20250502Comments_14.pdf

From: Robert Lonning([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:54 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
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.
Thankyou.
Sincerely,
Robert Lonning
201 N. 3rd Ave.
Hadley, ID 83333
[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 member.carePsierraclub.org or [phone].
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Eric Martin
Submission Time: May 1 2025 11:16PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1948 E FOTHERGILL ST
Boise, ID 83716
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I strongly oppose Idaho Power's proposed reduction in Export Credit Rates
(ECRs)for solar energy. Slashing compensation by up to 80% is not only unfair to current
solar customers who made substantial investments based on prior rates, but it also
penalizes individuals who took proactive steps toward clean, responsible energy use. This
proposal will severely discourage future solar adoption at a time when we should be
accelerating our transition away from fossil fuels—not creating roadblocks. Idaho Power's
plan prioritizes profit over progress and undermines efforts to build a sustainable future for
our children. The Public Utilities Commission should reject this unjust and short-sighted
proposal:'
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From: Richard Sevier([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, May 1, 2025 8:24 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Climate change is akin to environmental destruction. Rooftop solar is one thing an
individual can do to fight it. Idaho Power wants to make this an economically unattractive
as possible, even worse than what the VODER study suggested. Please reject Idaho Powers
attempt to take advantage of residential solar providers to disincentivize further solar
installation. There approach is destructive, greedy and short sighted. Thank you, Richard
Sevier
2

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.
Thankyou.
Sincerely,
Richard Sevier
3221 N 24th St
Boise, ID 83702
rgsevier(«bgmail.com
[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 [phone].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Elliot Werk
Submission Time: May 2 2025 9:50AM
Email: elliotwerk(algmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 6810 West Randolph Drive
Boise, ID 83709
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Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Idaho Power naturally wants to control all of the generation in their service
area. They have some valid concerns about the costs of supporting distributed generation
from users that use them as a battery when they are not distributing and using their
distribution system when they generate excess power. However, the PUC must balance the
undeniable benefits of distributed generation with the profit and control desires of Idaho
Power.
Idaho Power's proposal would retard the growth of distributed generation at a time when
the State of Idaho, it's citizens and the environment need it most.
Distributed generation is the most efficient way of providing electric energy to homes and
businesses. It eliminates the distribution losses and results in less strain on distribution
systems. It also avoids the costs of future power plants and slows the rate of growth of
demand. And it aligns with Idaho Power's own stated claims to align its generation portfolio
to the needs of climate change. It is important and should not be stifled.
It is incumbent upon the PUC to recognize the importance of distributed generation when
balancing the needs of the utility, its customers and the overall interests of the State of
Idaho, I want to repeat that the PUC should serve the long term interests of the State of
Idaho. Not those of Idaho Power- beyond ensuring its survival and modest profitability.
It is reasonable for Idaho Power to wish to compensated when it's customers use its
distribution system and it's power as a de facto battery. But it is not reasonable for Idaho
Power to propose a compensation system that is in opposition to the long term interests of
the State of Idaho. A compensation system that will stifle the growth of distributed
generation.
I won't address the use of Idaho Power as a battery since they are compensated for the
power that they provide to it's distributed generation customer. It is a non issue.
If Idaho Power wishes to be compensated for the use of its distribution system then it
should add a fixed cost onto it's distributed generation customers to compensate it for its
reasonable costs. It is incumbent on us to remember here that it's distributed generation
customers are providing a benefit to the utility during peak usage hours by decreasing their
demand on the system allowing the utility to avoid the cost of more power generation or the
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purchase of power from other generators. I recognize that distributed generation can be a
burden for the utility when its generation resources are very high and power demand is low.
How to provide compensation for this is something that is beyond my understanding. But
this compensation should only be allowed during the select times that it is an issue.
I urge the UC to remember that it acts in the interests of the citizens of the State of Idaho. It
is where these interests align with the utilities interests that we get the best decisions.
Idaho Power's proposed compensation system for distributed generation is not in the best
interest of the citizens of the State of Idaho (whether they are power producers or not). A
system that disincentivizes generation that is more efficient that that of the utility does not
balance the needs of the State and the utility.
The PUC must find a middle ground that will maintain the incentive for efficient power
generation that protects our environment and benefits the citizens of our great State. It is
my hope that you will find the energy you need to reject Idaho Power's proposal and fashion
a compromise that treats all parties fairly to the long-term benefit of all.
Thank you for considering my comments. And to whomever is reading this, thank you for
your service:'
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The following complaint was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Loren Lancaster
Submission Time:Apr 30 2025 2:16PM
Email: lorenlancasterPgmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3722 N 2544 E
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Contacted Utility: Yes
Comment: "I paid 75K for a solar system in 2019 when the state of Idaho was giving tax
incentives for this and Idaho Power was paying a good rate for excess power. Now they
want to cut solar excess rate to 10 perrcent of what they were paying at first. Somehow I
was not grandfathered in to the original rate but I still owe on the solar system. Definitely
DO NOT want another rate decrease for my excess power from Idaho Power. I feel like I got
ripped off. "
5

