20210506SUEZ Rate Increase Press Release 0506.pdf

Case No. SUZ-W-20-02
Order No. 35030
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
[e-mail]

NEWS RELEASE: Commission approves settlement agreement allowing SUEZ Water of Idaho
to raise rates by 8.75 percent over 2 years

BOISE (May 6, 2021) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a settlement
agreement between SUEZ Water of Idaho and its customers that will allow the utility to raise
rates by 8.75 percent over a two-year period. The percentage represents an increase in revenue of
$3.99 million.

SUEZ initially proposed to raise rates by 22.3 percent, but agreed to enter into settlement
negotiations with customers and stakeholders in February. The settlement negotiations resulted
in the approved 8.75 percent rate increase.

The settlement agreement, approved by the commission on April 30, includes a phase-in of the
rate increase. Customers will see a 3.55 percent increase on May 1, 2021, which represents
increased revenues of $1.62 million in the first year. On May 1, 2022, rates will increase by 5.2
percent, representing a $2.37 million increase in the second year.

As part of the settlement, SUEZ agreed to file an updated depreciation study with its next general
rates case, undertake a load study, and broaden public outreach efforts that include hosting public
workshops related to water quality and resource planning. The company also agreed to examine
its low-income assistance program, including participation and future opportunities.

In its order issued Friday, the commission acknowledged customer concerns regarding
discolored water on the Boise Bench. It encouraged SUEZ to continue with efforts to implement
solutions that would address the discolored water, and SUEZ agreed to keep commission staff
informed of the efforts.

For more information about the commission’s approval of the rate increase, please visit
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6543.