20250513Comments_30.pdf

From: David palfreyman <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 4:48 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Case Number IPC-E-25-15
Monday, May 12, 2025
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Post Office Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Dear Commissioners:
My name is David Palfreyman, owner of farms in Ada and Canyon Counties. The farms grow
potatoes, onions, beets, corn, alfalfa, and wheat.
I am writing to voice my concern for Idaho Power's proposal to significantly reduce the
export credit rates (ECRs)for my generating facilities. Hence, the proposed ECR rate will
reduce the value of the energy
my solar panels produce and transport to the grid by more than half. Such a reduction will
reduce my incentive to produce solar energy.
I encourage the Commissioners to reject Idaho Power's proposal to reduce ECRs for the
following reasons:
1)Significant disparity between the ECR and irrigation rate schedule.
The energy that the generating facilities produce during peak-demand hours is
undervalued.When our pumps are running, Idaho Power current credits us 5.7 cents per
kWh during peak-demand hours,
yet Idaho Power has valued that energy at nearly 17 cents per kWh. Hence, the current rate
structure does not credit any portion of our demand charges, yet it provides Idaho Power a
significant cost benefit.
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2)The disincentive of irrigator demand charges versus a time-variable rate.
For many years Idaho Power has provided incentives for farmers to build systems that run
24/7. Hence, there is no incentive to shut off during peak-demand hours. Please provide
irrigators an
option to pay a time variable rate rather than demand charges.
3) Idaho Power is paying the same rate for solar generation to all classes including
rooftop solar.
The solar generation on a farm is significantly more than solar generation of all other
classes including rooftop solar.The highly engineered solar trackers used on the farms
produce a higher amount of energy
throughout the entire day than the stationary, rooftop solar. Hence, Idaho Power should
establish a separate class for solar generated on farms using trackers, and a separate class
for solar generated on a rooftop.
4) Idaho Power is significantly increasing it solar power.
According to Idaho Power, over the next twenty plus years it is going to dramatically
increase its solar-generated power. Economically, Idaho Power is going to pay for this
significant expansion by annually increasing its rates.
In addition, this year Idaho Power is also proposing to decrease the ECRs of its farmers.
I appreciate your time in reviewing my comments,
David L.Palfreyman
Palfreyman Family Farms
5001 N. Fifeshire Place
Boise, Idaho 83713
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From: Mike Larkin <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 5:52 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15
Idaho Power should welcome home solar, instead they do everything in their power to
discourage renewable energy. Instead they build natural gas plants that pollute the
atmosphere. When I first put my home solar panels in they charged me about 5 dollars per
2

month. Now they charge 15 to be connected to the grid. Now they want to screw people
over even more by reimbursing them at 1 cent. Every independent study I read says that
home solar actually saves the utility money in the long run by avoiding the need for them to
keep building new power plants. Make Idaho Power reimburse home solar at the same rate
they pay for commercial solar.
Thanks
Mike Larkin
7505 W Portneuf Rd, Pocatello, ID 83204
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From: Lewis Thomas ([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 6:31 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Our most priceless asset in the state of Idaho is our environment. We, as Idahoans, need to
be ENCOURAGING clean energy, which protects our precious Idaho environment, not
moving backwards, which this proposal by Idaho Power does.
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.
3

Thankyou.
Sincerely,
Lewis Thomas
610 W Halliday St
Pocatello, ID 83204
[e-mail]
[phone]
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From: Randy Anderson ([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 6:55 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Reference: IPC-E-25-15
Please do not change the rate structure that will essentially reduce solar reimbursement
Rates around 85%for 8 months of the year. This is a ridiculous proposal and it should not
be passed.We should be promoting residential solar generation to reach Idaho Power?s
often promoted goals (see most of the flyers included in our Idaho Power bills).
Thanks you, Randy Anderson
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
4

