20070605press release.htm

./060407_DiamondBarwtr_files/filelist.xml IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
9.35 pt 2 IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Case No. DIA-W-07-01, Notice of Public Workshop June 4, 2007 Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]

Website:
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov

IPUC staff to conduct workshop for Diamond Bar Water customers

Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will conduct a workshop on June 20 in Rathdrum regarding a proposed 87.4 percent rate increase for the customers of Diamond Bar Water Estates in Kootenai County.

The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. the Rathdrum Senior Center, 8037 W. Montana St (corner of State Highway 41 and Montana Street) in Rathdrum.

Diamond Bar Estates, serving about 43 households, is seeking an 87.4 percent increase in rates, an increase in the fee for the first-time installation of a meter from $200 to $310 and a new-customer connection charge of either $2,500 or $5,500 in those places where a service line to the property does not currently exist.

Under the company’s proposal, the base monthly charge for the first 7,500 gallons of water would increase from $21 per month to $50 per month. For use in excess of 7,500 gallons, the fee would increase from 45 cents to 52 cents per thousand gallons. Diamond Bar states the increase is necessary so that it can recover operating costs primarily attributable to $16,500 in improvements ordered by the state Department of Environmental Quality, the installation of hydrant locks and legal fees to acquire and protect water rights. The company asserts it has been operating at a loss for several years. The company’s last rate increase was in 2003.

The purpose of the workshop is for commission staff to give information about the company’s application and to obtain input from the public before the staff files comments in the case. The company’s customers and any other interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.