said IGC has contacted several hundred contractors and only about 1 out of a 100 were interested.
Commissioner Nelson said that raised a question - the Commission hasn’t considered whether or not this is a good idea, and IGC is going to get blanket sign-off on it?
Commissioner Smith said she also had a question - can someone moving in after the builder declined, get the EFV installed?
George said they can but it will cost more - will be $400 at that time. He also said subsequent customers won’t be notified. The state can mandate mandatory programs.
Commissioner Nelson asked if this could be moved from the Consent Agenda, to be discussed further?
Commissioner Hansen asked if there were any other questions or concerns on the rest of the matters of the Consent Agenda?
Commissioner Nelson made a motion to approve Items 2, 3, 5 and 5A; vote taken; motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hansen asked if the Commissioners now would like to consider Item 4 or come back to it?
Commissioner Nelson said if this is intended to make the cost prohibitive, he would have to oppose it.
Commissioner Hansen asked if the Commissioners wanted to consider this item today or not?
Commissioner Smith made a motion to hold Item 4 until the next decision meeting (February 8); vote taken; motion carried unanimously.
MATTTERS IN PROGRESS were then considered.
6. Scott Woodbury’s January 27, 1999 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. WWP-G-98-4 Natural Gas Benchmark.
Scott Woodbury reviewed the matter; company requests a February 1, 1999 effective date. Staff recommends approval.
Commissioner Hansen called for questions? Asked if this sunsets in 3 years?
Scott said it did.
Commissioner Nelson asked what company’s response was to staff’s requested changes?
What was their reaction?
Scott responded that the company has agreed to the proposed changes of staff.
Commissioner Nelson then made a motion to approve the item.
Commissioner Hansen asked for discussion on the motion.
There were no questions; vote was taken; motion carried unanimously.
7. Scott Woodbury’s January 28, 1999 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. BRN-W-98-1 (Brian Water)
Scott reviewed the decision memorandum. The company is requesting a 10% increase but staff has determined a 35% increase is required. Total operating expenses are $10,850; adjusted rate base is $13,855. Staff recommends that the Commission issue a further notice in this matter and put it out on modified procedure for a 30 day comment period.
Commissioner Hansen commented it was the first time he could recall staff recommending more than the company applied for.
Scott responded the Commission has the responsibility to establish reliability of the system. Staff has audited the company books. Commission does have the authority to approve more than the company has requested.
Commissioner Smith suggested a 28 day comment period and then made a motion to put the matter out on modified procedure; vote taken on the motion; passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 4th day of February, 1999.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary