20021107A.pdf

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November 7, 2002
TO: Public Utilities Commission
FROM: Ron Daugherty, 149 N. 16th Ave.
, Pocatello 83201, rondaugherty~earthlink.net
RE: Utility Case #GNR-O2-
You folks must live in tree houses somewhere, while not knowing what's happening in
the world. As a collective Commission, you have real difficulty fairly representing the
citizenry. InUl1ediately drop your proposal to alter "winter l11oratoriwl1" rules for
folks who cannot afford their utility bills. What are you tl1111k111 g? How do you justifY
potentially killing people? You place yourselves in tremendous, extensive, and costly
liability for placing survival risk before people requiring warmth.
You seem to overlook economy conditions in Idaho. What does it tell you when
thousands cannot pay their utility billings? Perhaps such billing is too high? Perhaps
billing structure does not match the economy? That perhaps you have forgotten what
Enron did to you last year, as our state utility officials who should have known were
sleeping at their desks? Perhaps outlandish property taxes are absolutely moving citizens
out of their homes? That perhaps you don t know "one-fifth of our population cannot
cover basic rent?" Or perhaps the Commission doesn t have a clue that 50% of our state
population is below poverty levels, that those who can actually pay for two other people
in our state now? Perhaps, in the end, we should clear out the Utility Commission and
install people who know and understand the social, economic status within Idaho.
Last year, Gene Fadness ridiculously attempted to justify high power bills for customers
blaming "200-percent wholesale price increases" which caught him sleeping at the wheel
01stomers paid for his oversights. Now because some folks cannot pay their already
exorbitant billings... Let's just bun them C?fl and watch them die. Sick tl1 in king to say the
leali:t. Each of you ali: Commili:sioner& li:hould be immediately arreli:ted if you approve
Case #GNR- U-02-1. Commissioner Dennis Hansen, on the other hand, must be
commended.
A significant number of people have lost their jobs, careers, their retirement savings, and
some positive hope for a future, at least 50% of their savings and investments, and you
nail their proverbial coffin by attempting to freeze them out. If you re having problems
find bailout money like any other business in the country. Plan and budget for "survival
costs" - and get over trying to play policemen for the state. Huntington is dead wrong.
Survival costs" do not have to be recouped from existing customers, a blatant example
of old school thinking. Consider Chapter 11 standards. Customers have had it. The
Commission needs to get off their public posteriors.
Drop your "winter death proposal." Please keep me informed regarding status.
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ABUSES IN IDAHO
Response to CASE No.: GNR-02-
Order No.: 29145
Filed October 31 2002
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UTILITIES COr"!I"HSSION
There is a Federal Law entitled "The American s With Disabilities Act" that prohibits the discrimination of
the disabled. While it is strictly observed in other states, in Idaho, it is basically ignored, and our disabled
become the unwilling victims of abuse, discrimination and victimization.
It is easy to abuse and ignore this segment of the population. Why? These are individuals who in some
cases have lost the ability to live as normal, functioning parts of society. Their inability to continue
earning an income, has destroyed their confidence, their way of life, and any hope they had in living a
somewhat comfortable life.
Many have owned homes, and as their income disappears, lose the home they worked so hard to obtain,
and watch their dreams crushed. They find Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas making threats to
discontinue their power and seek to have the winter moratorium, their only protection from certain
death from the cold, discontinued.
These utilities, are looking at a segment of the population who are unable to pay the high winter rates,
who have already been damaged beyond repair, to insure their executives receive their scheduled bonus
income. They claim that they can no longer afford the moratorium, when in fact their executives and
parent company are paid according to Enron standards.
i am disabled, and have been subjected to the worst violations under the act, and in Idaho they appear
legal. i am disabled and i have been lied to, abused by lenders and utilities. i applied for Social Security
Disability benefits, and find that system also abusive in terms of the time you must wait as you tread your
way through the system, to the point where you are finally heard by a Law Review Judge. i reached
hearing in October of 2002 and await the judges decision and back pay owed to me under the Social
Security Disability act.
Again, and again, i have found myself in a humiliating bottomless void that does not properly address
the needs of this group of citizens.
Background material: In my case, and i am certain so many others, i worked all of my life. My earnings in
California were above average, and i even returned to school when my son entered the first grade to
earn two degrees. All the time, working, earning an income, and working soup kitchens with my son on
Christmas Day to feed the homeless. i never thought, that i too would be facing that type of life.
Upon moving to Idaho, my earnings dropped and i worked two jobs to afford my house. i was disabled
by an injury sustained at work January of 2001. At the time, i was employed by J.R. Simplot. That
morning was icy and neither crews to remove the ice had been summoned to make ingress to the
building safe, nor were we called and advised not to come in until the crews had complied with the law
and OSHA rules. i slipped on ice landing on both knees tearing the meniscus. my tail bone hit my heal
breaking and dislocating my tail bone. My spine, and pelvis were damaged and dislocated. My tail bone
striking my heel caused injury to my foot which has not lost the swelling in all the ensuing months.
