20250926Comment_1.pdf

TO: IPUC
RE: Case # PAC-E-25-02
FAX: [phone]
To the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
While we realize this is a bit late, we don't believe that such an important decision
regarding credit given for solar panel arrays, that help reduce the amount of energy
and work required from the current power grid, should be given such a short window
for comments. We are some of those many people affected very negatively by this
program.
We installed solar panels with the intention of being environmentally responsible,
reducing energy consumption from the grid and reducing our power bill. We are only a
couple years away from retiring and a fixed budget is something every retired person
tries to plan for as early as possible.
We are writing regarding Rocky Mountain Power's export credit program (Schedule
136) and the closure of the legacy Net Metering program (Schedule 135). Our
household installed a rooftop solar array at our residence in Idaho Falls. We received
the installation quote in December 2020, and financing approval for the system was
completed in January 2021 .
Because of the timing, we were placed on Schedule 136 instead of the legacy
Schedule 135. We would like to respectfully note that our installation occurred
extremely close to the transition date, and as a result, our family has been significantly
affected by the lower export credit rate. Under Schedule 135, our system would have
offset our usage at the full retail rate, substantially reducing our power bills. Under
Schedule 136, our export credit is valued at less than one cent per kilowatt-hour, which
has left us paying hundreds of dollars more each month compared to
what we would have paid under Schedule 135.
While we understand that the transition date was set by Commission order, we request
that the Commission take into account the impact this cutoff had on families like ours
who were in the middle of the installation process at the time the new schedule took
effect. If retroactive eligibility is not possible, we ask the Commission to strongly
consider adjustments to the export credit rate so that it more fairly reflects the value of
customer-generated power and ensures a sustainable path for residential solar in
Idaho. Thank you for your consideration of this comment.
Respectfully,
Kevin G. and Ruth D. Pickens
276 Spring Meadows Drive
Idaho Falls, ID