IPUC considers Algoma Water Co. rate increase

SAGLE - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is conducting a workshop and a public hearing to consider the sale of the Algoma Water Co. and a rate increase for its customers.

The workshop, in which the sale proposal will be presented and discussed, is set for Tuesday, April 22. A public hearing on the rate increase will be held on Tuesday, April 29. Both meetings are set for 7 p.m. at the Sandpoint High School library.

The Algoma Water Co. serves 21 households and six businesses in Sagle. It's owned by Los Angeles businessman Paul Greenwood, who wants to sell it to Robert Carrier of Las Vegas. Carrier has been investing in Bonner County since 2004 and plans to retain Bob Hansen of Water Systems Management as the company's manager, according to the IPUC.

The company is also asking to increase its monthly flat rate residential customers from $17.59 to $36. The monthly commercial rate would climb from $28.15 to 54 under the proposal.

The company said the rate hikes are justified because there has not been an increase in a number of years and its operating with a negative net income. The company also anticipates a series of major repairs, IPUC officials said.

n Customers who are unable to testify at the rate hearing can submit written comments no later than April 25. Comments can be e-mailed via the commission's home page, which has a “Comments & Questions” button (www.puc.idaho.gov). They can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID. 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.