Sliding, my head hit a light pole, causing a concussion with some damage, a whiplash. and crunching my
spine again.
i have lived in constant pain, have lost the ability to do even the most basic tasks including my ability to
walk distances, or sit for extended periods of time. Writing, which came with ease prior to the injury,
became forced as words were lost to me forever. Simplot of course, is not known for taking care of those
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employees injured on the job, and i was forced into a Workers Compensation case that was an emotional
grind. In the end, i was compelled to settle simply to protect my home from foreclosure, so i could at
least benefit from the proceeds to allow me to live until such time as my Social Security is approved.
Simplot terminated me, and to date, i have not seen or heard the words "You are terminated" from them.
They simply removed me from payroll and immediately discontinued the insurance that i carried on my
son and my self. i learned of this action over a month after it was done. Not from Simplot, but my
insurance carrier who had denied a claim for some minor surgery for my son.
For those with the ability to get up in the morning, go to work to earn the funds you need to live, i say
this: Consider what would happen, if you lost that ability. After years of working, contributing your life,
time, and energy to insuring your needs, those of your family, and those of your community, you
suddenly lost that ability. Do you have savings? i did, and they are gone now. Do you have family to
help? i do not. my mother has breast cancer and her savings must see to her needs first. my father is
deceased. Do you have friends who will help? i don t think any of us will approach friends for money
that they are not certain they will be able to pay back.
i began working with advocates for the disabled, and they all agree that the Disabled do fall into a void in
all the legal workings of this state. They are not certain how to resolve the void, but agree that new laws
need to be in place to insure this valuable segment of the population are not destroyed further.
We need legislation that strictly prohibits this treatment of the disabled. That legislation needs to include
back up to insure that services that are required, such as power, gas, communications, trash, sewer, are
never denied or discontinued should money be unavailable to pay for these services. Expecially during
the time the disabled person is wrapped up in the Social Security system. (my case was opened March
2001 and could go on several more months.) Most importantly, they must not be permitted to threaten
discontinue necessary services. This is emergency legislation that needs to be in place immediately.
What will this cost the state? Nothing. Utilities have enough in reserves (as shown by the bonus they
paid to executives this past year, while approaching the PUC for rate increases) to continue the services of
the disabled, who need those services most because of their disability. Mortgages can be placed on hold,
while the disabled work through the Social Security system, extending the time of payment at the end of
the loan period. Holders of firsts must be encouraged to consolidate lesser liens into their loan, and at
the same time, dropping the interest rate. When Social Security is approved, disabled borrowers will be
again in a position to make those payments.
For those who choose to sell their property, they must be assured that they will not be further
demoralized by unscrupulous predatory lenders, or agents who s only thought is to victimize the disabled
because of their inability to fight back effectively.
This is the very least we can do for our disabled citizens. Citizens who contributed all their life, and
through no fault of their own, are forced to live a life of pain, lack of mobility, and uncertainty.
i urge you to please do more than pray for these citizens. Use the power that you were given by the
citizens of this state, to do something positive to eliminate the void that destroys lives. Give the disabled
a reason to once again hold their heads high, and not feel the state has abandoned them in their time of
necessity.
There is no other choice. We must insure our disabled are legally protected, and eliminate this miserable
void, that diminishes rather than cares for those who require it most.
Additionally, the PUC needs to address the group of low income citizens that have been targeted by
Intermountain Gas and PacifiCorp in their recent application. With winter approaching and the utilities
petitioning to have the moratorium canceled, should the PUC allow this to go through, the state will be
looking at the death of many of her citizens. The PUC and the utilities are willing to accept the
consequence of murdering those unable to fight for themselves? This is unconscionable.
In many cases, we are looking at young mothers with children or those without sufficient education to
earn a decent income to both keep a warm roof over their children s heads, let alone feed them. The
state has failed them miserably by not providing free child care and housing while this segment of the
population is educated allowing them to earn a livable income.
In other cases, we are looking at a segment of the population that has unfairly lived their entire lives
under the poverty level, simply because there were not the proper programs available to help them take a
step up. It seems rather than providing the tools necessary for the time needed to pull themselves out of
poverty, more steps are being taken to insure they never do.
Additionally, there is a segment of the population that education can not help. Many have very low IQs
that preclude them from most jobs that require even a basic knowledge of math and english. Some,
should be on medication to regulate brain function, but medications are out of their reach as well.
Common human decency requires that we insure those who are either unable by disability, or other
circumstances are not murdered (yes, any death as a result of any utility being permitted to cancel
services especially during winter months must be considered murder and subject to the same legal
ramifications as any other causing an unnecessary, untimely death.) The utilities that have filed the
above captioned application to amend the moratorium, must be prohibited from interfering or changing
the moratorium. Additionally, the PUC must consider means to insure that necessary services for those
covered under this response are not adversely affected.
stacey crosby
10356 Cory St. ,/ kY ).
Boise, Idaho 83704
[phone]
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Sunday, November 03 200212:17 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Sunday, November 03, 2002
12:16:32 AM
Case: GNR-O-02-
Name: ALVIN DAY
Street Address: 3914 Bennington st.