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,
Randy Anderson
119 Westello
Pocatello, ID 83204
[e-mail]
[phone]
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associated with Sierra Club. If you need more information, please contact Member Care at
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ed Wardwell([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 8:23 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Idaho power is being abusive, dictatorial and cruel to the residents and rooftop solar
owners by proposing another rate reduction for rooftop solar. We put up our own money
and they are stealing our money and killing our hope for helping solve the climate change
crisis. The VODER study was a scam and we will not tolerate their bullying. As a
shareholder I am ashamed that IPC claims to be a responsible citizen.We are making
unprecedented profits and rooftop solar owners poses NO THREAT to the bottom line.
IDAcorp makes money as a monopoly in bull markets and bear markets and this attempt is
simply acting like a HOG. HOGS get slaughtered.That's what'll happen to IDAcorp. Stop
them once and for all.
5

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,
Ed Wardwell
13268 N. Dechambeau Way
Boise, ID 83714
edntuckerCcbgmail.com
[phone]
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associated with Sierra Club. If you need more information, please contact Member Care at
Sierra Club at [e-mail] or [phone].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6

From: Amanda Kent ([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 8:46 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Idaho needs a variety of power sources for a sustainable future. People have already
invested to a reusable solar method that allows them to contribute energy to the power
grid, they should be able to keep their compensation. That current rate should not be
decreased to a laughable amount. We need to encourage a variety of energy access, not
waste reusable energy.
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,
Amanda Kent
323 Cultshalts Rd
Pocatello, ID 83202
[e-mail]
[phone]
7

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associated with Sierra Club. If you need more information, please contact Member Care at
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sandra Merrick (sstring01 @msn.com) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 10:53 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I want the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to advocate for what is best for Idaho citizens
and our state?s environment. They should be supporting consumers who are using solar
energy to preserve our environment and resources. Idaho power?s proposal to slash the
reimbursement rate for solar energy production is a huge blow to citizens who have
invested in solar energy and de-incentive for others to do so. Please do NOT accept Idaho
Power?s proposal!
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.
8

Sincerely,
Sandra Merrick
4843 Lake View Pl
Garden City, ID 83714
sstring01 @msn.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: MARCIA BRINTON
Submission Time: May 12 2025 9:43PM
Email: MARCIACo)BRINTONSALES.COM
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 7294 S SHADOW MOSS AVE
BOISE, ID 83709
Name of Utility Company: IDAHO POWER
Case ID: IPC-E-25-1
Comment: "As a solar homeowner with Idaho Power, I strongly oppose the proposed
changes in Case IPC-E-25-15. These changes would unfairly reduce the value of the clean
energy I generate and make it harder for Idaho families to protect themselves from rising
utility rates. I invested in solar based on the promises of fair compensation for the energy I
produce, and these changes feel like moving the goalposts. I applaud all of the renewable
energy that ID Power generates but please protect homeowners' rights to energy freedom
and reject this proposal."
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9

The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Sherry Rhoades
Submission Time: May 12 2025 7:47PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3824 Highway 95
Homedale, ID 83628
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Almost immediately after we got our solar panels (which we were informed that
we would not see another power bill), Idaho Power decreased solar credits which with the
addition of payments for the solar panels actually increased the amount we are paying!
Now Idaho Power is wanting to decrease credits again when we are looking at 23 more
years to pay for a system that is COSTING us money! I feel that Idaho Power should be
rewarding us for helping to keep demand down instead of punishing us for something they
encouraged us to do in the past! I am extremely upset as we are living on our social
security only and my husband has dementia so funds are limited!"
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Name: Scott McKelvey
Submission Time: May 12 2025 9:32PM
Email: smckelvey(cbiname.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 5922 N Cape Arago Pl
Garden City, ID 83714
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "To the Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
My name is Scott McKelvey, and I live in Garden City. Nearlythree years ago, I made the
decision to install solar panels on my home. Like many Idahoans, I did this not only to
reduce energy costs, but also to support a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
10

