SANDPOINT — After over 10 years without a rate increase, Schweitzer Basin Water LLC has filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission seeking approval for a rate increase. 

SBW, a privately owned water system serving residents at the base of Schweitzer ski resort. The company’s services are mostly all utilized by seasonal residents, with only a few year-round residents, according to the company. 

The proposal would generally increase rates by 134% and affect 458 residential customers in and around Sandpoint. Schweitzer Basin officials say the request is reasonable, as it hasn’t had a rate increase since 2012.  

“There has not been a rate increase since 2012, and SBW has had a negative balance every year. The proposed rate seeks to bring the 2012 rate at par with current monetary values, compensate for added regulatory requirements, continue a system improvement program, cover existing expenses associated with routine operations, and allow a reasonable rate of return associated with ongoing operations,” officials said in a rate increase application.  

For an equivalent residential unit under 500 square feet, SBW is seeking a flat rate increase from $39 to $93 per month, an increase of $54 per month, or approximately 138%. For an ERU over 500 square feet, SBW is seeking a flat rate increase from $41 to $93, an increase of $52 per month, or approximately 127%.  

Classifications described as “single living units with additional guesthouse or attached living units (no kitchen) that can be rented” and “single living units with second living area which can be rented” would be removed from recurring fee schedules and nonrecurring fee schedules.  

Nonrecurring fees are also under an increase request.  

For the infrastructure contribution fee, an increase for “each new single living unit” would go from $6,950 to $11,950, a 72% increase, or a 2.7% rate over 20 years.  

For the nine specified lots on Telemark Road, the water tap fee would increase from $3,000 to $4,000, a 33% increase. For the five specified lots on Ullr Drive, the water tap fee would increase from $3,500 to $4,000, a 14% increase.  

All other lots would increase from $2,000 to $4,000 for the water tap fee, a 100% increase.  

More specifics on the rate increases can be found at https://shorturl.at/oZhVO.