City: CALDWELLState: Id.
ZIP: 83605
Home Telephone:
E-Mail:
Company:
mailing list yes no:
Comment description: was reading about the rule change concerning disconnecting
customers who can t afford to pay there utility bill with children in the winter. I can
believe this would even be considered by the PUC especially when it concerns people with
children. Has this world gotten so bad and greedy that the almighty dollar is put ahead of
childrens welfare. If the utility companies think that the people don t know that the
money they lose on this is either paid by the other customers or is written off on there
taxes, either way they get there money so what are they complaining about they don t lose
anything, just look at all the money they made on price gouging last year when are bills
went sky high and were only getting back half of what was taken from us, I feel they have
a bigger agenda in store for this rule change and it should be investigated thoroughly
before anything is implemented.
Transaction ID: 113016.Referred by: http: I Iwww. puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dIll ipuc
User Address: 207.70.60.
User Hostname: 207.70.60.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06 20028:15 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WNW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
8:14:50 AM
Case: GNR-U-02-1
Name: DAVE CUNNINGHAM
Street Address: 2119 RIDGEPOINT WAY
City: BOISE
State: 10
ZIP: 83712
Horne Telephone: [phone]
E-MaIl: dcunnin733~aol. corn
Company: INT GAS
mailing list yes no: yes
Cornrnent=descriptIon: I READ THE ARTICLE IN THE STATESMAN ON 11-02 CONCERNING THE
PROPOSAL THAT THE UTLITY COMPANIES HAVE SUPPORTED ABOUT CHANGING THE WINTER MORATORIUM AND
I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT. I AGREE WITH THE UTILITY COMPANIES. I AM ALL FOR HELPING NEEDY
PEOPLE BUT WHEN A PROGRAM IS BEING ABUSED AS THIS ONE HAS CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE. IT
SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THEIR PROPOSAL IS FAIR AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE IPUC APPROVE IT.
THANK YOU.
Transaction 10: 116814.
Referred by: http: / /www.pue. state. id. us/ seripts/polyform. dll/ipueUser Address: 12.65.126.150User Hostname: 12.65.126.150
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Tuesday, November 05, 20024:01 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WNW Form Submission:
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
4:00:31 PM
Case: GNR-U-02-1
Name: Candise A. RamseyStreetAddress: 142 N. Allumbaugh St. #215
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]E-Mail: j cramsey~surfbest. net
Company: Idaho Powermailinglistyesno: yes
Comment description: In regards to the proposed change in the "winter moratorium
I believe that customers should be made to pay any amount possible, on theirutilities' balance, during the "winter moratorium ; however, paying half of the level pay
amount is too large, of an amount, for some families and individuals. It would be
wonderful if all families and individuals had adequate supports, through family and
friends, to help assist them in times of need, or during periods of unexpected hardship,
but this is not the case in many families. It is important that people shoulder the
responsibility for themselves, and allowing people to attempt to pay what they can on the
balance, is more feasible for those individuals with 1) children under the age of 18
people over 62 and 3) "infirmed" persons living in the household.
I do not believe that participation should be based on 150% of the poverty level, as
these amounts are barely adequate, to meet the needs of the family sizes they represent.
Working class families, those who do not qualify for assistance in child care, utilities,
CHI PS, and other vi tal programs, can be faced with something as small as a car repair,
which will limit their ability to pay 50% of their level pay between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.
Service protection should not be given to poor families alone.
One of the questions, I received from your website, for comment is: If a customer is
not eligilbe, are the existing level-payor other special payment options sufficient toaddress payment ocncerns during winter months? I am unaware, from this web page report,
to determine what "other special payment options " refers to. I will say that the level
pay option is not beneficial to low income or working class families and individuals. The
level pay program creates a higher cost to individuals, during months they would usually
save money and makes that burden consistent, ending in a payoff amount. This payoff
amount is as burdensome, as the payoff amount you are refering to at the end of themoritorium. Level pay is not a viable option for families and individuals at risk (low-
income, working class, the elderly, children).
My main concerns are that the proposed change creates 1) a guideline for
qualification, which makes working class families and lower middle class familiesvulnerable 2) the program is being proposed at too late of a date, for families to preparefor the increased costs during winter 3) the requirement of 'some ' of the level pay
amount is too vague, 50% is to high 4) the finacial and time costs of seeking a medical
excuse, which may be ignored anyway, creates a larger burden on the programs in process,which serve the needy (medicare, medicaid, loss of working hours etc) 5) Families, who
have children, who may have a disconnected period from service, loose their children, to
the Department of Health and Welfare s Child Protection Services, this is another
phenominal cost increase to the state, the family, and other service providers.
The change in the "winter moratorium " is too costly to be efficent for the state, tax
payers, service providers, and families. Your report shows no proof that their is a
problem with the current program. It provides no evidence that families loose with the
current plan. What it does show, is a concern for profit, which was not the intention
when the "winter moratorium " was enacted in 1979.
