20250908Comment_1.pdf

From: Kirk Westover<[e-mail]>
Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 12:27 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject:Apology for tardiness. I left off the .gov on the address .
Kirk Westover<[e-mail]>
to secretary
Dear Commission Secretary,
I have a couple of final comments to submit on this last day of comments prior to the
meeting on 9/11.
It seems to me that the whole premise of this hike is that residential solar generators are
somehow not paying their fair share. This would of course be the result of long periods of
time without using any power. I wonder if rmp is also considering increasing the rates for
our snowbirds who may be gone for up to 6 months at a time.
I am not a wild-eyed environmentalist, however many oregonians are and it seems peculiar
that a Left Coast company is so far away from an environmental commitment.What I do
believe is that diffusing power sources produces a more robust system and that we should
all do our part to be prepared for emergencies.
Below are a few points that I and others may have brought up previously. The rate hike that
rmp is looking for is on the order of 75%.Wouldn't we all love to have a 75% increase in
revenue.
Many Idahoans have made substantial Investments on the premise of self-reliance and
environmental concerns based on positions taken by power companies and governments.
Let's not disappoint them all.
Thank you for your consideration.
Darrell Kirk Westover
189 N 2500 E
St. Anthony, ID 83445
Benefits to RMP
1. Reduced peak demand: Panels produce the most when peak is the highest, helping
reduce peak load for RMP and the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades or
emergency power.
2. Grid investment Relief: Solar customers help offset transmission and distribution costs,
which RMP would otherwise pass on to other customers.
3. Energy diversity: Solar helps diversifywhere power is coming from. Centralized power
plants being the majority power source causes vulnerabilities to the grid.
4. Lower Wholesale market purchases: Idaho can buy less energy on the wholesale market
due to solar customers, especially during expensive peak periods.
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Benefits to Customers:
1. Energy independence: Customers can control their bills and their energy needs.
2. Affordability: Customers invest now to benefit later as power costs always will inflate.
Kirk and Daena Westover
189 N 2500 E
St. Anthony, ID 83445
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