IPUC 2021 Annual Report.pdf

ANNUAL REPORT
2021
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8
Suite 201-A Boise, ID 83714
PO Box 83720 83720-0074
208.334.0300
www.puc.idaho.gov
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Table of Contents

COMMISSIONERS ................................................................................... 4
FINANCIAL SUMMARY FUND 0229* ............................................................. 7
Fiscal Years 2017 – 2021 ......................................................................... 7
COMMISSION STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS .................................................. 8
Administration ................................................................................... 10
Legal .............................................................................................. 11
Utilities Division ................................................................................. 11
Railroad and Pipeline Safety Section ......................................................... 12
WHY CAN’T YOU JUST TELL THEM NO? ..................................................... 13
ELECTRIC ......................................................................................... 14
Avista ............................................................................................. 15
Idaho Power ...................................................................................... 20
Rocky Mountain Power ......................................................................... 26
WATER…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
TELECOMMUNICATIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………….43
NATURAL GAS .................................................................................... 45
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................................................ 51
REGULATING IDAHO’S RAILROADS ........................................................... 52
REGULATING IDAHO’S PIPELINES ............................................................. 53

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Contact us: 208-334-0300 Website: www.puc.idaho.gov
Commission Secretary 1-208-334-0338
Public Information 1-208-334-0339
Utilities Division 1-208-344-0367
Legal Division 1-208-334-0324
Rail Section and Pipeline Safety 1-208-334-0338
Consumer Assistance Section 1-208-334-0369
Outside Boise, Toll-Free Consumer Assistance 1-800-432-0369

Idaho Telephone Relay Service (statewide)
Voice: 1-800-377-3529
Text Telephone: [phone]
TRS Information: 1-800-368-6185

This report and all the links inside can be accessed online from the Commission’s Website at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room,” in the upper-left-hand-
corner and then on “IPUC 2021 Annual Report.”
Front cover photograph courtesy of Idaho Power Company. Oxbow Power Plant in Hells Canyon.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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December 1, 2021
The Honorable Brad Little
Governor of Idaho
Statehouse
Boise, ID 83720-0034

Dear Governor Little:
It is our distinct pleasure to submit to you, in accordance with Idaho Code §61-214, the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission 2021 Annual Report. This report is a detailed description of the most significant cases, decisions
and other activities during 2021. The financial report on page seven is a summary of the commission’s budget
through the conclusion of Fiscal Year 2021, which ended June 30, 2021.
It has been a privilege and honor serving the people of Idaho this past year.
Sincerely,

Paul Kjellander
President, Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Kristine Raper
Commissioner

Eric Anderson
Commissioner
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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COMMISSIONERS

P A U L K J E L L A N D E R
Commissioner Paul Kjellander serves as President of the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission, having been appointed to his current six-year term in 2017 by
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. His term expires in 2023.
It is Commissioner Kjellander’s second term in his second stint on the
Commission, having previously served from January 1999 until October 2007.
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter reappointed Kjellander in April 2011, following his
service as administrator of the newly created state Office of Energy Resources
(OER).
A member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
(NARUC) board of directors and executive committee, Kjellander is a past
President of the association. He previously served on NARUC’s Committee on
Consumer Affairs and its Electricity Committee and is past Chair of the
Committee on Telecommunications.
Kjellander serves as President of the National Council on Electricity Policy, which is funded by the US
Department of Energy and managed by NARUC. He was a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s
706 Joint Board and served as chairman of the FCC’s Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
During his time at OER, which is now known as the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Kjellander created
an aggressive energy efficiency program funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009. He also served on the board of the National Association of State Energy Officials.
Before joining the Commission in 1999, Kjellander was elected to three terms in the Idaho House of
Representatives, where he served from 1994-1999. As a legislator, Kjellander served on a number of
committees, including House State Affairs, Judiciary and Rules, Ways and Means, Local Government and
Transportation. During his final term in office, Kjellander was elected chairman of the House Majority Caucus.
Prior to his legislative service, Kjellander was director of Boise State University’s College of Applied Technology
Distance Learning, where he earned tenured faculty status and served as program head of broadcast
technology, station manager of BSU Radio Network, director of the Special Projects Unit for BSU Radio and as
BSU Radio’s director of News and Public Affairs.
Commissioner Kjellander earned undergraduate degrees in communications, psychology, and art from
Muskingum College in Ohio, and earned a master’s degree in telecommunications from Ohio University.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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K R I S T I N E R A P E R
Commissioner Kristine Raper was appointed to her first term at the Commission in February 2015 by Gov.
C.L. “Butch” Otter. Governor Brad Little appointed Commissioner Raper to
a second six year term in January 2021.
Prior to her appointment, Raper served for seven years as a deputy
attorney general assigned to the Commission. Raper managed a caseload
representing a myriad of regulatory and energy law matters, with a strong
emphasis on the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).
Commissioner Raper has defended the Commission’s decisions at the Idaho
Supreme Court, District Court and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC). In 2017, Raper testified before the Congressional Subcommittee on
Energy regarding PURPA and its modern-day impacts.
Commissioner Raper currently serves on the Electricity Committee of the
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). She is a
member of the Body of State Regulators which contributes to matters involving the Energy Imbalance
Market (EIM), a real-time energy market operated by the California ISO. Commissioner Raper also served as
a member of the Governance Review Committee, the body responsible for governance review of the EIM as
the ISO contemplates the viability of a day-ahead market. Commissioner Raper is the current Chair of the
Western Interconnection Regional Advisory Body and also sits as a Western region member of FERC’s Joint
Task Force on Electric Transmission.
Commissioner Raper earned an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Boise State University. She
earned her juris doctor degree from the University of Idaho College of Law.
The Commissioner and her husband, Mark, share three children.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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ERIC ANDERSON

