Mission Valley Power Consumer Council seeks input

The Mission Valley Power Consumer Council, an advisory board to Mission Valley Power, will hold a public hearing from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the MVP Pablo Conference Room to seek input on recent recommendations made by the Utility Board.

According to a press release, most recommendations are based on recovering the actual cost of doing business to ensure the reliable operation of utility services.

Among the changes recommended by the MVP Utility Board:

• Elimination of the customer line extension credit of $500, commonly called “aid to construction.” According to a press release from the utility, MVP has seen an increase in new customers and instead of applying an automatic line extension credit of $500 to eligible customers, the utility recommends that new customers or new construction projects pay 100% of the cost of the requested service. The press release notes that Missoula Electric and other utilities are taking a similar approach.

• Issuance of work-order cost estimates for a period of two weeks, due to the sharp increase in materials. Utility wire URD triplex, for example, has increased an estimated 178% over the past five years. Issuing estimates that are valid for just two weeks would help the utility stay more up-to-date with current costs.

• Base all service fee charges on actual costs. According to the press release, the transition to actual costs on service fees is partially based on the fact that utility wages have increased 22% over the past five years and fuel has increased 84% over the past five years.

Customers can make a statement at the meeting Aug. 24 or provide written input by Sept. 1, by mailing a statement to Mission Valley Power, Operations Manual Changes, P.O. Box 97, Pablo, MT, 59855-097.

For a copy of the proposed revisions, email ahout@missionvalleypower.com.