20221230News Release.pdf

Case No. GSW-W-22-01
Order No. 35635
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

NEWS RELEASE: Commission will host customer and public hearing on Jan. 18 regarding Gem
State Water application to change rates

BOISE (Dec. 30, 2022) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a hearing on Jan. 18
in Athol to take customer and public testimony regarding Gem State Water Company, LLC’s
application to change its rates.

Gem State Water is asking for approval to increase the monthly rates it charges to provide water
service. If the application is approved by the commission, rates for customers would change
based on the diameter of their water meter and the water system they belong to. For example,
Spirit Lake East customers (including customers formerly of the Lynnwood Estates Subdivision),
would see a monthly increase from $25.55 to $35.00. Bar Circle “S” customers (including
customers formerly of Diamond Bar), would see a decrease from $41.00 per month to $35.00 per
month.

The public hearing is on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) at the Athol Community Center, 30355 3rd Street. Those
attending in-person will have an opportunity to provide testimony that will become part of the
formal record. People also may listen to the live testimony at the hearing by calling 1-415-655-
0001, and enter meeting number 2467 617 1016. Those who call in will not be able to submit
testimony over the phone.

This is the first general rate case for Gem State Water. The utility consists of Bitterroot Water
Company, Bar Circle “S” Water Company, Spirit Lake East Water, Happy Valley Water
Systems, Troy Hoffman Water Corporation, Diamond Bar Estates and Lynnwood Estates
Subdivision. Rate increases were approved for individual companies from 2006 through 2019.

Gem State Water requested an effective date of Sept. 1, 2022. This was suspended by
commission Order No. 35498, which said the proposed rate changes were suspended for 30 days
plus five months or until the public utilities commission issues an earlier order accepting,
rejecting, or modifying the proposed rate changes. The rate changes would increase Gem State’s
revenue by $402,000, which represents an increase of 69.9 percent. The public utilities
commission may approve, reject, or modify the proposed rates and charges and may find rates
and charges different from those proposed are just, fair and reasonable.

Written comments on Gem State Water’s application are being accepted until Jan. 20, 2023.
Comments are required to be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments
via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Case
Comment Form” link toward the top left of the page. Please use case number GSW-W-22-01
when filling out the form. Any comments should also be sent to Gem State Water at the e-mail
addresses listed below. If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and
Gem State Water at these addresses:

For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Gem State Water:

Leslie Abrams-Rayner
General Manager
Gem State Water Company
P.O. Box 3388
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83616
[e-mail]

Eric Nelsen
Senior Regulatory Attorney
Adam Rue
Rates and Regulatory Program Manager
Northwest Natural
250 SW Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97204-3038
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For more information on Gem State Water’s application, please visit:
https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6894.