Commissioner Eric Anderson was appointed to his current six-year term in
January 2019 by Gov. Brad Little. It is his second term on the Commission,
having been initially appointed in December 2015 by former Gov. C.L. “Butch”
Otter.
Commissioner Anderson serves on the National Association of Regulatory
Utilities Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Water as well as its Committee
on International Relations. In November 2019 Commissioner Anderson was
appointed Chair of NARUC’s Committee on Water.
Before joining the Commission, Anderson served five terms in the Idaho
Legislature, from 2004-2014, and was chairman of the House Ways and Means
Committee.
As a member of the Idaho House of Representatives, Anderson served on a number of committees, including
Environment, Energy and Technology, Commerce and Human Resources, Resource and Conservation, Business,
and State Affairs. He also chaired a legislative Interim Subcommittee on Renewable Energy.
Anderson received a bachelor of art degree in political science and government from Eastern Washington
University.
A general contractor and real estate broker, Anderson also served as director and vice president of Sandpoint-
based Northern Lights Inc., an electric cooperative.
He has also served as a director of the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association, the National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association and the Idaho Energy Resources Authority. He is a past member to the Pacific States
Marine Fisheries Advisory Council and the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s Executive Council.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Fiscal Years 2017 – 2021

Financial Summary - Fund 0229

*This summary represents assessment funded expenses only. It does not include federal or other funds.

Description

FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021

Personnel Costs 4,070,200 3,962,400 3,990,800 3,576,800 3,356,200

Communication Costs

23,400 25,000 23,100 27,500 26,000

Employee Development Costs

81,400 98,800 95,400 51,300 41,600

Professional Services

11,900 49,000 35,800 7,500 17,600

Legal Fees

482,100 573,500 602,600 630,500 524,500

Employee Travel Costs

173,900 204,300 219,700 140,000 17,000

Fuel & Lubricants

4,900 6,400 7,700 7,300 3,400

Insurance

3,500 4,500 3,900 7,300 7,800

Rentals & Leases

147,000 274,400 76,100 390,600 250,500

Misc. Expenditures

114,900 698,000 1,663,500 969,000 241,400

Computer Equipment

44,700 9,400 5,300 2,200 89,500

Office Equipment

4,200 2,100 - 39,000 2,200

Motorized/Non-Motorized Equip

-
- - - 59,200

Specific Use Equipment

4,500 2,600 1,300 - -

Total Expenditures

5,166,600 5,910,400 6,725,200 5,849,000 4,636,900

Fund 0229-20 Appropriation

5,902,700 6,039,300 8,556,700 7,512,400 5,998,300

Fund 0229-20 Encumbrances

49,200 93,800 393,200 124,900 1,700

Unexpended Balance

686,900 35,100 1,438,300 1,538,500 1,359,700

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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COMMISSION STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS

