Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. BCS-W-09-02, Order No. 30861

July 16, 2009

Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339, 890-2712

Kootenai County water company seeks rate increase

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission suspended for up to six months a request by a north Idaho company to increase its monthly fees as well as its connection and reconnection charges.

The suspension will allow time for the commission to examine the application and financial records of Bar Circle “S” Water Company, which serves about 160 residential and commercial customers about 15 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene.

The company is seeking to increase its monthly metered rates from $15 to $32.92 for the first 7,500 gallons and from 95 cents to $2.08 for every 1,000 gallons above 7,500 gallons. This is the first general rate increase the company has sought since 1990. Bar Circle “S” also seeks to increase its commercial fire protection rates from $9.50 per month for fire hydrants to $20.85 and the monthly rate for inside building sprinkler connections from $48.13 to $105.62.

Bar Circle “S” is also proposing changes to non-recurring connection and re-connection fees. These charges, the company contends, are intended to cover costs only and do not contribute to company earnings.

The company wants to adjust the first-time connection fee from the current $750 to $480 when an existing service line and meter base are already in place or $2,500 if a service line and meter are not in place. It further proposes to increase its existing customer reconnection charge from $10 to $20 during normal business hours and an additional $20 for service calls outside normal business hours.

As the case progresses, the commission will announce scheduling for written comment periods and/or public workshops and hearings.

The company’s application, as well as other documents related to the case, is available on the commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the water icon, then on “Open Water Cases,” and scroll down to Case No. BCS-W-09-02.