Sincerely,
Candise A. Ramsey
142 N. Al1umbaugh St 215
Boise, Idaho 83704
208-323-6189
j cramsey~surfbest. net
Transaction 10: 1151600.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts /polyform. dll/ ipucUser Address: 67.17.
User Hostname: 67.17.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Tuesday, November 05 20026:16 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Tuesday, November OS, 2002
6:15:41 AM
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Linda Burch
Street Address: 5650 Sudley Lane
City: Boise
State: 10
ZIP: 83714
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: burchlinda0hotmail. com
Company: Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment descriptIon: This will address the bulleted items listed in the 10/31/02 release:
1) Customers should be required to pay a minimum (say $10) only if it is clearly defined
and based on their income plus actual expenses required to sustain their lives without
j eapardi zing their health.
At moratorium end the utility bill should be forgiven as it only allows the companies to
then shut off the utility requiring a lump sum payment to include a new deposit (usually
$100) so the persons then have no utilili ties to begin the cold winter. I am a social
worker and have worked with many folks who have to choose between medications, food, orutilities.
. .
all necessary for survival. Once the power is shut off, the utility companies
have policies that are not conducive to saving lives once the cold weather begins, the
vulnerable become even more vulnerable. Considering the high profit and CEO
earnings/bonuses by the parent companies of the utilities, the policy on moratoriums must
be changed.
2) The policy should be based on need. A formula would have to be determined, but
occasionally humanity may go into the assessment component for individuals allowing
waivers in special situations. I work with patients and their families with braininj uries (either by stroke or accident such as motor vehicle) whose incomes can change
drastically in a matter of moments. Have you considered what it may be like to go from
$4700 a month to $800 for a family of five? From $1500 a month for a retired couple with
one suffering a stroke needing $400 a month meds with no help because they worked all
their lives and Meidcare does not pay for medications? Only basic rehab? I would be
delighted to share my concerns in person with your commission.
3) Recommended pay amounts do not account for the situations across the board. It would be
easy if everyone fit into the box. A policy must be set, but must have flexibility. Half
the level pay is reasonable, but cannot be fixed for reasons mentioned in 1 and 4) No. Just as I mentioned above, many situations do not fit into a box, such as the
family impacted by brain insult. I hope that none of you have to live through something
that impacts your entire existence financially, socially, and emotionally or if some of
you have, please speak to the devastating effects with only one being a utilitiy bill.5. Too short, but make it a living breathing program. Inflexibility can cost lives in
the decisions you are making regarding the project/program. It should be implemented as a
program, subj ect to revision annually.
6 . Both.7. Changes are needed immediately. I know people who are cold without resources as the
local resources are limited in scope and availability, winter temperatures are here.
Thank you for giving the public the opportunity to comment.
Linda M. Burch, MSW
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, November 04, 2002 10:09 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, November 04, 2002
10:08:57 PM
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Sandra Mendenhall
Street Address: 860 Sherwood St. #153
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: skmen123~aol. com
Company: Idaho Powermailinglistyesno: yes
Comment description: I have lived on disability for several years. I am about to graduate
from BSU with my Bachelor s degree and to get off disability. I would never have made it
this far if it weren t for the help I got financially. Those who would be hurt the most by
this new pilot program would be those with the least voice. We are all having trouble
paying our power bills and heating bills. With the tremendous increases, gee, the least
you could do is not let our citizens freeze to death during the winter. Try somethingelse!
Transaction 10: 1142208.
Referred by: http:! !www.puc. state. id. us! scripts!polyform. dll!ipuc
User Address: 205.188.209.167
User Hostname: 205.188.209.167
Jean Jewell r:;;
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, November 04, 2002 8:32 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, November 04 , 2002
8: 32 : 02
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Oegolia M Johnson
Street Address: 1355 S Linda Vista Ave
City: Boise
State: 10
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone:E-Mail: degoliaj ohnson~earthlink. net
Company:
Comment description: I do not agree with the change in the winter maoritorium. With all
the state cut backs, this would be just another blow to those that need the extra help.
Those that are not greedy are the ones that are successful. Albertson s is a classical
example of a company that became greedy and look what is happening to them. Thank you for
your time. Have a great and glorious day!!!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Transaction 10: 1142032.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 63.187.169.119
User Hostname: 63.187.169.119
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, November 04, 2002 4:34 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, November 04 , 2002
4: 34 : 07
Case: gnr-02-
Name: Timothy Hohs
Street Address: 211 Illinois Ave
City: Council
State: 10
ZIP: 83612
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: record0ctcweb. net
Company: Idaho Power
Comment description: I can t believe Hansen was the only one to dissent on this.
Read the IDL November report -37 600 in Idaho on
unemployment in October. Here in Council Clearwater
Research is pulling out in December, dropping 49 jobs. This
May the Council hospital closed. The mill in Tamarack is
rumored to be closing in January. This is not the time to be
shutting off heat to the poor.
Leave the ' 79 moratorium completely unchanged.
