DOCKET NO. UW-010024  PAGE 3
BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION,

Complainant,

v.

WASHINGTON WATER SERVICE COMPANY

Respondent.

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		DOCKET UW-010024
		
		COMPLAINT AND ORDER SUSPENDING TARIFF REVISIONS

BACKGROUND

1 On January 9, 2001, Washington Water Service Company (Washington Water) filed 
with the   Commission revisions to its currently effective Tariff WN U-01, 
designated as:

2  First Revision of Sheet No. 21 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21      
  First Revision of Sheet No. 21.1 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21.1 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 21.2 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21.2 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 21.3 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21.3 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 21.4 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21.4 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 21.5 Canceling Original Sheet No. 21.5 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.1 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.1 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.2 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.2 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.3 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.3 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.4 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.4 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.5 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.5 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.6 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.6 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 22.7 Canceling Original Sheet No. 22.7 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 24.1 Canceling Original Sheet No. 24.1 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 24.2 Canceling Original Sheet No. 24.2 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 40 Canceling Original Sheet No. 40 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 40.1 Canceling Original Sheet No. 40.1 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 40.2 Canceling Original Sheet No. 40.2 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 40.3 Canceling Original Sheet No. 40.3 
  First Revision of Sheet No. 40.4 Canceling Original Sheet No. 40.4


3 The stated effective date is February 15, 2001. The proposed tariff changes 
were made to recover  the increased costs of water testing and reporting, and 
increased operating expenses.  In addition, the  Company has proposed rate 
design changes that both promote water conservation and provide a first  step 
towards Single Tariff Pricing for the entire company.  

4 The filing would increase charges and rates for service provided by 
Washington Water.  Because  not demonstrated that the increases would result in 
rates that are fair, just, and reasonable, the   Commission suspends the tariff 
filing and will hold public hearings, if necessary, to determine whether  the 
proposed increases are fair, just, and reasonable.  

FINDINGS

5 (1)  Washington Water Service Company is water company and is a public 
service company   subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.  

6 (2) The tariff revisions filed by Washington Water on January 9, 2001 would 
increase charges   and rates for service provided by Washington Water, and 
might injuriously affect the rights   and interests of the public.  

7 (3) Washington Water has not demonstrated that the increased rates and 
charges in its tariff   revisions would result in rates that are fair, just, 
and reasonable.

8 (4) As required by RCW 80.04.130, Washington Water bears the burden of proof 
to show that   the proposed increases are fair, just, and reasonable.

9 (5) In order to carry out the duties imposed upon the Commission by law, and 
as authorized in   RCW 80.20.20, the Commission believes it necessary to 
investigate Washington Water’s   books, accounts, practices and activities; to 
make a valuation or appraisal of Washington   Water’s property; and to 
investigate and appraise various phases of Washington Water’s   operations.  
Washington Water may be required to pay the expenses reasonably attributable   
and allocable to the investigation to the extent the requirements for such 
payment are    consistent or authorized by chapter 80.20 RCW.  

O R D E R

10 THE COMMISSION ORDERS:

11 (1) The tariff revisions filed by Washington Water Service Company on 
  January 9, 2001 are suspended.

12 (2) The Commission will hold hearings at such times and places as may be 
required.

13 (3) Washington Water Service Company must not change or alter the tariff 
revisions filed in this   docket during the suspension period, unless 
authorized by the Commission.

14 (4)  The Commission will institute an investigation of Washington Water 
Service Company’s   books, accounts, practices, activities, property and 
operations, as described above.


DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 14th day of February, 2001.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



MARILYN SHOWALTER, Chairwoman



RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner