IPUC approves Stoneridge water rate increase

BLANCHARD — The Idaho Public Utilities Commission recently announced that it would allow a northern Idaho water utility to increase the rates it charges customers to provide water service.

While CDS Stoneridge Utilities initially asked for a rate increase that averaged 261%, the commission approved a general rate increase of 18.6%. The utility serves approximately 384 residential and commercial customers in the Blanchard area.

In its original application, the utility had asked for approval to increase rates for customers by an average of 261%. That would have generated a $555,190 overall increase in the utility’s revenues.

In the request, the utility said the proposed increase in monthly user fees and non-recurring fees was necessary to allow it utility to eliminate a net loss it has been incurring for the last five years. In paperwork submitted to IPUC officials, CDS Stoneridge Utilities said the utility had invested more than $900,000 since an ownership transfer in 2018.

When the rate increase was first requested, many utility members questioned the amount of the increase with some saying a small increase was understandable while others asking for it to be outright denied.

"We, as concerned residents in Blanchard, strongly oppose the outrageous increases proposed by Stoneridge Utilities," wrote Jocelyn Johnson. "I do understand the need for an increase, but an increase of this magnitude is not realistic, especially in this tough economy and for many residents who are on fixed incomes."

Customers who have a 3/4-inch meter — the most common for CDS Stoneridge Utilities — and who use 10,000 gallons each month will see their monthly bills increase from $31.90 to $37.11. Customers who have a 2-inch meter and who use 70,000 gallons each month will see their monthly bills increase from $225.97 to $262.89.

In addition, the commission will allow the utility to charge $18.50 to reconnect a customer to its system during business hours and $33.50 after business hours if that customer is reconnected within 30 days or less after disconnecting, charge $20 for a returned check fee and charge 1% per month for late payments. The utility had asked for a reconnection fee of $50 during office hours and $80 after office hours for customers reconnecting within 30 days of disconnecting. It also asked for a $25 charge for returned checks and a late payment charge of 10% or a $5 minimum charge.

IPUC officials directed the company to complete a streamlined capital plan detailing system needs and solutions. CDS Stoneridge Utilities are required to work with IPUC staff to ensure adequate system growth and maintenance planning. The plan must be completed within a year and before its next general rate case, and ensure it can maintain sufficient service during a fire to ensure and promote the safety of the community and comply with the rules governing fire water flow.

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