20250801Comment_1.pdf

Idaho Public Utilities Commission rG:::CEIVED
PO Box 83720 r b AUG� _ ��
Boise, ID 83720-0074
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COMMISSION
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Concerning Case number IPC-E-25-16, I have several concerns. The first area of concern is the
Percentage Change from Current Billed Revenue. Idaho Power says it is requesting an overall
rate increase of 13.09%. However, in its Percentage Change table, residential customers bear
17.35% increase. Residential customers include low-income families, retired fixed-income
families, and other families already struggling with inflation and higher prices.Two other
categories of users only face 7%or 8% increases, within the extreme inflation rates of the past
few years.
My second area of concern is the Residential Service Charge. Idaho Power proposes a change
from $15 to $25. Just a few years ago the Residential Service Charge was only$5. Now they
want to change that again, claiming that a fixed charge is somehow better for its customers than
a variable energy charge. It is only better for Idaho Power because with our solar panels, we
have several months of the year where we only pay the Residential Service Charge. We
contribute to the grid during its most expensive and demanding season.Yet they want to charge
us more.
We installed solar panels as it seemed a way to help the power grid provide enough power for
everyone. We generate power most when it is in high demand for air conditioning. At that
time, we received a 1 to 1 rate for what we generated. Now Idaho Power has increased our rate
for being connected to the power grid and changed the ratio of what they credit solar
customers. The government encouraged individuals to install solar panels. Idaho Power has
petitioned for solar panel "farms" as alternative energy sources. Yet they seem to be enemies
of the customers who actually followed their advice.
I understand that costs to maintain services go up, unfortunately. It seems like Residential
Service customers are being asked to shoulder a larger amount of that increased cost through
BOTH the increased Residential Service Charge AND the higher percentage rate of increase in
cost in variable energy charge. As the regulatory body, please consider changes to this proposal
from Idaho Power.
Sincerely,
i)017_40�_`7�p
Pamela Tharp
Al a-nL-�a, F3 to$!P