20160126Comment.pdf

Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Tuesday,January 26,2016 10:36 AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Subject:Case Comment Form:Thomas Smith
Name:Thomas Smith
Case Number:DIA-W-15-01
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone:
Address:3328 Ci Court
Rathd rum ID,$3858
Name of Utility Company:Diamond Bar Estates Water Company
Comment:I am writing in opposition to case DIA-W-15-01,an 80%increase in water rates proposed by Mr.Turnipseed.
It appears Mr.Turnipseed owns and or manages three water companies;Bar Circle 5,Avondale Irrigation and Diamond
Bar Estates.
In 2009 Mr.Turnipseed applied for a 119%increase in water rates for Bar Circle S customers.The IPUC approved an
83%increase.Their water rates increased from $15 to $27.43 per month for 7500 gallons and $1.74 per 1000 gallons in
excess.
In 2015 Avondale customers received a rate increase from $12.55 to $15.42 per month (unknown number of gallons)and
they pay $.90 per 1000 gallons in excess.
Now Mr.Turnipseed has applied for an 80%rate increase for some and or all the same reasons as the other two
districts.Mr.Turnipseed wants to increase our rates from $29 to $52 per month for only 5500 gallons of water and
increase from $.80 to $1.44 per 1000 gallons in excess.
This rate increase is extremely excessive,unreasonable and inconsistent with his other two districts.
Why has Diamond Bar Estates Water Company operated at a loss for “a number of years”?Is it poor management?I
read in comments for the Bar Circle S rate increase Mr.Turnipseed received a guaranteed 12%rate of return on his
investments.I do not know if that is true;however if it is maybe there is no incentive to operate the company in an
efficient and economical manner.
Diamond Bar customers already pay more than the other two districts for less water.Why should we be charged double
or more what the other districts pay for 2000 gallons less water.Why the extremely large difference in rates?
In order for me to beautify my acreage with landscape and or to water animals will be too expensive resulting in a less
appealing property which affects all other properties.
I believe just the high rates alone will hurt future property values.
Maybe Diamond Bar customers should merge with Bar Circle S to receive the reasonable rates.
In closing I strongly urge the Commission to deny this excessive and unreasonable rate increase.
Respectfully
Thomas J.Smith
Unique Identifier:98.145.70.92
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