20070521_1932.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
FROM:DON HOWELL
DATE:MAY 18, 2007
SUBJECT:IDAHO POWER'S REPORT ON THE SCHEDULING OF ITS FUTURE
INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (IRP) FILINGS, CASE NO. IPC-06-
In Order No. 30281 issued on March 26 2007, the Commission found that receiving
each electric utility s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) within a narrower time frame would
improve the overall planning process and assist in regional planning efforts. Consequently, the
Commission directed Idaho Power to file a brief report containing suggestions on how its IRP
may be coordinated with the IRP filings of A vista and Rocky Mountain Power. On May 10
2007, Idaho Power filed its letter report.
THE LETTER REPORT
Idaho Power reports that it has contacted Rocky Mountain Power and A vista
Corporation regarding their plans to file future IRPs. Idaho Power states that Rocky Mountain
Power is scheduled to file its 2009 IRP no later than the last business day of March 2009. See
Order No. 30262 at 2. Idaho Power also reports that A vista intends to file its 2009 IRP on or
near September 1 , 2009.
Given the filing dates of the other utilities, Idaho Power requests that the
Commission authorize it to file its next "full" IRP on or before the last business day of June
2009. That would put Idaho Power s IRP filing between the filings of Rocky Mountain and
A vista. Idaho Power also proposes to file an "IRP update" in June 2008 to highlight the progress
on its short-term action plan; changes in its load forecast, existing loads, customer base and
purchased power contracts; and any significant deviations from its 2006 IRP.
DECISION MEMORANDUM
ST AFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff agrees with Idaho Power s proposed IRP report date. Staff believes that the six-
month window for filing the three IRPs is in compliance with the Commission s directive in
Order No. 30281. The separation among IRP filings will also allow Staff time to initiate its
review of the IRPs. The Staff also endorses Idaho Power s offer to provide an "IRP update" in
June 2008. Staff recommends that the Commission issue an Order approving the Company
new IRP filing date.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission find that Idaho Power s proposed IRP filing of June 2009 and
biennially thereafter acceptable?
Does the Commission also want to direct the Company to file an IRP "update" in
June 2008 as a transitional/interim report?
Don Howell
M:IPC-O6-24 dh
DECISION MEMORANDUM