DOCKET UW-001657  Page 2


BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND )
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, )
   )
  Complainant, ) DOCKET UW-001657
   )
 vs.  )
   ) COMPLAINT AND ORDER
GAMBLE BAY WATER, INC. ) SUSPENDING TARIFF
   ) REVISIONS AND
  Respondent. ) INSTITUTING INVESTIGATION
 )

BACKGROUND

On October 30, 2000, Gamble Bay Water, Inc., filed tariff revisions with the 
Commission to implement a new surcharge.  The stated effective date is December 
6, 2000.  Gamble Bay Water, Inc., serves approximately 260 customers in Kitsap 
and Snohomish counties.  The tariff revisions filed with the Commission are 
designated as:

Fourth Revision Sheet No. 2
Canceling
Third Revision Sheet No. 2 and
First Revision Sheet No. 23
Canceling
Original Sheet No. 23.

The tariff revisions would cancel expired surcharges and implement a new 
surcharge of $2.27 monthly.  The new surcharge would apply to all customers of 
the Company and would be used to repay a loan over five (5) years.  The loan is 
being used to pay for drilling a new well on the Johanson water system located 
in Snohomish County.  The proposed cost of the new well is $27,500 and it will 
be used to replace an existing well source that has failed.  The revenue impact 
per customer will be approximately $27.24 per year.

  It appears that the filing would increase charges and rates for service 
rendered by Respondent and that the rights and interests of the public might be 
injuriously affected thereby, it is the decision of the Commission to suspend 
the operation of the above tariff revisions and enter upon public hearing or 
hearings concerning such changes and the reasonableness and justness thereof as 
may be necessary. 

  In accordance with RCW 80.04.130, the burden of proof to show that such 
increases are just and reasonable shall be upon the Respondent.

  

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

  1. The operation of the above tariff revisions, filed October 30, 2000, is 
suspended.

  2. A hearing or hearings, on the Commission's own motion, shall be held at 
such times and places as may be required.

  3. No change or alteration shall be made in the tariff revision filed herein, 
during the period of suspension, unless authorized by the Commission.

4. An investigation is hereby instituted by the Commission.


5. Respondent may be required to pay the expenses reasonably attributable and 
allocable to such investigation to the extent the requirement for such payment 
may be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 80.20 RCW.           

  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 29th day of November, 2000.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




      MARILYN SHOWALTER, Chairwoman



      RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner



      WILLIAM R. GILLIS, Commissioner