I'm writing to strongly oppose any reduction in the compensation homeowners receive for
excess solar energy via net metering. Doing so undermines the good faith investments of
Idaho families who relied on stable policy when choosing to go solar. It also discourages
future adoption of clean energy in our state.
Residential solar is more than a personal benefit—it supports grid resilience, reduces
peak demand, and contributes to cleaner air and public health. By producing and sharing
clean energy, solar homeowners help all ratepayers by lessening the burden on traditional
infrastructure and avoiding costly peak power purchases.
Changing the rules after solar systems have already been installed sends the wrong
message—that Idaho does not value long-term planning, energy independence, or
responsible environmental stewardship. Our state should be encouraging clean energy
adoption, not making it harder for citizens to participate.
Utilities often argue that net metering shifts costs, but studies around the country show
that distributed solar provides net benefits to the grid. Instead of cutting compensation, we
should be exploring smarter, more equitable ways to modernize our energy system—not
penalizing those who are helping to lead the way.
Please protect fair net metering and reject proposals that weaken the return on investment
for solar homeowners. This is about more than just accounting—it's about Idaho's future."
Respectfully,
Scott McKelvey
Garden City, Idaho
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Name: David Burbank
Submission Time: May 12 2025 10:12PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1122 N Dawn Dr
Boise, ID 83713
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
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Comment: "I am a retired Boise resident writing concerning a possible rate hike proposed
for individual homes which produce electri city through solar panels. I put a significant
investment into solar power generation for my new home. I also experienced a significant
increase in my power bill resulting from the rate increase last October. My average power
bill was over$81/month prior to solar power installation. For the months prior to last
October's rate increase, I was averaging over$6/month after my solar investment. Since
the rate increase last year, I am now averaging over$33/month (over the past 8 months), a
41% increase. I hope that the panel will consider that another rate increase in less than
year constitutes a gross inflationary increase for the thousands of residents, many of them
retired like myself. I request that any further changes to the solar power producing
residents be rejected."
Thank you for your consideration,
David Burbank
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Name: Kathryn Murray
Submission Time: May 12 2025 10:21 PM
Email: murrayklbPgmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 40 W. 450 N.
Blackfoot, ID 83221
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "With the recent purchase of my home, and planning to use either wind or solar
to assist in offsetting my monthly Utility bills. I choose Big Dog Solar as a wise and informed
consumer. I was very pleased with the company and the crew that completed the
Installation of multiple solar panels.
As the months passed by it was exciting to see the reduced electrical costs that assisted
me in staying within a planned budget. I believed the system was functioning as I had
hoped. After the first year those lower bills disappeared without any explanation. There
was not any documentation sent to me showing how my solar credits were being stored to
help provide me with lower rates.
I am strongly against Idaho Powers proposal to the PUC to significantly reduce the ECR's
for excess solar energy sent back to the grid.
* ECRs would drop 60%, from an average of 6.18 cent to an average of 2.46 cent per kWh
12

* From Oct. to May, compensation could drop over 80% --to less than 1 cent per kWh,
while Idaho Power continues charging customers 8 cent or more for the same electricity.
These changes would take effect June 1, 2025, right before PEAK summer production.
I vote absolutely NO on this proposal !!! This is a consumer rape, lining the coffers of the
Idaho Power Co:'
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From: Joseph Crupper([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 8:28 AM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I am against IPC-E-25-15. I would like to stop paying out the wazoo for energy someday, and
my only hope has solar energy making it more cost effective for everyone one day.Y'all are
just greedy and not acting in the best interest of your constituents. "Solar panels are ugly"
is the lamest, most weaksauce reasoning.
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.
13

Sincerely,
Joseph Crupper
525 W Greeley St
POCATELLO, ID 83204
[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 [phone].
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Adrienne Scott
Submission Time: May 13 2025 8:OOAM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2850 Bannock Hwy Unit 10
Pocatello, ID 83204
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "When we moved to Idaho, we thought this state would be for pro-power for its
people, not for large corporations. Decreasing the export credit rate for ALL ENTITIES with
solar and agreements after 2020 is just showing how much power Idaho wants to give to
corporations that don't want its residents doing what they want to do. It used a study that
was biased, and will cause a loss of businesses and jobs. At the very least, information
needs to be taken from all studies and a compromise is needed. Don't be the good of boys
club, be the voice of the people.We need to be pursuing energy sources that are more
decentralized and from multiple sources to endure the future. In order for us Idahoans to
have as many freedoms as possible, small entities need to be allowed to thrive, and the
current direction of this decision is not pro-freedom:'
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14

