ORDER NO. 97-417

ENTERED OCT 29 1997

This is an electronic copy. Appendices not included.

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

UP 139

In the Matter of the Application of WILLAMETTE WATER COMPANY D.G., INC., for an Order Authorizing the Sale of Utility Assets to Springfield Utility Board. )

) ORDER

)

DISPOSITION: APPLICATION GRANTED

The Commission received an application from Willamette Water Company D.G., Inc., (WWC) filed pursuant to ORS 757.480 and OAR 860-027-0025, requesting approval to sell certain of its utility property.

Based on a review of the application and the Commission’s records, the Commission finds that the application satisfies applicable statutes and administrative rules. At its public meeting on October 21, 1997, the Commission adopted the Staff’s recommendation to approve the sale as proposed. Staff’s recommendation is attached as Appendix A and is incorporated by reference.

OPINION

Jurisdiction

ORS 757.005 defines a public utility as an anyone providing heat, light, water, or power service to the public in Oregon. The Company is a public utility subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Applicable Law

ORS 757.480 provides that a public utility doing business in Oregon shall first obtain Commission approval for any transaction to sell, lease, assign or otherwise dispose of property of such public utility necessary or useful in the performance of its duties to the public or any part thereof of a value in excess of $10,000.

OAR 860-027-0025 specifies the information a public utility must submit when it makes application to sell or lease its property. This application contains the necessary information.

Commission approval of the accounting treatment for this transaction does not constitute approval for ratemaking purposes. There is no indication that the proposed sale will impair the Company’s ability to provide public utility service in Oregon.

CONCLUSIONS

The Company is a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of Oregon.

The Company’s proposed transaction meets the requirements of ORS 757.480.

The application should be granted.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that the application of Willamette Water Company D.G., Inc., for authority to sell certain utility property is granted, subject to conditions, if any, stated in Appendix A.

Made, entered, and effective .

  BY THE COMMISSION:

______________________________

Vikie Bailey-Goggins

Commission Secretary

A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A party may appeal this order pursuant to ORS 756.580.