20260820Comments_1.pdf

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From: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, August 20, 2026 4:02 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 a critical step toward ensuring Idaho is prepared to meet the rapidly
expanding energy needs 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 the grid can handle, it's crucial that we increase the
capacity of electricity transmission lines in order to fulfill the power needs for our homes,farms,
businesses, and public facilities.
By easing congestion on existing lines, Gateway West will move power more efficiently across and
bolster energy reliability for residents of southern Idaho. Especially when our region faces increasing
extreme weather events, greater connectivity means power can be sent where it's needed the most.
That helps keep the lights on and keep prices down for Idaho residents by reducing the total amount of
plants, power lines, substations, and other equipment needed to respond to demand. By building
transmission that supports internal reliability and ensures the grid in the Idaho Falls region is connected
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,
Conor Madden
Meridian, ID 83646
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