Name:jose ramirez
Submission Time: May 13 2025 8:35AM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 909 sw 9th st
fruitland, ID 83619
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "61-315. DISCRIMINATION AND PREFERENCE PROHIBITED. No public utility
shall, as to rates, charges, service, facilities or in any other respect, make or grant any
preference or advantage to any corporation or person or subject any corporation or person
to any prejudice or disadvantage. No public utility shall establish or maintain any
unreasonable difference as to rates, charges, service, facilities or in any other respect,
either as between localities or as between classes of service. The commission shall have
the power to determine any question of fact arising under this section.
Oregon resident solar- Idaho power customers are not being subjected to the new
compensation rates (ECRs) rate changes. You can't treat one group of customers different.
61-316. PROFITS. Nothing in this act shall be taken to prohibit any public utility from itself
profiting, to the extent permitted by the commission, from any economies, efficiencies or
improvements which it may make, and from distributing by way of dividends or otherwise
disposing of the profits to which it may be so entitled, and the commission is authorized to
make or permit such arrangement or arrangements with any public utility as it may deem
wise for the purpose of encouraging economies, efficiencies, or improvements and
securing to the public utility making the same such portion, if any, of the profits thereof, as
the commission may determine.
Idaho power is profiting by raising non solar customer's rates they have asked for a rate
increase for the past 3 years and then reducing solar customer compensation rates (ECRs)
rates. Idaho power is taking our excess solar energy and benefiting from it.
Idaho power states our commitment to safely serving customers and communities with
reliable, affordable energy has been the hallmark of our 100-year history. As we continue
the next century of service, we are building on that foundation with an exciting mission:
100% clean energy by 2045
This goal is as meaningful to us as it is important to many of our customers, the
communities we serve and the places we call home. Learn how we're moving forward—
today, tomorrow, and together.
15

This is counterproductive to the recent proposal to reduce compensation rates (ECRs)for
Idaho solar customers. "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Pat Aarti
Submission Time: May 13 2025 9:59AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 708 Fir St. #1178
MCCALL, ID 83638
Name of Utility Company: IDAHO POWER
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I look forward to seeing a future where incentives for solar power owners are
expanded, rather than my$39,000 investment in clean energy being viewed as a burden.
hope that the Energy Cost Recovery(ECR)will evolve, as it's currently quite arbitrary and
determined by Idaho Power. By supporting homeowners, businesses, and farmers, I believe
Idaho Power will be able to successfully phase out coal and gas plants. It seems essential
that our environment takes precedence over merely increasing profits.
I anticipate that as our energy infrastructure continues to develop, a greater portion will be
able to benefit from solar energy as effortlessly as it currently can. Collaborating to tackle
climate change feels like a sensible and promising path forward. Although I never expected
to profit from my investment in solar energy, I am optimistic that I will at least be able to
break even in the future."
Sincerely,
Pat Aarti
Solar owner
McCall, Idaho
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16

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Richard Williams
Submission Time: May 13 2025 10:45AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 26 Savage Ranch road
Salmon, ID 83467
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-1
Comment: "It is wrong to keep paring away at net billing credit for solar production. We
were told to expect something before we installed solar, but nothing to this extent. They
should be giving us more credit, not less. We are helping them out of their problem of not
producing enough. People need to be encouraged to install solar, not the opposite. This is
totally against common sense ecological energy efficiency."
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Donald Shaff
Submission Time: May 13 2025 10:05AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 4552 N Foothill Drive
BOISE, ID 83703
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power Co.
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Commissioners, I am opposed to the Export Credit Rate (ECR) proposed in the
Application by Idaho Power Company(IPC)with my following Comments. The current ECR
for subject solar co-generators set in January 2024 should remain without change as
proposed by IPC. Reducing the 2025 ECR by over 60 per cent is untenable. Other experts
maintain the ECR should be $.10/kWh.
The criteria for the ECR beginning at 7 of the Application appear to follow a prior PUC Order
36048. The suspicious item at 7 in the criteria is the Ellsworth Testimony. While Mr.
Ellsworth is labeled an expert witness for IPC, he is an IPC insider with an incipient bias the
17

