HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260429Petition for Intervenor Funding.pdf RECEIVED
Eric L. Olsen(ISB#4811) April 29, 2026
ECHO HAWK& OLSEN, PLLC IDAHO PUBLIC
505 Pershing Ave., Ste. 100 UTILITIES COMMISSION
P.O. Box 6119
Pocatello, Idaho 83205
Telephone: (208) 478-1624
Facsimile: (208)478-1670
Email: elo(a)echohawk.com
Attorney for Intervenor Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association, Inc.
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF IDAHO POWER CASE NO. IPC-E-26-03
COMPANY'S APPLICATION FOR
APPROVAL OF THE 2032 ALL-SOURCE IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO MEET ASSOCIATION,INC.'S PETITION
CAPACITY RESOURCE NEEDS IN AS FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING
EARLY AS 2031.
COMES NOW the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association, Inc. ("IIPA"), by and through
counsel of record, Echo Hawk & Olsen, PLLC, hereby respectfully petitions the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission("Commission") for intervenor funding, pursuant to Idaho Code § 61-617A
and IDAPA §§ 31.01.01.161 through .165, in this case, as follows:
A) Itemized List of Expenses
A summary of the expenses that the IIPA requests to recover broken down into legal fees,
witness fees and other costs and expenses is set forth in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
incorporated by reference. Itemized statements from IIPA's Counsel, Eric L. Olsen of Echo Hawk
& Olsen and its Expert witness Deborah Glosser, PhD. are also included as Attachments 1 and 2
to Exhibit "A" in support of said summary and are incorporated by reference.
B) Statement of Proposed Findings
The IIPA recommended the Commission approve Idaho Power Company's 2032
All-Source Request for Proposals subject to targeted conditions requiring: (1) disclosure of final
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 1
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
shortlist bid rankings both with and without the application of imputed debt to third-party bids
prior to Commission approval, so the Commission may assess whether that methodology
materially affected resource selection; (2) real-time, concurrent audit oversight by Commission
Staff with reporting obligations as a minimum substitute for the elimination of the independent
evaluator,particularly where Idaho Power Company's internal bid competes with third-parry bids;
and (3) preservation of disaggregated capacity-need modeling sufficient to distinguish capacity
procured to serve Additional Firm Load from that serving existing customers, in order to maintain
an adequate evidentiary record for the Commission's pending cost-of-service proceeding.
C) Statement Showing Costs
The IIPA is requesting $7,060.60 in intervenor funding for the expenses and costs
described in Exhibit A. The expenses listed in this petition are reasonable, necessary, and directly
related to meaningful participation in this proceeding. The costs reflect only those expenditures
required to effectively review data and filings, prepare and submit data requests, prepare and
submit written comments, and otherwise advocate on issues central to the intervenor's interests.
All expenses are consistent with customary rates and practices for similar proceedings before the
Commission and are proportionate to the scope and complexity of the issues addressed. The
intervenor has exercised prudent judgment to minimize costs while ensuring effective
representation.
D) Explanation of Cost Statement
The listed expenses in Exhibit A constitute a financial hardship for the IIPA. The IIPA is
an Idaho nonprofit corporation qualified under I.R.C. § 501(c)(5) representing farm interests in
electric utility rate matters affecting farmers in southern and central Idaho. The IIPA relies solely
upon dues and contributions voluntarily paid by members, together with intervenor funding, to
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 2
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
support its activities. Each year mailings and electronic solicitations are sent to approximately
7,000 Idaho Irrigators(approximately one-third in the IPC service area and the remainder in IPC's
service area), soliciting annual dues. IIPA recommends members make voluntary contributions
based on acres irrigated or horsepower per pump. Member contributions have been falling which
is believed to be attributable to increased operating costs and declining commodity prices.
From member contributions the IIPA must pay all expenses, which generally include
mailing expenses, meeting expenses, post office box, in addition to the expenses relating to
participation in matters before the Commission. The Executive Director, Amy McKoon, is the
only part-time paid contractor, receiving a retainer plus expenses for office space, office
equipment, and secretarial services. Other IIPA officers and directors are elected annually and
serve without compensation.
It has been and continues to be a financial hardship for the IIPA to fully participate in
important cases such as this one due to the time and expense that must be incurred to fully
participate in such a case. Because of the IIPA's financial constraints, participation in this case,
preparing to file testimony, and participating in the settlement negotiations has been focused and
prudent.
