20160421press release.pdf

Hearing is June 7 for Diamond Bar water customers

Case No. DIA-W-15-01, Notice of Public Hearing
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
www.puc.idaho.gov

BOISE (April 21, 2016) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will hear testimony from
customers of Diamond Bar Estates Water Company at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 7, at 7
p.m. at Lakeland High School, 7006 W. Highway 53 in Rathdrum.

The purpose of the hearing is to take testimony from customers before the commission reaches
a decision on the rate increase request.

Diamond Bar Estates serves about 44 households in Kootenai County. The water utility is
seeking to increase its monthly minimum rate from $29 for the first 5,500 gallons per month to
$52. It also proposes to increase its commodity rate from 80 cents per 1,000 gallons above
5,500 gallons per month to $1.44. The last rate increase for Diamond Bar customers was in
October 2007.

The company asked for the new rate to be effective Feb. 1, 2016. The commission suspended
the company’s request for up to six months to allow time for commission staff to review the
company’s application. Staff conducted a workshop with customers on April 19 in Rathdrum.
Several customers have already filed written comments, which can be accessed on the
commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “Open Cases” under the “Water”
heading and scroll down to Case No. DIA-W-15-01. The company’s application is also included.

The commission has the authority to accept, deny or modify the company’s proposal. State
statute requires that regulated utilities be allowed to recover all prudently incurred expenses
needed to provide adequate and reliable service at rates that are just and reasonable for
customers. The burden of proof is on the utility to show that its expenses were needed to
serve customers, were prudently incurred and are in the best interest of customers. All
commission decisions can be appealed to the state Supreme Court by either the company, its
customers or any other interested party.

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