20231031Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSIONER HAMMOND
COMMISSIONER LODGE
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL

FROM: DAYN HARDIE
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

DATE: OCTOBER 31, 2023

SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF FALLS WATER CO., INC.’S APPLICATION FOR
THE AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS RATES AND CHARGES FOR
WATER SERVICE IN THE STATE OF IDAHO; CASE NO. FLS-W-23-01.

On May 12, 2023, Falls Water Co., Inc., (“Company”) applied to the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission (“Commission”) for authorization to raise the rates it charges for water service. The
Company requests an approximate 44.3% increase in revenue collected and a 7.71% rate of return.
The Company requested a July 1, 2023, effective date.
On June 5, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Application, Notice of Intervention
Deadline, and suspended the Company’s proposed effective date for 30 days plus five months
pursuant to Idaho Code § 61-622. Order No. 35806. No other party intervened.
On August 2, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Customer Workshop, and a Notice
of Modified Procedure establishing an October 12, 2023, deadline for public comments and
November 2, 2023, Company reply deadline. Order No. 35872.
On September 7, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Customer Hearing for October
23, 2023. Order No. 35914.
On October 13, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Amended Comment Deadline
moving the public comment deadline to October 26, 2023. Order No 35960.
On October 20, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Vacated Customer Hearing and
a Notice of Continued Suspension changing the suspended effective date until December 15, 2023.
Order No. 35963.
At the Commission’s October 24, 2023, Decision Meeting, Staff presented a Decision
Memorandum recommending the Commission vacate the October 26, 2023, public comment
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2
deadline and November 2, 2023, Company reply deadline. The Commission approved this
recommendation on its consent agenda. An order is forthcoming which will memorialize the
Commission’s decision.
On October 27, 2023, Falls Water filed a Motion to Approve the Proposed Settlement that
was entered into between Staff and Falls Water.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission issue a Notice of Proposed Settlement and establish
comment deadlines for interested persons to comment on the proposed settlement. Staff
recommends a November 15, 2023, public comment deadline and a November 22, 2023, Company
reply deadline. Staff also recommends the Commission schedule a customer hearing to allow
customers an opportunity to comment on the proposed settlement.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to issue a Notice of Proposed Settlement, establish public
comment and Company reply deadlines, and schedule a customer hearing?

_____________________________
Dayn Hardie
Deputy Attorney General

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