20250408Comments_9.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey
Submission Time:Apr 72025 4:56PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:2758 W Pine Dr
New Meadows, ID 83654
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-
Comment: "We installed a free standing dual axis solar power system in 2023, both for
environmental and economic reasons.We sought to generate enough electricity to cover our own
house, and to remain "in the system" by sending back power to Idaho Power, in return for credits.
We now understand that Idaho Power has radically lessened the amount that it credits customers
for their solar generation.Why? In a world where protecting our environment is important for us,
and for future generations, and where the cost of using power is escalating, doesn't it make sense
to do everything we can to help both ourselves, but also our environment(and our communities)?
By spending many thousands of dollars to install a solar system,we were providing a public good by
creating another source of power,thus lowering our own demand for power and thereby making
more available to other Idaho Power customers. Surelythe PUC, as a public body, ought to
encourage Idaho residents to be environmentally conscious and to create more power for the
whole community.Why,then, is Idaho Power being allowed to reduce the compensation for solar
generation,through the credit system?The direction of travel(in terms of incentives)should go the
OTHER way--that is,we should be encouraging all who can to invest in renewable sources of
energy, not penalizing them.As an Idaho Power customer, and a resident of Idaho (having been
born and raised in Idaho), I strongly believe in preserving the beautiful resources we have in this
state--and in doing our best to transfer our energy consumption to renewable sources. Please,
reverse this direction of travel in punishing those of us who are trying to do the right thing for our
communities and for our state:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Mark Parsons
Submission Time:Apr 7 2025 4:41 PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:2687 W Neff St
Boise, ID 83702
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
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Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Idaho Power's recent proposal to significantly
reduce compensation rates for customers who generate excess solar energy.This plan would lower
the export credit rate during summer on-peak hours from 17 cents to 14 cents per kilowatt-hour,
and drastically cut off-peak rates outside the summer season from 4.8 cents to a mere 0.9 cents
per kilowatt-hour.The average annual rate would plummet to 2.4 cents. Such reductions would
have devastating effects on current and prospective solar customers, as well as on Idaho's
burgeoning clean energy sector.
Consider the case of Jeremy Brunson, a high school teacher from Meridian,who installed solar
panels on his home with the expectation of offsetting his energy costs. Under the existing
compensation structure, he was able to generate enough power during the winter months to cover
his electricity bills entirely. However,with the proposed changes, despite producing more energy
than he consumes, he will still incur charges.This undermines the financial viability of personal
investments in renewable energy and discourages others from following suit.
Furthermore, an independent analysis by Crossborder Energy has highlighted significant flaws in
Idaho Power's valuation of customer-generated solar power.The report indicates that the utility's
study undervalues the benefits of distributed solar energy, suggesting that the proposed
compensation rates are unjustly low.This misrepresentation not only harms individual solar
customers but also stifles the growth of Idaho's solar industry,which has been a source of
economic development and job creation in our state.
The Public Utilities Commission has a responsibility to ensure that utility policies promote fair
compensation for renewable energy producers and support the state's transition to a sustainable
energy future.Approving Idaho Power's proposal would send another discouraging message to
residents and businesses considering investments in solar energy, ultimately hindering progress
toward cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
urge the Commission to reject Idaho Power's proposed rate reductions and to advocate for a fair
and equitable compensation structure that recognizes the true value of customer-generated solar
power. Supporting distributed renewable energy not only benefits individual consumers but also
contributes to the broader public interest by promoting environmental sustainability and economic
growth.
Sincerely,
Mark Parsons "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
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Name: Melissa Young
Submission Time:Apr 82025 6:47AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:242 Northview drive
Eagle, ID 83616
Name of Utility Company: Idaho power
Case ID:
Comment: "As a customer on a limited budget who has solar power to defraythe costs of an
electric powered home I would have to decide between groceries and power bill certain months of
the year without the full savings my solar panels offer my household. Please do not move forward w
decreasing the savings solar power offers my home and family.Thank you "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Monica Dickson
Submission Time:Apr 7 2025 8:41 PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 5040 So Way
Boise, ID 83709
Name of Utility Company: Idaho powe
Case ID: ID POWER SO
Comment: "ID
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to Idaho Power's continued efforts to slash
reimbursement rates for customers who generate their own solar energy. Let's be clear:these
moves are not about fairness or grid reliability—they are about maximizing Idaho Power's profits at
the expense of Idaho families and our clean energy future.
Idaho Power is a monopoly utility.That comes with responsibility—not just to your shareholders,
but to the ratepayers who fund your operations and depend on you to serve the public interest.
Attempting to gut the value of customer-generated solar energy is a blatant attempt to protect your
bottom line by undermining competition from clean, local energy production.
Solar producers provide real value to the grid:they reduce peak demand, delay costly infrastructure
upgrades, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system. Cutting compensation
rates punishes customers who made good-faith investments in solar with the promise of fair
reimbursement—and discourages others from following suit.
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Idaho Power should be helping us transition to a cleaner, more affordable energy future—not
standing in the way of it to protect outdated business models. I urge you to immediately stop these
efforts and start treating solar customers as the partners in progress that they are.