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Name: Scott Harris
Submission Time: May 2 2025 10:36AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 86 Ilka Lane
McCall, ID 83638
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: ICE-E-25-15
Comment: "Please deny this application.
It completely disincentivizes residential alternative energy investment and installation at a
time when we should actually be encouraging such private investments which are installed
and maintained at no cost to Idaho Power or its investors.
Idaho Power is instead intending to ramp up use of natural gas power production over the
next 10 years rather than encouraging low carbon production methods such as private
solar, wind and hydro. Such methods and private investments should be given priority and
incentives rather than being penalized.
Currently these three alternative sources account for only 3% of all Idaho Power
customers, a small number but one that actually contributes to the grid rather than pulling
off of it. The power that is generated travels only as far as the nearest need, the neighbors
of the generating customer.
We need a truly impartial analysis of actual costs rather than one hired to prove the case
Idaho Power is promoting.
Natural gas production and distribution results in methane leakage from beginning to end,
a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Encouraging customers to put up the capital to
install private alternative generating systems is a far cheaper and cleaner option for Idaho
Power owners.
We installed a 15.5 kW rooftop PV, grid-tied system in 2016 at a cost of$60,000. A large
part of our motivation and incentive was to help do our part to help our endangered
environment. We had a hydronic heating system, powered by a boiler, and our power bills
had been over$700 during the coldest months in McCall, in spite of our energy efficient
home construction. Our pay back, based on power rates at the time, was 15 years. Of
course, with rates having increased over 30% since then, the payback time would be much
Longer had we not been grandfathered. We will be over 80 years old by then. We were
fortunate to be able to finance this investment then but could not do so now on our fixed
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incomes at the current reimbursement rates and, especially, those being proposed under
this application.
We need to be encouraging customer financed alternative energy projects rather than
squelching them.
Thank you for protecting us:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Jeffrey Hoseley
Submission Time: May 2 2025 10:31AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1076 N Casa Loma Dr
Meridian, ID 83642
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "ID I wanted to express my disagreement with Idaho Power's proposed changes
to the reimbursement of home owners with solar panels. Home owners with solar panels
have incurred significant expense to have these installed and made financial decisions
based on the existing reimbursement rate structure. Idaho Power wants to reduce the
reimbursement amount to increase their profit margin. Homeowners like myself do not
have the financial means and in times of a volatile economy, every dollar matters to us.
Please say no to these changes and help protect Idaho citizens who have done their part to
try and contribute to idahos power grid and need help protecting their facial futures:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Caile Spear
Submission Time: May 2 2025 11:10AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 920 N. Balsam St.
Boise, ID 83706
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15