PUC Staff and Intervenors must examine scrupulouslyto expose errors in calculations and
assumptions he has presented in the attached Excel worksheets to his testimony.The PUC
should allow an independent expert with a vitae equal to or greater than Mr. Ellsworth.The
same independent expert should be allowed by the PUC to submit a separate report duly
supported byworksheets that can be examined by IPC and other parties as well as
scrutinized by PUC Staff, While scrimping on the role of solar co-generators, IPC is allowed
by a prior rate case to charge a consumption charge of no less than $.08 per kWh and a
"peak"season charge of$.14 per kWh for over 600 kWh of use. In the peak season IPC's
portfolio employs its coal fired and natural gas resources to meet load demand, both of
which produce carbon dioxide (CO2) a major cause of our warming planet that contributed
to the summer heat dome only no more than three years ago driving IPC demand load that
summer to a record. Of course, the price of coal and natural gas have declined
substantially in the last several years. For instance, the Navajo Nation is closing its coal
mine and its coal fired generating plant. The coal mine in Carbon County in Wyoming is
shut down. The natural gas industry is stagnant with the resultant rise in both cases of
unemployment in Arizona and Wyoming.
Yet, IPC effectively turns its back on residential, commercial, and irrigators solar co-
generators, while its own System Sales Forecast Results shows the 1.2 percent historic
growth through 2025 will exponentially grow to 2030 then grow at a slower growth to 2045
to as much as 502 GWh by 2045 at a 2.7 per cent 20-year Annual Rate from 2025.The PUC
should deny the Application instead Order IPC to incentivize the solar co-generators in the
targeted classes to meet the above load demand.
Not only is the residential demand for electricity increasing with population growth, but
also energy intensive industries like Meta and perhaps bitcoin producers are coming to the
IPC service area. Granted IPC is turning to solar farms, which require large tracts of land,
often public land with their own environmental impacts, to expand its energy portfolio.
Another IPC case seeks approval bythe PUC for the Orchard Solar installation. All of these
expense costs will appear in the pending PUC rate case, for which IPC has filed only a
Notice of Intent earlier this year or future rate cases turning to present rate payers to bear
the rate increases.
IPC falsely maintains the majority of its rate payers subsidizes the targeted solar co-
generators. Instead the non-solar rate payers benefit from present and future small co-
generators who provide electric power to the grid at zero investment costs to IPC reducing
its large investment in its own new generation or contracts projects that would appear in its
rate cases to justify rate increases..
For the above factors, the PUC should acknowledge and require a fair rate for solar co-
generators with roof top and farm field solar panels. Reject the present IPC application and
Order IPC to pay these low-cost energy producers a fair return of no less than the 2023 rate.
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The solar co-generators paid out of their own pockets to add renewable energy to the grid
at little or no expense borne by IPC for the installation:'
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Name:Tom Ratchford
Submission Time: May 13 2025 10:20AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1427 NE Cinder Loop
Mountain Home, ID 83647
Name of Utility Company: Ipc
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "First, Idaho power Was directed to study Green energy costs and conducted its
own study. This is the equivalent to the criminal serving as their own jury. A 3rd party should
be involved to provide unbiased data to the case.
Second, Idaho power notes that it wants to reduce the ECR due to lower energy costs.
However I have not seen any initiatives by Idaho power to LOWER the customer cost for
electricity.
If they cannot justify lowering costs for the customer, they cannot justify lowering the ECR:'
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From: Dorian Hitchcock([e-mail]) Sent You a Personal Message
<[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 11:15 AM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: IPC-E-25-15 Public Comment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
This current Idaho Power proposal is a flagrant example of anti-consumer corporate greed.
This is coming on the heels of last year's solar rate changes and service fee increases that
has already seriously harmed solar generating customers of Idaho power. This new change
to solar compensation rates will absolutely devastate any future growth for solar in the
state, and will make any current investments that customers have made for solar systems
practically worthless.
I installed solar on my roof several years ago, when the utilitywas using a very equitable
net metering system. Through the course of the year, I would end up just about even
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between what I contributed to the grid and what I took back out. With last years changes,
my monthly bill has easily doubled, and I never see a bill without some charges above the
fixed service charges, even in the peak of summer. These new rates will turn what I thought
was a good investment in my home and community into a very costly mistake
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,
Dorian Hitchcock
330 S Hayes
Pocatello, ID 83204
gypsy.punk.party(cbgmail.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].
