The biggest water company in Idaho has asked the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to raise its rates for its consumers.
Veolia is asking for an annual increase in income of $11 million. The plan follows the completion of $74 million in Treasure Valley enhancements by the business in 2023 and 2024.
The following are a few of the bigger Treasure Valley investments:
- A $9.4 million membrane replacement and expansion at the Columbia Water Treatment Plant
- A $4.6 million pipe installation at Five Mile Road
- $2.36 million for a new booster station, pressure reducing valve in Sage Acres area
- $1.56 million in water main replacements on the Boise Bench
- $1.36 million in upgrading aged pumping equipment at Ustick Pump Station
- $1.14 million in new building, piping and electrical equipment at La Grange well building
- $1.1 million at Kootenai water main replacement
What rate hike is being suggested?
To lessen the impact on customers, the corporation is asking for a 20.5% rate rise to be implemented in two stages. The first phase will see 70% of the requested hike go into effect, while the second phase would see the remaining 30% go into effect.The Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s decision will determine when the suggested phases would begin.
When the suggested second phase is over,
- The average residential bill would increase by $0.23 a day or $6.77 per month
- The average commercial bill by $0.82 a day or $24.63 a month
- The average public authority bill by $0.83 a day or $24.94 a month
Legacy Over time, Eagle Water Company will continue to phase in area customer pricing. The current Eagle average bill would rise by $0.15 per day, or $4.52 per month, for residential customers, $0.55 per day, or $16.42 per month, for commercial customers, and $0.55 per day, or $16.63 per month, for public authorities.
There would be no increase for fire services.
The application states that the goal of the proposal is to generate a fair rate of return and recover additional operating expenses and costs related to plant upgrades.
Veolia improvements take care of future requirements and aged systems.
According to Veolia spokesperson Madeline Wyatt, the company’s responsibility is to keep the drinking water system up to the Treasure Valley’s and its regulators’ standards.
Wyatt told the Idaho Capital Sun that in order to accomplish that, it needs to make investments in the water system’s additions, renovations, and other enhancements. Some of the investments are intended to repair the system’s aged components before they break and start to cause issues for users. Others get the system ready for future demands, such reducing operational carbon emissions or handling the treatment process in a way that is safer for our workers.
Additionally, Wyatt informed the Sun that the improvements coincide with an increase in the population of the area.
Although Veolia’s service area hasn’t expanded much since 2010, its population has. Veolia served over 108,000 clients, or roughly 265,000 persons, by the end of 2024. In 2010, it catered to 84,604 patrons, or roughly 207,600 persons.
According to a press statement from Veolia’s Idaho Operations Regional President David Johns, the company’s investments enhance the state’s water quality, customer safety, and service dependability.
In order for the state’s main water utility to continue operating at the high standard we observe today and in the future, we are working to strengthen its resilience, Johns stated.
Veolia clients are eligible for financial help.
According to a press release from the company, Veolia assists clients who might be having financial difficulties by providing bill assistance.
Once a year, eligible customers who require short-term assistance with their water costs may receive a $100 reduction in their rates.
Consumers can find out more by calling 208-345-2820 or visiting www.eladacap.org to reach El-Ada Community Action Agency, the company’s local agency partner. Customers of Veolia can also inquire about payment options to assist with budgeting for water costs by calling their Idaho customer service center at 208-362-7304 or [email protected].
How to participate
Customers of Veolia can comment on Veolia’s application on the website of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
Additionally, clients can send comments by mail to:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Boise, ID 83720-0074, P.O. Box 83720
Customers must use the rate case docket number, VEO-W-24-01, when submitting comments.
Veolia hasn’t adjusted its tariff since 2022. The plan must be approved, rejected, or modified by the Idaho Public Utility Commission. Veolia’s application will be heard by a commission at a later date.
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