We're paying attention, and we will continue to speak out.
Monica Dickson"
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Shon Robinson
Submission Time:Apr 82025 9:51AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3656,Sage View Lane
Kimberly, ID 83341
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Residential solar producers should not be penalized any more by continuing to cut the
rate of compensation for energy provided by my home system. "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Susan Peterson
Submission Time:Apr 8 2025 11:32AM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:24836 Thunder Cloud Street
Middleton , ID 83644
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I am writing to comment on Idaho Powers' request to reduce the credits to residential
generating customers excess power. I find their request to reduce credits across the board to be a
travesty. Idaho Power has requested and was approved for a rate increase of 3.78%, note they
requested significantly more,for 2025. Idaho Power is getting a rate increase and yet it reimburses
local residential generating customers at a fraction of what they charge my neighbors for the power
that we generate. Our neighbors in our subdivision are the ones who receive the excess power we
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generate. Idaho Powers' request to the Commission is to REDUCE our credits by 98%
(0.9540/4.83650 cents)for non-summer excess hours; summer off peak credits by 69%
(1.7682/5.6533 cents); and summer on peak credits by 17%(14.0598/16.9966 cents). They are
stealing our excess power as it costs them nothing to resell it our neighbors. The Commission
needs to put a stop to this as Idaho Power is charging 24.7398 cents (2024 rates)for the power
during peak summer hours and 8.5511 cents during non-summer off peak hours. Why would you
allow Idaho Power to credit less than 57%what they charge for peak power and less than 89%for
off peak hours? We only want what is fair and these credits are not fair. Recommend that the Utility
Commission deny these new credit rates and look to increase them to a fair market rate. Idaho
Power should not reap benefits when the citizens of Idaho make an invest in generating clean solar
energy that can produce an excess that their neighbors use requiring no capital expense by Idaho
Power. Recommend an independent 3rd party review and provide the Commission with a
recommendation for residential generation excess power credits.
Thank you for your time.
Wr Sue "
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From: Robin Cushman ([e-mail])Sent You a Personal Message
Sent:Tuesday,April 8, 2025 1:40 PM
To: secretary
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I have family in Idaho and visit regularly. I drive a hybrid car and believe in accessing non-polluting
power.
I?m very concerned about Idaho Power?s proposal to slash rooftop solar compensation rates by up
to 80%. Paying rooftop solar owners less than 1 ?/kWh for the power they put onto the grid for eight
months out of the year,while then charging regular customers at least 8?/kWh for that same
electricity, is extremely unfair.
Last year's solar rate changes, coupled with the increased fixed service charges,were already
devastating for Idaho Power customers. Please do a thorough review to check the utility's math and
assumptions, listen to outside experts and customers, and don't let this monopoly utility unfairly
squeeze money out of its customers and undercut their right to generate their own power.
Also, please improve the public process by adding a virtual testimony option (as is provided at
Public Service Commissions in all neighboring states)to help ensure you can hear the important
perspectives from everyone who will be impacted by Idaho Power?s changes.Written comments
and public hearings with limited times and locations are not enough.
Thank you.
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Sincerely,
Robin Cushman
2580 McMillan St
Eugene, OR 97405
[e-mail]
[phone]
This message was sent by KnowWho, as a service provider, on behalf of an individual associated
with Sierra Club. If you need more information, please contact Member Care at Sierra Club at
[e-mail] or(415)977-5673.
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From: Kristin Harvey([e-mail])Sent You a Personal Message
Sent:Tuesday,April 8, 2025 1:37 PM
To: secretary
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
?m very concerned about Idaho Power?s proposal to slash rooftop solar compensation rates by up
to 80%. Paying rooftop solar owners less than 1 ?/kWh for the power they put onto the grid for eight
months out of the year,while then charging regular customers at least 8?/kWh for that same
electricity, is extremely unfair.
Last year's solar rate changes, coupled with the increased fixed service charges,were already
devastating for Idaho Power customers. Please do a thorough review to check the utility's math and
assumptions, listen to outside experts and customers, and don't let this monopoly utility unfairly
squeeze money out of its customers and undercut their right to generate their own power.
Also, please improve the public process by adding a virtual testimony option (as is provided at
Public Service Commissions in all neighboring states)to help ensure you can hear the important
perspectives from everyone who will be impacted by Idaho Power?s changes.Written comments
and public hearings with limited times and locations are not enough.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristin Harvey
13200 S.E Arista Dr.
Milw, OR 97222
[e-mail]
[phone]
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This message was sent by KnowWho, as a service provider, on behalf of an individual associated
with Sierra Club. If you need more information, please contact Member Care at Sierra Club at
[e-mail] or(415)977-5673.
-----------------------------------------
The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Patrick Waite
Submission Time:Apr 8 2025 4:30PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 10458 E Lake Ln
Nampa, ID 83686
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "After I bought a $40k+solar system in 2021 for my house Idaho Power reduced the
credit that I get out of the grid(not 100%for 100%). Now they are proposing to reduce it again? I feel
like the state should recognize that Idaho Power is a business and will keep getting the utilities
commission to do what they say. Please help"
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