20091228Comment.pdf

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From:
Sent:
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Subject:
radianttæcableone.net
Wednesday, December 23,20098:15 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Glenn Elwell, P. E. follows:
Case Number: INT -G-Ø9-Ø3
Name: Glenn Elwell, P. E.
Address: 3596 N 1825 E
City: Buhl
State: Idaho
Zip: 83316
Daytime Telephone: 2Ø8 316 2554Contact E-Mail: radiant~cableone.net ~
Name of Utility Company: Intermountain Gas Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
The PUC should emp~atically deny this request for the following reasons:
1. Intermountain Gas (IG)has been collecting revenue from snow melt systems in the Wood
River Valley for nearly 3Ø years. These revenues should be used to upgrade the pipeline, not
be diverted to new out-of -state owners. In the past 2Ø years I personally have designed and
installed thousands of square feet of snowmelt in residential and commercial applications.
In all major installations I would notify IG of the demand and inquire as to their ability to
deliver, as my clients would not have accepted, nor would I have recommended, a i here today -
gone tomorrow' system. I was always assured that capacity was available and that the Company
would be upgrading the line in the near future to continue availability.
2. In spite of public perception that snowmelt is a rich persons luxury, most snowmelt
systems are essential to the accessibil ty and safety of the property, and as such are not
interruptable. County and City zoning departments have made major building decisions based
on the availability of uninterrupted snowmelt capability. Forcing Owners to interruptable
status will result in numerous personal injuries or death (just ask Sun Valley Company),
property and vehicle damage. WillIG be responsible for the resulting lawsuits?
3. If IG asserts that it can no longer supply sufficient natural gas to the Wood River
Valley, the State should declare a complete mori torium on new gas connections the Valley, as
the Dept. of Water Resources would do if there was a shortage of water. Natural gas powered
snowmelt systems have become an integrated part of the Wood River Valley, just as in all
major destination ski resorts. Intermountain Gas' attempt to hide their lack of planning
should be summarily denied.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipuc1/ipuc . html
IP address is 67.61.98.5
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