Attch34_IPCE0113_82801_PressRelease.doc

Case No. IPC-E-01-13
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release / Aug. 31, 2001
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]

Idaho Power files conservation plan with commission
BOISE – Idaho Power Co. proposes to spend about $2.6 million on conservation measures that are hoped to save about 47,000-megawatt hours of electricity a year. But to pay for those programs, the company is proposing a 0.5 percent surcharge on all customer bills (about 28 cents on the average residential monthly bill).
The company is seeking approval from the commission to implement the conservation program and the surcharge.
Some of the residential conservation measures proposed include:
Distributing discount coupons to customers to replace their incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs;
Offering incentives to customers to buy appliances with the "Energy Star" label;
Offering rebates for the purchase of high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps;
Buying-down financing for weatherization programs;
Encouraging improved energy conservation measures for new construction and;
Enhancing low-income assistance programs.

Commercial and industrial conservation proposals include CFL coupons, efficient vending machine technology, reduced air movement systems, efficient traffic lights, efficient waste water treatment, building tune-ups and other programs.
The company is also proposing conservation measures for irrigation customers, primarily in improvements to irrigation systems. Irrigators are among the largest load users in Idaho Power's system.
The company recommends the creation of an "Energy Efficiency Advisory Group," which would advise the company on new conservation proposals, prioritize projects and evaluate the success of the programs.
The commission is taking comments on Idaho Power's plan and surcharge through Sept. 21. Hearings will not be held unless there are a significant number of comments requesting hearings.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at www.puc.state.id.us and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (IPC-E-01-13) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].

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