Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. CAP-W-12-01, Order No. 32589

July 12, 2012

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

Capitol Water seeks increase due to electric expense

Rates for about 2,900 Boise customers of Capitol Water Company would increase by about 1.34 percent if the Idaho Public Utilities Commission adopts the utility’s annual Power Cost Adjustment rate.

The water utility is allowed to increase its rates to recover increased expense related to electricity rates after review by commission staff.

If granted, the Power Cost Adjustment portion of Capitol Water customers would increase from .37 percent of a customer’s billed amount to 1.71 percent. The company claims its annual electricity expense has increased from $75,483 to $85,418 due to increases in Idaho Power Company’s electric rates.

An average residential customer who uses a ¾”-inch meter now pays a flat monthly rate of $12.65 plus an approximate 5 cents Power Cost Adjustment surcharge. Under Capitol Water’s proposal, that surcharge would increase to about 22 cents per month, increasing an average residential charge from $12.70 to $12.87. From May 1 through September 30, non-metered customers also pay a monthly sprinkling rate of $16.50.

Capitol Water serves residential and commercial customers in an area bounded roughly by Northview Street south to Ustick Road and from Curtis Road west to North Maple Grove.

The commission plans to handle this request in a modified procedure that uses written comments rather than conducting a hearing, unless customer comments can demonstrate a need for a public hearing.

Comments are accepted through July 24 via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions About a Case." Fill in the case number (CAP-W-12-01) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

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