180124 Rickel Bitterroot water merger.pdf

Case No. RIC-W-17-01
Contact: Matt Evans
[phone]
[phone]
www.puc.idaho.gov

PUC accepting comments on proposal to merge
two water companies in north Idaho
BOISE (Jan. 24, 2018) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting comments on a
proposal to consolidate two small water companies that serve residents of Hayden Lake.
Rickel Water Company and Bitterroot Water System Inc. serve approximately 38 and 116
customers, respectively.
The two companies operate under the same rate structure, are interconnected and share
common ownership.
The owner, Ken Rickel, asked for Commission approval to consolidate into one company, to
be known as Rickel Water Company.
The move would allow the new company to “reduce currently duplicated costs in the areas
of tax preparation, licensing, taxes, PO Box rental and insurance,” according to the
application filed with the Commission.
No changes to rates or rules would be made as a result of the consolidation, and no physical
changes would be required.
The Commission is accepting comments in support of or opposition to the proposal
through Feb. 8.
Written comments can be submitted via e-mail here. Or you can access the comment form
through the Commission’s web site, www.puc.idaho.gov. To do so, click on "Case Comment
Form” under the “Water” heading. Fill in the case number (RIC-W-17-01) and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed
to [phone].
The application and other documents related to this case are available at the Commission’s
web site, www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “Open Cases” under the “Water” heading and scroll
down to case number RIC-W-17-01. Or go here.