E) Statement of Difference
IIPA's position differed materially from that of Commission Staff in its recommended
oversight and transparency conditions for approval of the 2032 All-Source RFP. While Staff
supported approval with Staff review of the REP process and without mandatory reporting
obligations, IIPA recommended conditional approval requiring parallel disclosure of bid results
with and without the imputed debt adder and concurrent, real-time Staff audit oversight with
binding reporting obligations if no independent evaluator were used. IIPA also sought preservation
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 3
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
of disaggregated modeling outputs for use in the pending cost-of-service proceeding to ensure that
cost causers are ultimately paying for the burdens they place on the system, a requirement not
included in Staff s recommendations.
F) Statement of Recommendation
IIPA's participation addressed issues of concern to the general body of utility users by
recommending transparency and oversight measures that promote least-cost procurement, protect
customers from unnecessary cost increases, and preserve the record needed to ensure just and
reasonable rates for all Idaho Power customers.
G) Statement Identifying Customer Class
The IIPA represents the Irrigation class of customers under Schedule 24 on IPC's system.
Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that the IIPA is a qualifying intervenor
and should be entitled to an award of costs of intervention in the maximum amount allowable
pursuant to Idaho Code § 61-617A and IDAPA §§ 31.01.01.161 through .165.
DATED this 29th day of April, 2026.
ECHO HAWK& OLSEN
ERIC L. OLSEN
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 4
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 29th day of April, 2026, I served a true, correct and
complete copy of the foregoing to each of the following, via the method as indicated below:
Monica Barrios-Sanchez, Commission Secretary ❑ U.S. Mail
Jeff Loll, Deputy Attorney General ❑ Hand Delivered
Idaho Public Utilities Commission ❑ Overnight Mail
P.O. Box 83720 ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
Boise, ID 83720-0074 ® Electronic Mail (Email)
secretga@Xuc.idaho.gov
j eff.loll(&puc.Idaho.ggv
Donovan E. Walker ❑ U.S. Mail
Timothy Tatum ❑ Hand Delivered
Connie Aschenbrenner ❑ Overnight Mail
Idaho Power Company ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
1221 W. Idaho Street(83702) ® Electronic Mail (Email)
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707
dwalkergidahopower.com
dockets kidahopower.com
ttatum(cr�,idaho power.com
caschenbrennergidahopower.com
Lance Kaufman, Ph.D. ❑ U.S. Mail
Deborah Glosser, Ph.D. ❑ Hand Delivered
2623 NW Bluebell Place ❑ Overnight Mail
Corvallis, OR 97330 ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
lance(a),ae isg insi hg t.com ® Electronic Mail (Email)
deborah. log sser(c�gmail.com
Spencer Gray ❑ U.S. Mail
Northwest&Intermountain Power Producers ❑ Hand Delivered
Coalition ❑ Overnight Mail
P.O. Box 504 ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
Mercer Island, WA 98040 ® Electronic Mail (Email)
sgrqy(�i),nippc.org
Gregory M. Adams ❑ U.S. Mail
Richardson Adams, PLLC ❑ Hand Delivered
515 N. 27th Street ❑ Overnight Mail
Boise, Idaho 83702 ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
greg(&xichardsonadams.com ® Electronic Mail (Email)
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 5
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
Irion Sanger ❑ U.S. Mail
Sanger Greene, PC ❑ Hand Delivered
4031 SE Hawthorne Blvd. ❑ Overnight Mail
Portland, OR 97214 ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
irion(a�sanger-law.com ® Electronic Mail (Email)
Ed Jewell ❑ U.S. Mail
Deputy City Attorney ❑ Hand Delivered
BOISE CITY ATTORNEY' S OFFICE ❑ Overnight Mail
150 N. Capitol Blvd. ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
P. O. Box 500 ® Electronic Mail (Email)
Boise, Idaho 83701- 0500