Comment: "I am against the proposal to reduce the Export Credit Rate. We invested
$20,000 in solar panels and a battery in 2024.Yes, going solar is the right thing to do to help
reduce our carbon footprint, but we also expected it would help reduce our electric bill.
This proposed cut to the ECR means the reduction is almost nil.This cut will keep other
people from investing in solar. The Treasure Valley is growing and so is the demand for
electricity and it doesn't make sense how IP can ask for a cut while more homes and
businesses are coming online.
Please vote against this proposal.
Thankyou,
Caile Spear"
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Don Harlan
Submission Time: May 2 2025 1:04PM
Email: donharlanPmsn.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1450 N 6th E St
Mountain Home, ID 83647
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Case IPC-E-25-15. The recent change to remove the 1:1 energy credits was
bad enough; now, to reduce the rate even further is just greed. Rooftop solar is already hard
to justifywithout a battery backup system, but with this rate decrease, you can bet the
number of households with rooftop solar will stagnate. If the residential solar industry
stagnates, investment in solar technology will also decrease, and we will rely on Idaho
Power as our only energy source.
The power I generate does not go back through the transmission lines and across the state;
it goes directly to my next-door neighbor's house via the shortest path. So, the concept that
there is a net energy loss comparable to the energy loss in the high-voltage transmission
Lines is flawed. Providing this power closest to the point of consumption is significantly
more efficient. I know the decision-makers know this concept, but for some reason, Idaho
power can state otherwise without reprocussion. Do the right thing."
-Don
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Name: Lawrence LeBlanc
Submission Time: May 2 2025 1:22PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 10382 W Bell Fountain Ct
Star, ID 83669
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran. I use an oxygen concentrator 10-12 hrs per
day. In 2022 1 purchased solar panels , because I would be able to pay less for the
electricity I need. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed in having to pay more for
electricity than what I was. Perhaps you could make exemptions for those that are in
greater need!"
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Name: Anne Stringfellow-Brookman
Submission Time: May 2 2025 1:43PM
Email: annesb2001 @gmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 20 Purdue Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "PUC Members, Please encourage Idaho Power to incentivize rooftop solar and
not discourage it as they do when they continually lower the ECR we receive and raise the
fixed monthly charge we pay. Insist that Idaho Power acknowledge (in their assessments)
the environmental benefits, the mitigation of fuel hedging risks, and the benefits to public
health, the local economy and jobs for Idaho communities with a lot of rooftop solar power.
Rooftop solar energy production can and should be a win-win for Idaho Power and Idaho
households with rooftop solar, but we need you at the PUC to advocate for fairness. Anne"
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April 27, 2025 R EEC E I V E D
'1325 MAY -2 PM 12: 4$
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission +O)JMISSJON
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-3762
To Whom It May Concern,
Subject: Formal Protest Against the Decrease in Solar Power Export Rate
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the recent decision to
decrease the export rate for solar power produced by customers like myself. As a solar
system owner, I made a significant investment in clean energy based on the understanding
that fair compensation would be provided for the excess electricity contributed to the grid.
Reducing the export rate is a direct attack on the solar community and an insult to those
who have made substantial financial and personal commitments to clean energy. It shifts
the benefits of solar adoption away from the individuals who made it possible and back
toward corporate interests, signaling a clear disregard for environmental responsibility,
consumer rights, and long-term energy sustainability.
Lowering the export rate not only undermines our investment, but it also discourages
further adoption of renewable energy, at a time when supporting sustainable practices
should be a top priority. Many families and businesses chose to install solar systems in
good faith, motivated both by environmental responsibility and the promise of a fair
economic return. Sudden changes to the terms of this agreement are not only unjust but
also damaging to public trust.
The rate decrease we suffered last year was already significant and this rate decrease will
disproportionately affect individual solar owners who are helping to reduce strain on the
grid, lower carbon emissions, and promote energy independence. Penalizing those who are
part of the solution to our energy and climate challenges is short-sighted and
counterproductive.
urge you to reconsider this decision and work toward policies that continue to support,
not hinder, solar adoption.A stable,fair export rate ensures that clean energy growth
remains strong, community investment in the grid continues, and the broader
environmental benefits are realized for all.
10

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I respectfully request that this protest be
formally recorded and considered in any further decisions regarding solar export
compensation.
Sincerely,
N� k�'Q
Shelia Clements Brown
180 Mesilla Dr
Jerome, ID 83338
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Cas1?EgmfnerttForm-IPUC 4/29/25,15:39
ENHANCED BY Google -
Case Comment or Question Form
Use this form to file a comment or ask a question about a utility case pending before the Commission. If you know the case
number, please include it.
Submit electronically below or send in to:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P O Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
FAX: [phone]
Use the Consumer Com Ip aint LLnqIry Form if you need help resolving a problem with a utility or have a question about your bill,
disconnection of service,service reliability and outages, cost of a line extension,customer service,or other issues that are not
related to a utility case.
Case Comment Form
Use this form to file a comment or ask a question about a case
Case Number. IPC-E-25-15
First Name: Lawrence R
Last Name: Shaw
Address: 9525 W. Birmingham Dr
city Boise
State ID
Zip 83704
Daytime Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Utility Company: Idaho Power
I am interested in attending an online workshop or potentially an in-person workshop. • Yes,I am interested. No thanks.
I am interested in attending a customer hearing to give testimony Yes,I am interested. No thanks.
(verbal comments)for the record on this case.
I acknowledge that submitting a comment in an open case constitutes a public record
under Idaho Code§74-101(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available
for public and media inspection.My comment may be reviewed by the utility.
Ask a question or state your comment:
The new rates approved for Idaho Power is essentially allowing them to steal the power I
https://puc.idaho.gov/Form/CaseComment?emci=8c7c9ace-3825-f011...ed8cca&emdi=937c9ace-3825-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&ceid=3490716 Page 1 of 2
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Cast Comfne(rtForm-IPUC 4129/25,15:39
have produced on my rooftop system. Being green is very important to me. I spent$30,000
on my roof top solar. But the commission is now allowing Idaho Power to steal our energy! I
would like to bring in a print out and show you what I mean. What has been in effect the last
2-3 years has been generally fair but not now!
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