Tim Hohs, editor The Adams County Record
Transaction 10: 1141634.Referred by: http: //www. puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 12.30.214.User Hostname: 12.30.214.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, November 04, 2002 3:02 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, November 04, 2002
3: 02: 13
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Brinda Seidler
Street Address: 606 E. 10th Ave
City: Post Falls
State: 10
ZIP: 83854
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: brindaseidler0hotmail. com
Company: Avista
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment descriptIon: I will be brief, I feel that taking away the "winter moritorium
will make it very hard for low income families. I am one of those who use this through
the winter, my husbands hours are drastically cut in the winter months, but at least we
have an income, unlike others in the area. We use our Earned Income Credit, from our
income tax to catch our bill up at the end of February. The thing I
can day about the proposed change is that if they want to make it so that as long as you
are making a payment and meet income eligibilies, they wont turn you off it should be year
round, low income families need power reguardless of the time of year , just like everyoneelse. If you would like to contact me,
please do so at the phone number or address above. I know that my bill has never beenwritten off , neither has anyone else I have spoken with. I volunteer work with other low
income families at the Head Start. These are families that can be severely affected bythe proposed change. Thank you for your time. Brinda Seidler
Transaction 10: 1141502.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dIll ipucUser Address: 67.250.102.
User Hostname: 67.250.102.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, November 04, 2002 12:01 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, November 04, 2002
12: 00: 38
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Lynn Waite
Street Address: 7201 Rosewood Drive
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]E-Mail: law~moffatt. com
Company: Intermtn Gas/Idaho Power
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment description: I can understand the utility companies ' concerns regarding the
moratorium and then in March having people disconnected because of the large bill that
hi ts them in March, BUT, what they don t understand is that during the winter months theutili ty bills are high and the threat of disconnection during those times when it's below
freezing just scares me to death. Especially when I have two small children in my home.
And as far as meeting the income requirements, I don t feel that is fair. My income is
above the required levels because I have to work 2 jobs because I have a an unemployed
husband due to the lack of work in construction during the winter months and I can barely
meet my monthly debts. Now the threat of disconnection means we either freeze to death or
pay the utilities and forego groceries, child support payments (which will lead my husbandto j ail or lose his driver s license) and car payment (which will lead to the lose of myvehicle. I make these comments not because my utility bills are average and I mismanage
my money, no, I make them because it's usually in the winter when I receive $300 to $400 a
month power bills!
! !!
When I investigated, they told me it was because I use my fireplace
that my heating bill is so high! Doesn t make sense to me! Well, any way, if the changes
are agreed upon, I would at least ask that they start next year and give people a chance
to re-evaluate their budgets. Thank you
Transaction 10: 1141200.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipuc
User Address: 64.71.206.156
User Hostname: 64.71.206.156
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Sunday, November 03 200210:16 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Sunday, November 03, 2002
10:15:32 PM
Case: GNR-U-02-1
Name: Jera1d Heimbuch
Street Address: 6302 S. Cole Rd
City: Boise
State: 10
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]E-Mail: heimbuch~integri ty. comCompany:
mailing list yes no:
Comment=:descriptlon: Read article in Statesman "Utility companies want rule change " and
want to add my support of the utility companies request. Last year I had personal
dealings with a family that ' knew all the ropes ' and they abused all the systems meant to
help those truly in need of help. They received several forms of public assistance and
didn t use any of them as the programs intended. Then they just simply moved to Oregon to
escape all debts in Idaho. Users of our utili ties should have to pay a minimum amount,
especially if they are receiving heating assistance. What they don t pay ultimately winds
up in my bill and then I and the rest of us pay their debts.
I disagree with Commissioner Hansen position of putting this issue off for another year.
Deal with it right now. If customers use a utility service they should expect to pay forit. They don t need a few more months to think about it. Set the revised program in place
this winter
I have no hodings or interest in any of the utility companies. I'm just a private citizen
who is getting tired of being ripped off by people who can simply say they don t want to
pay for service received.
Transaction 10: 1132215.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dill ipucUser Address: 63.251.172.
User Hostname: 63.251.172.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Nancy Harman
Monday, November 04 , 2002 8:29 AM
Jean Jewell
Beverly Barker
FW: Complaint acknowledgement
Jean, I'm forwarding this to you.a complaint. Thanks, Nancy
I believe it is comment on Case No. GNR-U-02-1, and not
-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen Andrews
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 8:20 AM
To: Nancy Harman
Subj ect: FW: Complaint acknowledgement
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Howell
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 5:29 PM
To: Ellen Andrews; Beverly Barker; Ed Howell;
Subj ect: Complaint acknowledgement
Tonya Clark
WWW Form Submission:
Friday, November 01 , 2002
5:29:11 PM
Name: Rodney Pugh
Street Address: 2364 Fairview RD.