boisecityattomey(c,cityofboise.org
ei ewellkcityofboise.org
Katie O'Neil ❑ U.S. Mail
Energy Program Manager ❑ Hand Delivered
BOISE CITY DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS ❑ Overnight Mail
150 N. Capitol Blvd. ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
P. O. Box 500 ® Electronic Mail (Email)
Boise, Idaho 83701- 0500
konielkcityofboise.org
Austin Rueschhoff ❑ U.S. Mail
Thorvald A. Nelson ❑ Hand Delivered
Richard A. Arnett ❑ Overnight Mail
Holland & Hart LLP ❑ Telecopy(Fax)
555 17th Street, Suite 3200 ® Electronic Mail (Email)
Denver, CO 80202
darueschho ff khollandhart.com
tnelson(a,hollandhart.com
raarnettkhollandhart.com
aclee(a-,hollandhart.com
tlfriel(a,hollandhart.com
ERIC L. OLSEN
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 6
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
EXHIBIT A
Expert Witnesses: Deborah Glosser, Expenses:
1. Witness Fees: 19.42 Hours @ $275 = $ 5,340.50
Sub Total: $ 5,340.50
Legal Expenses:
1. Paralegal Fees: 5.1 Hours @ $155 = $ 892.25
2. Legal Fees Eric L. Olsen: 3.3 Hours @ $250 = $ 825.00
3. Soft Costs (Copies/Legal Research) $ 2.85
Sub Total: $ 1,720.10
Grand Total: $ 7,060.60
IDAHO IRRIGATION PUMPERS ASSOCIATION,INC.PETITION FOR INTERVENOR FUNDING—Page 7
CASE NO.IPC-E-26-03
ATTACHMENT 1
Date Fee Type Cost Amount Total Description
2/26/2026 Witness $275.00 1.5 $412.50 Meetings, misc emails
3/17/2026 Witness $275.00 1.25 $343.75 Draft data requests
3/25/2026 Witness $275.00 3.75 $1,031.25 Comment outline and begin draft
3/26/2026 Witness $275.00 6.75 $1,856.25 Comments drafting
3/27/2026 Witness $275.00 1 $275.00 Meeting with NIPPC and Staff
4/3/2026 Witness $275.00 3 $825.00 Modeling and analysis of discovery materials
4/5/2026 Witness $275.00 1.17 $321.75 Review of discovery materials
4/7/2026 Witness $275.00 1 $275.00 Final drafting of comments
19.42 $5,340.50
ATTACHMENT 2
Date Fee Type Cost Amount Total Description
Draft petition for intervenor funding and update calendar with
2/25/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.3 $52.50 dates;file petition with IPUC and update file
3/17/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.4 $70.00 Calendar dates and update docket with order
Edit and upload protective agreement for ELO, Lance and Debb to
3/23/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.3 $52.50 sign for case and email on status
3/23/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.7 $122.50 Draft data requests in case
3/25/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.2 $35.00 Email back the fully signed protective agreement
Finish DR's and file with the IPUC and update docket and file with
3/27/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.6 $105.00 filings
4/7/2026 Paralegal $175.00 1.7 $297.50 Draft written comments in IIPA; revise with ELO updates
Finish written comments forfiling and file with the IPUC; update
4/8/2026 Paralegal $175.00 0.7 $122.50 docket/file and calendar deadlines
4/15/20261 Paralegal $175.00 0.2 $35.00 Email on funding deadline and time entries
5.1 $892.50
2/25/2026 Legal $250.00 0.2 $50.00 See that Petition to Intervene is prepared for 2032 RFP case
3/2/2026 Legal $250.00 0.2 $50.00 Review and respond to emails re:scheduling in the RFP case
Review NIPPC's discovery and email to Deborah Glosser for review;
3/3/2026 Legal $250.00 0.8 $200.00 TCW Greg Adams about possible issues with the RFP case and AFL
Review application for the 2032 IRP and email same to Lance and
Deborah for review;See that Petition to Intervene is prepare and
3/20/2026 Legal $250.00 1 $250.00 Ifiled
Review Protective Agreement for 2032 RFP case and see same is
3/23/2026 Legal $250.00 0.4 $100.00 sent to Lance and Deborah for signing
3/24/2026 Legal $250.00 0.6 $150.00 Review and revise Data Requests for 2032 RFP case
Email Deborah Glosser re: participating in intervenor and staff call
3/31/2026 Legal 1 $250.00 1 0.1 $25.00 Ion RFP
3.3 $825.00
2/27/2026 Soft EUL
5 14 $2.10
3/31/2026 Soft 5 5 $0.75
$2.85