Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. MUR-W-10-01, Order No. 31013

March 12, 2010

Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339, 473-8791

Murray Water Works seeks rate increase

Murray Water Works, with about 30 customers in the Shoshone County community of Murray, is asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to approve its first rate increase since 2003. The commission is inviting public comment on the application through April 26.

The company wants to increase the monthly fee for residential customers to $40 per month and commercial customers to $60 per month. Both groups currently pay $26 per month. The company is also asking for an increase in hook-up fees from $800 to $2,000 plus parts and labor and a new monthly charge of $5 for inactive, seasonal customers.

Murray Water asserts that certain capital improvements including new meters are needed to isolate leaks and control summer use. The company also says it has invested $15,000 and 360 hours of labor installing a new water main in Murray.

The commission has suspended the company’s application for up to six months for review. The application will be reviewed by the commission’s staff of auditors, engineers and attorneys.

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 April 26 via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (MUR-W-10-01) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

A full text of the commission’s order, along with other documents related to this case, is available on the commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room” and then on “Water Cases” and scroll down to the above case number.