City: Am. Falls
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83211
Home Telephone: [phone]
Work Telephone:
E-Mail: 10rddragon0dcdi. net
Home Business: Home
Business Name:
Business Street Address:
Business Phone:
Complaint Company: Idaho Power
Contacted=utility: No
Complaint description: I just heard on the news about di ffrent utili tes wanting to be
allowed to disconnect people during the winter months. I just wish to express my concern
about this. I do not know if my utility is involved in this but I feel that I need to say
somthing. During the winter months my power goes up any where from $200 to $400 as we have
an all electric home with celing heat. Currently my wife is laid off and I am the soul
support. I bring home a paycheck roughly $300 every two weeks. As you can see this is ali tt1e on the tight side. I have never had my power disconnected and the few times that I
had to use the moritorium my bill is always paid in full by the end of Febuary. If this
action is allowed to go through it would be difficult if not impossible to provide heat
for my three kids. We do have medical situations; however, some of the customer service
represenatives do not care or understand. So you wind up talking to a supervisor to gethelp.
Again just please review this dission for I am sure that there are other familys who are
worse off then my family.
Transaction 10: 1111729.Referred by: http: I Iwww. puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. d111 cons
User Address: 208.14.172.
v..
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, November 02, 2002 6:50 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, November 02, 2002
6:50:19 PM
Case: IPC-E-02-
Name: Paul Flatt
Street Address: P.O. Box 15273
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83715
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: pnplibi~aol. com
Company: Idaho Power
mailing list yes no: DQ
Comment descriptIon: We recently moved here from Tucson Arizona. In Tucson, the local
electric company Tucson Electric Power has had time of use for several years. We had time
of use with Tucson Electric Power for 2 of the last 8 years we lived there. I stronger
urge the adoption of time of use for Idaho power. Why build more power plants to handle
peak loads when a much cheaper method is to move customers to slack time thus lowering the
peak demand. With a financial incentive many people will gladly move some of their
electric demand to slack times. Tucson Electric Power estimates we saved over $300 per
year on our domestic power usage by moving to the time of use pricing.
I urge you to require time of use now so that the need for a new power plant can be
delayed and possibly we will never need another plant if conservation measures can reduce
the need for power at peak load times.
Thank you for your time.Paul Flatt
Transaction 10: 1121850.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ ipuc
User Address: 172.173.201.
User Hostname: 172.173.201.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, November 02, 20023:31 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, November 02, 2002
3: 31: 00
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Michael and Judy TownsendStreetAddress: 2678 S. Mayflower Way
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]E-Mail: endoftownboise~worldnet. att. netCompany: Intermounta~~~. as
mailing list yes no~
Comment descriptIon: Customers should first meet the energy assistance income guidelines
before they are allowed to participate in the winter program. It is unbelievable that
some people are allowed to abuse this worthwhile program designed specifically for
financially struggling families and the elderly.
Also, we were previously involved in a program (out of state) where we could add one
dollar to our monthly electric and gas bills. This highly successful program s additional
money was utilized for paying families utility bills who needed financial assistance.
Hope you will consider this worthwhile program to assist those families who are truly in
need! ! ! ! !! We believe the community would respond favorably! !
Transaction 10: 1121531.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dIll ipucUser Address: 12.81.169.
User Hostname: 12.81.169.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, November 02, 2002 9:35 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, November 02, 2002
9: 35: 11
Case: grn-02-1
Name: Tony Bilbao
Street Address: 10873 W Blackhawk Dr
Ci ty: Boise
State: Id
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: Obilbao~msn. com
Company: Idaho Power
mailing list yes no:
Cornment=descriptIon: I believe the proposal set before the board is a step towards the
right direction. But, To set limits on having children under the age of 18 or being over
the age of 62 is a discriminative act. This proposal should be for everyone who is at or
just above the poverity level (whatever the the income level is set for this injuction.
Also, if there nothing in place for help for these people, there should be a donation
program set up for people who want to donate to help this program. The monies could be put
into an intrest bearing account and taken out as needed. And last but not least, everyone
who volunteers can be put into a prepay program taken from the yearly household of theirutili ty bills. This can also be put into an interest bearing account. Of course all the
interest in both cases can be applied towards the help of the needy.
Thank you, Tony
Transaction IO: 112935.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 63.227.247.201
User Hostname: 63.227.247.201
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Friday, November 01 2002 11 :36 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Friday, November 01, 2002
11 : 35 : 43
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: J. D. Cowan
Street Address: 720 N. Main St.
City: Meridian
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83642
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: Cowanc00hotmail. com
Company: Id Power , Intermountain Gas
mailing list yes no: no
Comment=descriptlon: Gentleman
It actually comes as no suprise that "The utilities filing the application - AvistaUtili ties, Intermountain Gas and PacifiCorp - are proposing a two-year pilot program to
begin Dec. 1. The program would require customers who say they are unable to pay their
entire bill to pay at least a minimum amount, such as one-half of what they would pay
under a level-pay plan.
Winter is the one time of the year that those companies are required to actually behave
like other regular businesses in the worid. Both Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas
currently enjoy almost perfect monopolistic power over their respective clients. They
raise rates without having to deal with what competitors rates are doing and they have no
real problem extracting the money from their clients as they can quickly bring them to
their knees by shutting the off the supply. Few companies are immune from having to
compete and are insulated from market price considerations. Most corporations have to deal
with pricing in a way to attract a customer base even to the extent that they made need to
loose money in the short run or if they cannot be efficient in production, yet both Idahoutili ties are nicely protected from these market conditions.
