Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. BCS-W-09-02, Order No. 30897

September 17, 2009

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

PUC workshop, hearing scheduled in Rathdrum

Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will conduct a workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Rathdrum regarding a request by Bar Circle “S” Water Company to increase rates. Later, on Oct. 29, the commissioners who will decide the case will conduct a public hearing, also in Rathdrum.

Bar Circle “S”, which serves about 160 residential and commercial customers about 15 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene, 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.

At the workshop on Sept. 30, staff from the commission will provide an overview of the company’s application and answer questions from customers. Representatives from the company may also attend.

At the hearing on Oct. 29, commissioners will take oral testimony from customers.

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

The workshop will begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 at Rathdrum City Hall, 8047 W. Main St. The public hearing on Oct. 29 also begins at 7 p.m. at the same location.

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.