Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. TRH-W-10-01

October 27, 2010

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

Workshop in Coeur d’Alene for customers of water company

Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will be in Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday, Nov. 9, to conduct a workshop for the approximate 150 customers of Troy Hoffman Water Corporation.

The water utility is seeking commission approval to increase rates for residential customers from a monthly basic charge of $5.50 to $13.31 for up to 3,000 gallons of use. For use in excess of 3,000 gallons, the company proposes an increase to $1.45 for every 1,000 gallons, up from the current charge of 60 cents. For commercial customers, the proposed increase in the basic charge is from $7.50 per month to $18.15 for the first 3,000 gallons. For use in excess of 3,000 gallons the proposed increase is also from 60 cents to $1.45 for every 1,000 gallons.

The company also proposes increases in reconnection fees, late payments fees and returned check fees.

The Nov. 9 workshop begins at 7 p.m. in the Driftwood Bay room of the North Idaho College student union building at 1000 W. Garden Ave. The workshop will provide an opportunity for customers to hear an explanation of the company’s application and to ask questions of commission staff. Representatives from the company may also be on hand to answer questions.

The commission suspended the effective date of the company’s June 7 request for up to six months to allow it time to review the application. This is the company’s first rate increase request in 14 years.

The company states it is necessary to raise rates due to increased operating expenses along with costs incurred from needed repairs and replacement of the main pump in 2009.

In addition to attending the workshop, customers can also submit written comments regarding the company’s application. Comments are accepted 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 (TRH-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.

The company’s application is also available for review on the commission’s Web site. Click on the water icon, then on “Open Water Cases,” and scroll down to the above case number.