It is also important to note that if you need to make payment arrangements during those
months when there is not a "winter moratorium" in effect their willingness to work with
the client on payment is ZIP. During the summer or spring months if you are late and ask
for some degree of forbearance on a current bill the answer is typically "no sir we will
need the full balance by the shut off date " while during a moratorium they are more than
happy to take what ever payment you can make! A rather significant attitude shift (not to
mention a shift in power and control)! The most important thing here is that if you are
late during the summer months they simple shut you off and force you to pay the full
balance to have it reconnected and if you are unhappy with the service or feel like you
are being treated unfairly then you can simply take your business elswhere...... no wait
you can t because they are the only supplier and if you want heat... it is simply "their-
way or the highway!"
So here are some comments (like they will make to much difference)
. . .
First of all, I can t believe that either the PUC or the utili ties had the gumption toeven say "Utilities expressed concern that customers who don t make any payments during
the three-month moratorium usually face large bills on March 1." You have GOT to be
kidding me! The utulities EXPRESSED CONCERN?!?! That is almost to laughable to even think
about. The utilities are concerned about GETTING THEIR FREAKING MONEY! Not about the
clients situation or income.
#1. Should customers generally pay what they can during the moratorium? For those who do
not pay, are there other approaches to mitigate the large balances after the moratorium
ends?
It would seem that the moratorium is a small piece of protection for the consumer afforded
during the winter months. VERY SELDOM if ever have these utili ties actually had negative
earnings from these past due accounts. Also, what about the children? What if because of
this really nifty idea just one child shivers in the cold or worse becomes ill due to
inadequate funds to pay? Then is it worth it?
#2. Should participation be based solely on income eligibility? If so, is the LIHEAP
standard of 150 percent of federal poverty level appropriate? No! What about theindi vidual that had been making adequate income and was suddenly faced with unemployment
or disability. He may not qualify based on his pre-unemployment income but is still unable
to meet current obligations. If the utilities have their way I guess it just "sucks to be
that individual"! Not to mention completing those forms is both lengthy and humiliating!
#3Is the recommended payment amount (50 percent of level pay) reasonable?
Not really. I beileve most people have had times in thier lives where they
sell their sole for $25. Sometimes circumstances make it so you just don
exactly when they want it!
would nearly
have the money
#4. If a customer is not eligible, are the existing level-payor other special payments
options sufficient to address payment concerns during winter months? If the utilities were
actually concerned with their subscribers I am sure they could come up with a number of
inventive ways to REALLY help the customer repay the obligation.
#5. Is a two-year pilot program too long or too short? Neither, it is simply a poorproposal!
# 6. Should the pilot proj ect be restricted to either gas or electric utili ties or should it
apply to both? Again this is simply a poor proposal and both utilities have monopolistic
control over the client base!
#7. Should implementation of the pilot program be postponed until next year instead of the
Dec. 1 start date the utilities propose? Neither, it simply should not be inacted.
What rights do the consumers have in all this? To vote with their feet? To seek a
different provider? To choose the best quality lowest price producer of the good? Nothere!
It appears that Mr. Hansen is the only one that has his head firmly on his shoulders.
1 realize that the senior management at the utilities are quite far removed from their
customer base. Most of them if they ever had any difficulty financially it was a very long
time ago indeed and they likely do not recall the experience.
1 am sure that the utili ties will likely railroad this through like they have so many
times on so many other issues. Do 1 smell an Enron? The ones that will pay will be the low
income consumers, but 1 guess we have decided thats ok since they don t have resources
they really aren t much of a concern. Perhaps for once you might take a genuine interest
in the needs of those few and let the utilities experience some difficulty.
1 guess Nancy Reagan said it best..... "Just Say NO!"
Transaction 10: 1112335.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dIll ipucUser Address: 67.250.133.
User Hostname: 67.250.133.
Jean Jewell
/ A.v' rJit/
yr'~lorI r l\lJ
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06 20024:07 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
4: 07 : 14
Case: GNR-U-02-1
Name: Sara Baker
Street Address: PO Box 4522
Ci ty: Boise
State: 10
ZIP: 83711
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: sbaker7~msn. com
Compan y :
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment descriptIon: I am the director of the St Mark's Crisis Action Center associated
wi th St -Mark's Catholic Community here in Boise. We have been receiving a lot of requests
for help with utility bills which, unfortunately, we generally have to turn down.
However, I would like to comment on the Intermountain Gas Co request to change the rules
of the moratorium beginning December 1, 2002.
I believe that starting this in less than a month would have devasting effects on many low
income residents of our community. This is simply not enough time to make people aware of
the consequences of what is to occur. I do agree that people should be responsible for
their actions and they should pay something no matter how minimal. But I think that thisrequest is too precipitous. Something like this should be discussed and advertised well
in advance of the implementation date, not at the. last minute. This is particularly so in
a declining economy, rising energy bills and maj or, mean spirited cutbacks in Health and
Welfare.
