20170731min.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING

July 31, 2017 – 1:30 P.M.

In attendance were Commissioners Paul Kjellander, Kristine Raper and Eric Anderson.
Commissioner Kjellander called the meeting to order.

The first order of business was APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
on Monday, July 24, 2017. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes as
written.

The second order of business was MATTERS IN PROGRESS:
2. Daphne Huang’s July 26, 2017 Decision Memorandum re: How to Process the Case:
Modified Procedure vs. Technical Hearing, Case No. GNR-E-17-02.
Ms. Huang reviewed her Decision Memo; she stated the case was initiated upon Idaho Power’s
objection to Commission Staff’s proposed annual update to published avoided cost rates for
PURPA contracts between utilities and qualifying facility projects. The Commission approved
Commission Staff’s proposed published avoided cost rates finding them reasonable and
appropriate, but directed the Commission Secretary to accept Idaho Power’s objection as an
application to initiate a generic proceeding. A notice of that generic proceeding was issued and a
deadline set for petitions to intervene. Ms. Huang stated she had informally communicated with
the parties on behalf of the Commission. They were have had timely petitions to intervene from
Avista, Ida Hydro, Renewable Energy Coalition, Simplot and Tamarack Energy Partnership.
Ms. Huang stated she had informally communicated with the parties on behalf of the
Commission Staff on how to process the case, there had been a disagreement. Staff proposed to
process the case by modified procedure, by which Idaho Power and Avista agreed. Counsel for
Simplot and Renewable Energy Coalition indicated that a technical hearing was warranted. Staff
recommended that a question be put before the Commission; no parties have filed a motion for
the Commission to enter into any type of process, staff also said that staff could file a Decision
Memo summarizing the party’s informal positions. PacifiCorp is a party to this case, they have
not filed a petition to intervene, but they are not required to since this is a generic proceeding.
The question before the Commission is; does the Commission wish to hear additional
information from the parties about their positions on how to process the case; or if the
Commission wishes to process the case, modified procedure vs. a technical hearing.
Commissioner Raper stated the rules are specific about on what is required to move from a
standard modified procedure frame work to a hearing, she stated she was prepared to make a
motion based on what our rules are.
Commissioner Kjellander stated; regardless of how we ruled today there would still be an
opportunity for anyone to file for a hearing.

Ms. Huang stated that rule number 203 states that anyone can request a hearing in a written
protest or comment.
Commissioner Raper made a motion that we proceed by modified procedure until such time
someone requests a hearing in the matter.
Commissioner Kjellander asked if there was any further discussion and a vote was taken on the
motion and it carried unanimously.
3. Daphne Huang’s July 26, 2017 Decision Memorandum re: CoxCom’s Expedited Motion
to Allow Telephonic Cross-Examination of Its Witness at Technical Hearing in Idaho
Power’s CPCN for Wood River Valley, Case No. IPC-E-16-28.
Ms. Huang reviewed her Decision Memo, she stated; the matter is set for Technical Hearing
August 8 and 9, 2017. CoxCom’s filed an expedited motion asking for a ruling for a witness,
Michael Stull who has filed expert direct testimony in the case, whether to have him appear in
person or not. Staff indicated they were not opposed, according to CoxCom, Sierra Club also had
no objection. Idaho Power asked that he be available by telephone if he can not appear in person.
CoxCom also reported that Rock Rolling properties and Kiki Tidwell thought they do not have
enough information to take a position on the request.
Commissioner Kjellander commented that the Commission audio system has not been working
correctly; due to the fact that the system is having difficulties and there is not an explanation as
to why they are not able to appear in person he believed there are other options they could
choose.
Commission Raper stated; the reason for them not wanting to come here to testify in person is
that they do not want to fly, is not reason enough. She stated, they intervened in the case, they
have a witness in the case and they should be prepared to defend the testimony another witness
would in the case.
Commissioner Raper made a motion, the Commission deny CoxCom’s expedited motion to
allow witness Michael Stull to appear by telephone.
Commissioner Kjellander asked if there were any further questions, a vote was taken on the
motion and it carried unanimously.
There was no further business before the Commission and Commissioner Kjellander adjourned
the meeting.

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COMMISSION SECRETARY DATE OF APPROVAL