20260819Comments_1.pdf

-----Original Message-----
From: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Sent:Wednesday, August 19, 2026 3:44 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Public Comment in Support of Segment E-8 of the Gateway West Transmission
Line(IPC-E-26-09)
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Dear Secretary Members of the Idaho PUC,
I'm writing to encourage the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to grant the Certificates of
Public Convenience and Necessity for Segment E-8 of the Gateway West Transmission Line
(IPC-E-26-09).
Building the Gateway West line is critical to ensuring Idaho is prepared to meet the rapidly
growing energy requirements of the homes and businesses in our state. Energy demand is
skyrocketing, with the average number of customers projected to increase from 648,000 in
2025 to 867,000 by 2045. To make sure that demand doesn't grow faster than our grid can
handle, it's crucial that we increase the capacity of electricity transmission lines in order to
meet the power needs for our homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities.
Gateway West will move power more efficiently by easing congestion on existing lines and
increasing energy reliability for residents of southern Idaho. As our region faces more
extreme weather events, this greater connectivity means power can be sent where it's
needed most.That helps us Idahoans keep the lights on and keep prices down by reducing
the total amount of plants, power lines, substations, and other equipment needed to meet
demand. By building transmission that supports internal reliability and ensures the
connection of the grid in the Idaho Falls region to the grid that serves Boise, Gateway West
builds a more connected Idaho.

This project also increases the possibilities for producing more affordable homegrown
power locally, keeping investments within Idaho. It also allows our state to make the most
of our existing energy resources, facilitating the export of hydropower when we produce a
surplus, and providing the flexibility to import power during shortfalls, smoothing out
drought-year risk. That's a good outcome for Idaho ratepayers, and an essential building
block for our state's future.
For these reasons, I strongly support the proposed segment and urge the Commission to
grant the Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity. I appreciate the Commission's
time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Gail Heylmun
Boise, ID 83702
hey[mun(@gmail.com