20250404Comments_4.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert Rutkowski
Submission Time:Apr 32025 5:54PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:2527 SE Faxon Court
Topeka, KS 66605
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Idaho Power has filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
to significantly decrease the compensation rates for the excess energy produced by rooftop solar
owners, known as the Export Credit Rates (ECRs) in another attempt to hurt rooftop solar financial
viability in Idaho as electricity rates continue to rise.
Idaho Power proposes a 60 percent drop from 6.18 cents per kilowatt-hour(which took effect in
January 2024)to 2.46 cents on average annually.This is a 72 percent drop overall from the previous
average compensation rate of 8.8 cents per kilowatt-hour in place for over a decade.The PUC is
expected to make a decision in May before the new rates take effect on June 1.
Rates vary based on seasons and the market value of solar energy on the grid. From Oct 1- May 31,
when there's not as much electric demand, Idaho Power pays solar owners less. Under this new
proposal, rates would plummet 80 percent to less than 1 cent per kilowatt-hour for those 8 months
out of the year.At the same time,the company will charge other customers at least 8 cents per
kilowatt-hour for the same electricity to pad its profits (see this chart).
Idaho Power is using an internally produced "Value of Distributed Energy Resources Study"from
2022 as the basis of its annual ECR calculations. Sierra Club and other environmental groups hired
an independent analyst that concluded Idaho Power is severely undervaluing rooftop solar's value
by using selective data and calculation methods.
The proposed reduction in rates coincides with unpopular fixed-rate increases on customers.As of
January 2025, Idaho Power customers are paying a$15 flat monthly fee, up from $5 several years
ago. Fixed rates disproportionately impact lower-income people and discourage energy
conservation and rooftop solar.
Quotes
If approved,the new rooftop solar ECRs will take effect on June 1, right before the peak summer
season for solar energy production.This is all part of the utility's new"Net Billing"program,which
was approved by the PUC in December 2023 in the face of ongoing public backlash.The new
program involves updating the ECRs every year, making it impossible for Idahoans to calculate a
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payback period on a rooftop solar investment,which discourages solar adoption.
"We invested heavily in solar for our property, looking forward to low power bills under net metering.
Right after the installation,the PUC decided that Idaho Power could switch to net billing. Now we
have a solar installation bill on top of a power bill, said Fred Johnson, a Marsing resident. "They
have completely removed the incentive for solar power."
"People in Idaho go solar because it lowers their power bills,gives them energy freedom and
security, and helps the environment,"said Alex McKinley, owner of the local small business
Empowered Solar."Idaho Power is trying to take that opportunity away from people by skewing
these rooftop solar rates in its favor. It's not right."
"How can our state regulators just let this happen?The PUC is supposed to double-check the
utility's math to make sure Idaho ratepayers aren't being taken advantage of,"said Lisa Young,
Director of the Idaho Sierra Club."Distributed solar is worth more than the retail electricity rate, not
less.The PUC needs to stop turning its cheek on corrupted math and letting this monopoly utility
pad its pockets even more."
"With changes at the federal level, it's more important than ever for local communities and
individuals to be empowered to help transition our electric grid to cleaner energy sources,"said
Mike Engle, Chair of the Portneuf Resource Council based in Pocatello."We need the PUC to help
enable every Idahoan's right to generate their own clean power, not hinder it.This latest proposal
from Idaho Power makes an already very bad deal for homeowners and businesses even much,
much worse. The PUC needs to deny this request that dramatically decreases the solar export
credit rate."'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name:Tyler Grange
Submission Time:Apr 4 2025 11:56AM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 866 N World Cup Lane
Eagle, ID 83616
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "To the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
As a local Idaho resident and owner of a solar business, I am writing to vehemently oppose Idaho
Power's latest proposal to dramatically reduce the Export Credit Rate(ECR)for non-legacy solar
customers(Case No. IPC-E-25-15).
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This filing is nothing short of a betrayal to thousands of Idaho homeowners who invested their
savings into clean energy solutions with the expectation of fair treatment.The proposed credit of
less than 2¢/kWh during summer off-peak hours and under 10/kWh during non-summer months is
offensive—especially when those same customers are being charged up to 24.70/kWh to
consume energy during peak periods.
We hear from frustrated and angry customers every single day—people who already went solar
and now feel like Idaho Power has completely pulled the rug out from under them.These families
are now facing significant financial hardship, and their trust in both the utility and the regulatory
system is eroding fast.
What makes this proposal even more appalling is that it comes at the same time Idaho Power is
preparing to request another general rate increase under Case No. IPC-E-25-16. Idaho Power is
claiming they need to pay solar customers less,while simultaneously asking to charge everyone
more.
We're supposed to believe they can't afford to buy clean energy from homeowners at a reasonable
rate—but somehow IdaCorp's stock has surged nearly 35%since Idaho Power dismantled its 1-
for-1 net metering policy in 2023.That change was already a gut punch to solar users.This
proposed cut feels like they're going in for the knockout.
It is deeply unfair—and frankly unbelievable—that a utility boasting rising profits and investor
returns is asking the Commission to approve a scheme that guts the value of clean, locally
produced energy from everyday Idahoans. It's a slap in the face to every homeowner who took
personal responsibility for their energy use and helped reduce strain on the grid.
Idaho Power is not against solar.They're investing in it heavily—as long as they own it.What they
are against is you owning it.They want control.They want monopoly.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission must stand for fairness.We strongly urge you to reject Case
No. IPC-E-25-15 and send a clear message: Idaho supports energy independence, homeowner
choice, and a future that works for the people, not just for shareholder profits.
Sincerely,
Tyler Grange
Local Idaho Resident& Owner, Idahome Energy"
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Lon Mansuetti
Submission Time:Apr 4 2025 12:50PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
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Address:343 wTehuti St
Kuna , ID 83634
Name of Utility Company: Idaho power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-
Comment: "I've spent 40,000 investment on installing solar at my residence. Best case scenario it
will take over 15 years to break even. I'm adamantly opposed to Idaho Power attempting to
undermine and unfairly take power that I've generated using green energy and attempting to profit
off my investment and reimburse me less for my large investment. Please do not allow Idaho Power
to unfairly rip off us solar system contributors to the power grid.They've already have done this
several times already. Enough is enough. Thankyou"
The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert Black
Submission Time:Apr 4 2025 2:27PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3228 S Brookridge Way
Boise, ID 83716
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPE-E-25-15
Comment: "This is a joke.The Public Utilities Commission has a chance to stop this.You are
allowing Idaho Power to kill net-metering. Every State in the US has better compensation rates than
what Idaho Power is now proposing. Why don't you do what is right for the Public and stop this
monopoly from destroying the right for individuals and business to produce their own power and be
compensated fairly.You made a mistake in 2024 by allowing this it is now your chance to make it
right. Demand a 3rd party study and I can guarantee that study will be vastly different than theirs:'
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