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From: creighton hardin <[e-mail]>
Sent:Tuesday, May 13, 2025 11:15 AM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Comment on IPC-E-25-15
IPC-E-25-15
I am AGAINST granting Idaho Power to decrease the export credit rate by 80%to individual
and small business owners of solar panels.
Don't allow their VODER study that erroneously adds extra costs to them when we who are
solar home producers merely transfer our extra power to our neighbors. An independent
study by experts should be done rather their self serving analysis. We need to grow
renewable energy for Idahoans future not stifle it.
Creighton Hardin MD
6078 Old Ranch Rd
Pocatello Id 83204
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert Merrick
Submission Time: May 13 2025 11:29AM
Email: winecellardudeCcbcomcast.net
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 12414 W Lacerta St
Star, ID 83669
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I had a 7kw solar system installed at my new home in 2020 and it has covered
my total electric bill ever since. I spent a large amount of my retirement savings, over$25k
for this system and have been happy to not have an electric bill. I am not new to solar as I
also had a system on my previous home. I feel it is important to use solar to help out the
nation in this time of increasing electricity needs, and I am very disappointed in Idaho
Power's attempt to change the rules and create a new program that will make my huge
investment almost worthless. Please listen to your public and deny this form of abuse:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Lewis Board
Submission Time: May 13 2025 1:20PM
Email: lewisboard67@gmaiLcom
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1860 W Sales Yard Rd
Emmett, ID 83617
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I am writing in regards to the Annual Update to the Export Credit Rate. (Case
No. IPC-E-25-15). As you can probably guess, I am against the dramatic reduction in
compensation for the excess power generated by my system. Below are five items I hope
you will consider when deciding whether to approve, deny, or approval but at a smaller
Level.
One, every homeowner who has installed a self-generating system has had to really stretch
their budgets to make this happen. Part of the consideration in the decision is of course
savings on the back-end which we hope will one day recoup the upfront costs. For some,
the stretch was such that too much reduction in export credits could cause quite a
financial hardship for them. Especially folks who financed their systems.
Two, I do want to say that I agree with the idea of Idaho Power selling at retail and only
giving us wholesale on our excess. That seems only fair. Idaho Power has a lot of expenses
in regards to employees, trucks, offices, equipment, etc. They certainly shouldn't have to
pay us what they sell it for. But the current proposed reduction does seem excessive.
Three, as more homes are built throughout the Treasure Valley, the demand on the current
grid infrastructure is going to increase greatly. The more homes that have on-site
generation, the better it will be for everyone. Conventional customers will get the
advantage of a system that isn't overloaded due to the assistance from the solar folks. But
such a reduction in compensation for the solar people's energy could very well bring new
installations to a halt.
Four, if enough solar customers create enough excess power for Idaho Power, this presents
a great opportunity to sell excess power to mismanaged states like California and Oregon.
When they come begging for power, I would think Idaho Power could profit quite
handsomely.
And finally, for folks who like solar because of the environmental benefits, those benefits
would cease if people stopped installing solar because they no longer had a financial
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incentive to spend the upfront money on the expectation that they would eventually get it
back. Thank you for your attention in this matter. I plan on attending the May 20th meeting
in person."
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Nikii Barnett
Submission Time: May 13 2025 2:09PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2204 Valley Road
Midvale, ID 83645
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Our solar power credits should be 1 to 1. We are kind enough to supply power
back instead of stocking it up in batteries for future use. Helping Idaho Power out
especially during the summer in peak times when their demand is so high. Yet they are
trying to now steal our power we are supplying by giving us less.
No to the submitted request by Idaho Power"
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Name: David Garman
Submission Time: May 13 2025 2:18PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 4923 E Sagewood Dr
Boise, ID 83716
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "I do not believe Idaho Power has provided a well documented analytical case
for such a dramatic reduction in the price paid to residential rooftop solar generators. Local
residential rooftop solar generators subsidized Idaho power by investing in generating
assets that benefited Idaho Power's ratepayers. These are assets that ratepayers did not
have to guarantee a return on investment... an implicit subsidy to Idaho Power.The formula
fails to account for this subsidy and other factors. Please commission a third party, arm's
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length analysis that Idaho Power cannot tweak or control.The Commission should not
