protest water rate increases also

[Bloodsridge]

Not only are the sewer rates trying to going up, but also the water rates.  I can see the reasons for the sewer increase (but I believe it is still too high), but I cannot understand the need for such a large hike in the water rates.  The reasons lack any detailed explanation.  Perhaps if I had a better understanding of the need, I would be more accepting of the increase.

I wrote today.  Perhaps you can to.  My letter is below.  Feel free to cut/paste/edit for your use.  This needs to be done ASAP and mailed to both addresses.

Kimi Johnson
Office Manager - Lake Alpine Water Co
PO Box 5013
Bear Valley, CA 95223

California Public Utilities Commission
Water Utilities Division
Room 3106
505 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102




-Kaylor

============
8/25/09


Hello,

I am writing to protest the proposed increases in our Lake Alpine Water Company Bill.

Without having the overall budget to review, I cannot understand why the proposed increases need to be so high.  The proposed increases will but a further strain on my monthly budget.    

In general, I see issues with the following:
- our water quality seems to always be below, or just at, acceptable standards
- we are told to run our tap water for 5 minutes every time we arrive at our home (occasional visits).  This will flush out contaminates but also wastes a lot of water
- water meters were installed years ago, but yet there is no clear plan or explanation as to why/when we will go on metered service
- it is unclear what the overall impact will be on my individual bill



There is also no explanation as to what the proposed rate increases covers, other than to say:
- necessary to offset increased operating expenses (no other details are provided)
- provide an adequate rate of return (no other details are provided)

Without details, it it hard to justify the huge rate hike.


I would like a copy of the LAWC's yearly operating budget with high level income/expenditures so that I can better understand the situation.


Thanks,

NAME
LOT
BEAR VALLEY ADDRESS

MAILING ADDRESS

[bvvista]

Were you at the recent CPUC water meeting?  Would you like the direct contacts for the two CPUC members handling our rate case?

[Bloodsridge]

I wasn't at the meeting.  I would like the contacts.

Thanks.

[bvvista]

The person who will be doing the detailed analysis of the financial records of LAWC will be Ogeonye Enyinwa.  Her phone number is 415-355-5564 and her email is [e-mail].  The more senior person at the meeting, also, weighing in on the rate model used by LAWC is Peter T.K. Liu.  His phone number is 415-703-1390 and his email is [e-mail].  We believe the fax number for both is 415-703-2655.

Our impression from the meeting is that with state budget cuts, this staff is working very hard on many rate cases.

Please also reference the CPUC website, www.cpuc.ca.gov, and follow the tabs to the water division.