20250609Comment_1.pdf

From: Matthew Balderree <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 3:22 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Cc:Wendy Horman <WendyHorman@ house.idaho.gov>
Subject: Opposition to Rocky Mountain Power's Proposed Net Billing Rate Adjustment
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I am writing to voice my deep frustration and concern over Rocky Mountain Power's
proposal to shift from net metering(Schedule 135)to a net billing program (Schedule 136)
for solar customers in SE Idaho. My name is Matt Balderree, and I live at 2175 Cabellaro Dr,
Ammon, ID 83406.The thought of getting paid so much less for the solar energy I
generate—dropping from 9.5 cents per kWh to just 4 cents per kWh—feels like a betrayal of
the investment I made in solar under the current rules.
Right now, the net metering system credits me at 9.5 cents per kWh for excess energy I
send to the grid. This has worked perfectly for me—my December 10, 2024 bill was $0.00!
That month, I used 871 kWh and generated 629 kWh, leaving a net consumption of 242
kWh. Thanks to credits from sunnier months, my costs were fully offset. But under the
proposed net billing plan, that credit drops to 4 cents per kWh, slashing my savings and
Leaving me with out-of-pocket costs.
Here's how this hits my wallet annually, based on a typical year:
• Summer Months (6 months): I generate 1,800 kWh and use 800 kWh monthly.
o Excess Energy: 1,000 kWh/month
o Current Credits: 1,000 kWh x $0.095 = $95/month x 6 = $570 total
o Proposed Credits: 1,000 kWh x $0.04= $40/month x 6= $240 total
• Winter Months (6 months): I use roughly 871 kWh and generate 629 kWh monthly.
o Net Usage: 242 kWh/month
o Cost: 242 kWh x $0.095 = $22.99/month x 6= $137.94 total
• Current System: My$570 summer credits cover my$137.94 winter costs, keeping
my yearly bill at$0.00.
• Proposed System: My$240 summer credits fall short, and any extra winter usage
would mean paying real money—potentially over$100 a year depending on weather
and consumption.
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I know an extra $273 annually might not sound like much to some, but it's money I hadn't
budgeted for since I expected to be credited more by generating excess energy with my
solar system.
I'm very frustrated at the idea that my credits would shrink by more than half, from 9.5
cents to 4 cents per kWh. That's the lowest rate in the Western US—lower than Colorado
(15 cents/kWh), Utah (4.7 cents/kWh), Nevada (14 cents/kWh), or Oregon (14.64
cents/kWh). Why should Idaho solar customers like me be punished for going green?
I urge you to:
1. Grandfather existing solar customers like me under the current net metering
rates.
2. Apply changes only to new installations.
3. Reject this unfair rate cut that undervalues my solar contribution.
Please don't let this change upend the trust I put in Idaho's solar program. I'd be happy to
discuss this further—feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Matthew L. Balderree
208-599-4324
[e-mail]
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