approve this reduction unless an additional, competing analysis joins in justifying such a
dramatic reduction.
David Garman
Former Under Secretary of Energy
Former Assistant Secretary of Energy
Former Chairman of the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Council"
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Name: Jimmy Brooks
Submission Time: May 13 2025 2:20PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2009 W.Young St.
Nampa , ID 83651
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Who gets to decide what my power is worth? If Idaho power wants to lower my
credits even though I am the one who put up the investment for my panels. I should reserve
the right to disconnect my panels from the grid and just use my panels for myself directly
instead of giving my power to a middleman."
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Name: Curtis Deptuck
Submission Time: May 13 2025 2:58PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 651 S Aspen Lakes Way
Star, ID 83669
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Idaho Power is once again attempting to use blended statistics to marginalize
small generation solar customers. We are already some of the cheapest resellable energy
on the entire grid and they keep trying to apply"rate blending techniques"to eventually get
our energy for no cost under the guise of"fairness".
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I would continue to advocate for a kWh offset system with a use it or lose it cap but in that
absence of such a system, I would recommend the company begin bill itemizing on a
regional or per customer basis the infrastructure costs in addition to the power costs so
that we can assure both non-generating and generating customers are strong with the
same infrastructure burden basis and then establish what the energy rate and usage is.
This would normalize those costs across all users so we could then have a constructive
conversation around appropriate rates."
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Roy Barrera
Submission Time: May 13 2025 3:03PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3677 w Balducci st
Meridian, ID 83646
Name of Utility Company: Idaho power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "The choice to invest in Solar energy was not an overnight decision. Mywife and
I looked at many factors, and with that our course of action was based off of one for one
credit swap from Idaho power.Where she works nights, and I work days, we use more
energy than your typical two person household. Idaho power has already changed the solar
credit compensation once, which put us at a disadvantage, we have expanded our system
to offset and overcome.Why would they be allowed to do so again?Why is the target/finish
Line able to be moved over and over again?"
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Name: Carlton Swisher
Submission Time: May 13 2025 3:16PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3506 W. Taft St.
Boise, ID 83703
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
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Comment: "I installed a rooftop solar system about a decade ago.The system no longer
meets my electricity needs as I now have a larger family and drive a plug-in hybrid car. I
would like to expand the system to meet the greater electricity demand that I currently
have. I am trying to be a responsible citizen who produces my own energy in an
environmentally responsible manner. Idaho Power's proposed compensation change
would definitely deter me from expanding my rooftop system. I would lose my
"grandfathered" compensation status --which I am willing to give up in order to expand my
system -- but the new compensation system is so meager that it makes the expansion far
from worth it. I understand that generation rates have changed and that Idaho Power must
make adjustments because of this new pricing environment. But their proposal seems
extreme and will definitely deter citizens, like me, from taking the responsible step of
installing(or expanding) rooftop solar. Thank you for considering this issue:'
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Name: Sarah Jackson
Submission Time: May 13 2025 3:49PM
Email: sac jacksonPgmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 605 S 6th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power Co
Case ID: IPC-E-25-15
Comment: "Idaho Power's proposal is obviously trying to limit locally-owned solar power to
maximize its own profits. The new rate structure would make rooftop solar less affordable
for Idahoans each year with people less likely to install solar on their homes. When I had
my rooftop solar system installed, I thought it was just the right thing to do. Possibly over
the life of the system I would break even under the previous rules. That would not be true
under Idaho Power's proposed change. We should be expanding access to solar to address
climate change for the sake of future generations, not limiting it.The science is clear.
It is unfair that Idaho Power Co should make 8 cents with solar owners receiving only 1 cent
on the amount of energy generated. As Idahoans, we should have the right to generate our
own power. Idaho Power should pay fair compensation for my power production. Under
Idaho Power's plan, the compensation is unfair with their only interest being satisfying their
stockholders.
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Thank you for considering my comments in making this important decision.
Sarah Jackson
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