I also feel that making the minimum payment 1/2 of a level pay is too onerous in all
circumstances. Many of these people have little or no income. However, they should be
held to a standard and should have to make arrangements and stick to those arrangements ofpayment. This should be done on an individual basis and not on a one size fits all
because everyone s circumstances are different.
I think that having a means test is fine. Again , this should not be so onerous as to
force those families with children to do without heat.
I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.Call me at 377-2416.
Transaction 10: 1161607.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipuc
User Address: 67.17.
User Hostname: 67.17.
Jean Jewell
/ ~
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06 20028:12 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
8: 12: 02
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Nancy Daniels
Street Address: 413 N. Atlantic Street
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: nldaniels~hotmail. com
Company:
Comment description: More time is required for the public to comment on(utili ties moratorium). After reading the overview, it appears to have
and few options, presenting several win/lose scenarios.
this issue
little creativity
I have found that people are willing to work collaboratively if given the opportunity to
participate in the decision-making process. Please allow for moer public input, which may
contain win/win solutions not yet presented or considered.
Transaction 10: 1162012.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dIll ipucUser Address: 24.116.75.123
User Hostname: 24.116.75.123
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06 20028:51 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
8:50:34 PM
Case: GNR-U-
Name: Judy Last
Street Address: 9380 Glen Ellyn Lane
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83704
Home Telephone:E-Mail: enlightenedj udy~aol. com
Company:
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment description: lrst, I agree with Commissioner Hansen that trying to change the
existing program on December 1st of this year leaves too little time for public comment.
I also agree with Commissioner Hansen that any change this year in the winter moratorium
as it stands will cause unnecessary hardship to many Idaho families given the present
economic conditions.1. Should customers generally pay what they can during the moratorium? Perhaps, but two
weeks is hardly enough time to put a system of eligibility requirements in place.
2. For those who do not pay, are there other approaches to mitigate the large balances
after the moratorium ends? Of course, there are other approaches. Take the next year to
allow brainstorming sessions to delineate what those alternatives are.
3. Should participation be based solely on income eligibility? My answer to this questionis no. Income eligibility alone fails to take into account the ages and health of
children or others in the home that may mitigate the family s ability to pay.
4. Is 150% of poverty level an appropriate income to determine eligibility? Given that
100% of poverty for a family of four is based on about 60% of the actual amount it takes,
on average, to sustain a family of four, I would say that 150% still doesn I t reach theaverage.
5. Is the recommended payment amount of 50% of level pay reasonable? I think the public
utility companies would need to listen to all people, including those who will be most
affected by any change in the winter moratorium, before the recommended payment could be
appropriately determined.6. Are the existing payment options sufficient to address payment concerns? For some ofus, I'm sure it helps however, given the rate increases over the past year or so, energy
costs are a challenge for more of us than before. This is especially true for those who
are low income and on fixed incomes.
7. Is the two year pilot program too long or too short? That question is premature and
would best be answered after considerable thought and impact focus groups.
8. Gas, electric or both? Premature question.
9. Should the proposed pilot program be postponed beyond the December 1 , 2002 date?
Absolutely it should be postponed.
Transaction ID: 1162050.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dIll ipuc
User Address: 198.81.26.238
User Hostname: 198.81.26.238
Jean Jewell
Ib-
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:34 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tanya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
9: 34: 12
Case: GNR-U-02-1
Name: Connie Powers
Street Address: 1130 North 16 East
City: Mountain Home
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83647
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: alconpowers~msn. com
Company:
Comment description: I am very concerned about the health and safety of children, sick
and elderly, if the moratorium was discontinued. There are many reasons why individuals
are unable to pay their utility bills. Domestic violence, child abuse, loss of job,
illness, etc. are all reasons why a household could fall behind in their monthly payments.
If a single mother with young children was abandoned by her spouse she might not be able
to pay any bills. This mother might seek support from public and private agencies but it
might take more than a month to obtain assistance. The income guidelines may not be a
fair way to determine need for assistance. There may be catastrophic situations that
cause people to loose their income and resources. Someone on a fixed income may have to
choose between purchasing medicine or paying the utility bill.
Children, elderly, and the sick need to be protected by society.
I would be willing to add a dollar to my bill each month to help keep someone who is in
need from having their utili ties disconnected.
Why the big rush to cutoff the vulnerable citizens in our communities? Have a heart, take
the time for public hearings on this matter.
Transaction 10: 1162134.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dIll ipucUser Address: 67.14.User Hostname: 67.14.
Jean Jewell
/ (.
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jr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Wednesday, November 06 200211 :51 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
11 : 51 : 03
Case: GNR-U-02-
Name: Maggie Tallman
Street Address: 814 2nd St.
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: 10
ZIP: 83814
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: tmaggie1&msn. com
Company: Avistamailinglist _yes - no:~
Comment description: Please do not take away
Idaho s working poor are suffering and there
pull this out from under them by Dec 1
the heat from the poor in the winter months.
is very little left of the safty net. Do not
Transaction 10: 1162351.Referred by: http: / /www. puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 67.250.134.
User Hostname: 67.250.134.