Idaho Power submits two proposals to PUC top meet clean energy goals
Idaho Power has submitted two proposals to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) that seek to move the utility close to its goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
One, the company requested a decrease of $3.9 million related to its exit from the Boardman coal-fired power plant. Idaho Power is set to exit the Boardman coal-fired plant in the fall of 2020. The company is requesting that the IPUC find Boardman investments made through June 30, 2020, as prudently incurred and to decrease customer rates $3.9 million to reflect full deprecation of all Boardman investments, effective Jan. 1, 2021. If approved by the IPUC, this request would result in a decrease of $0.31 per month for the average residential customer.
Two, Idaho Power asked for an increase of $3.7 million to raise the Energy Efficiency Rider from 2.75 percent to 3.10 percent of base rate revenues.
Idaho Power says the current funding levels are not sufficient to offset Idaho Power’s Energy Efficiency expenses. The company’s request to increase customer rates $3.7 million by setting the Energy Efficiency Rider at 3.10 percent of base rate revenues will better align funding with current expenses, officials said. If approved by the IPUC, this request would result in an overall increase to customer rates of 0.31 percent — or $0.29 per month for the average Idaho residential customer.
“Continuing our path away from coal and emphasizing energy efficiency are two top-of-mind initiatives for Idaho Power,” Adam Richins, senior vice president and chief operating officer, said. “This opportunity to provide additional funding for energy efficiency programs is a win-win for our company and our customers.”
If both of these proposals are approved by the IPUC, the average Idaho residential customer using 950 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per month will see a decrease of $0.02 per month. The changes would be effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Idaho Power serves customers in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