Under state law, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission supervises and regulates
Idaho’s investor-owned utilities – electric, gas, telecommunications and water –
assuring adequate service and affixing just, reasonable and sufficient rates.
The commission does not regulate publicly owned, municipal or cooperative
utilities.
The Governor appoints the three Commissioners with confirmation by the Idaho Senate. No more than two
Commissioners may be of the same political party. The Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms.
The Governor may remove a Commissioner before his/her term has expired for dereliction of duty, corruption or
incompetence.
The three-member commission was established by the 12th Session of the Idaho Legislature and was organized
May 8, 1913 as the Public Utilities Commission of the State
of Idaho. In 1951 it was reorganized as the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission. Statutory authorities for the
commission are established in Idaho Code Titles 61 and 62.
The IPUC has quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial as well as
executive powers and duties.
In its quasi-legislative capacity, the commission sets rates
and makes rules governing utility operations. In its quasi-
judicial mode, the commission hears and decides
complaints, issues written orders that are similar to court
orders and may have its decisions appealed to the Idaho
Supreme Court. In its executive capacity, the commission
enforces state laws and rules affecting the utilities and rail
industries.
Commission operations are funded by fees assessed on the
utilities and railroads it regulates. Annual assessments are
set by the commission each year in April within limits set by
law.
The commission president is its chief executive officer.
Commissioners meet on the first Monday in April in odd-numbered years to elect one of their own to a two-year
term as president. The president signs contracts on the commission’s behalf, is the final authority in personnel
matters and handles other administrative tasks. Chairmanship of individual cases is rotated among all three
Commissioners.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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The commission conducts its business in two types of meetings – hearings and decision meetings. Decision
meetings are typically held once a week, usually on Tuesday.
Formal hearings are held on a case-by-case basis, sometimes in the service area of the impacted utility. These
hearings resemble judicial proceedings and are recorded and transcribed by a court reporter.
There are technical hearings and public
hearings. At technical hearings, formal
parties who have been granted “intervenor
status” present testimony and evidence,
subject to cross-examination by attorneys
from the other parties, staff attorneys and
the commissioners. At public hearings,
members of the public may testify before
the commission.
In 2009, the commission began
conducting telephonic public hearings to
save expense and allow customers to
testify from the comfort of their own
homes. Commissioners and other interested
parties gather in the Boise hearing room and
are telephonically connected to ratepayers who call in on a toll-free line to provide testimony or listen in. A court
reporter is present to take testimony by telephone, which has the same legal weight as if the person testifying
were present in the hearing room. Commissioners and
attorneys may also direct questions to those testifying.
The commission also conducts regular decision meetings
to consider issues on an agenda prepared by the
commission secretary and posted in advance of the
meeting. These meetings are usually held Tuesdays at
1:30 p.m., although by law the commission is required to
meet only once a month. Members of the public are
welcome to attend decision meetings.
Decision meetings consist of the commission’s review of
decision memoranda prepared by commission staff.
Minutes of the meetings are taken. Decisions reached at
these meetings may be either final or preliminary, but
subsequently become final when the commission issues a
written order signed by a majority of the commission.
Under the Idaho Open Meeting Law, commissioners may
also privately deliberate fully submitted matters.

PUC hearing room
PUC headquarters 11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise, Idaho 83714.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Commission Staff
OUR MISSION

- Determine fair, just and reasonable rates and utility practices for electric, gas,
telephone and water consumers.
- Ensure that delivery of utility services is safe, reliable and efficient.
- Ensure safe operation of pipelines and rail carriers within the state.
To help ensure its decisions are fair and workable, the commission employs a staff of about 50 people – engineers,
utility analysts, attorneys, auditors, investigators, economists, secretaries and other support personnel. The
commission staff is organized in three divisions – administration, legal and utilities.

Administration
The Administrative Division is responsible for coordinating overall IPUC activities. The division includes the three
commissioners, three policy strategists, a commission secretary, an executive director, and support personnel.

The policy strategists are executive level positions reporting directly to the commissioners with policy and
technical consultation and research support regarding major regulatory issues in the areas of electricity,
telecommunications, water and natural gas. Strategists are also charged with developing comprehensive policy
strategy, providing assistance and advice on major litigation before the commission, public agencies and
organizations.
Contact Stephen Goodson, policy strategist, at 1-208-334-0354.

The commission secretary, a post established by Idaho law, keeps a precise public record of all commission
proceedings. The secretary issues notices, orders and other documents to the proper parties and is the official
custodian of documents issued by and filed with the commission. Most of these documents are public records.
Contact Jan Noriyuki, commission secretary, at 1-208-334-0338.

The executive director has primary responsibility for the commission’s fiscal and administrative operations,
preparing the commission budget and supervising fiscal, administration, public information, personnel,
information systems, rail section operations and pipeline safety. The executive director also serves as a liaison
between the commission and other state agencies and the Legislature.
Contact Maria Barratt-Riley, executive director, at 1-208-334-0337.

The public information office is responsible for public communication between the commission, the general
public and interfacing governmental offices. The responsibility includes news releases, responses to public
inquiries, coordinating and facilitating commission workshops and public hearings and the preparation and
coordination of any IPUC report directed or recommended by the Idaho Legislature or Governor.
Contact Adam Rush, public information officer, at 1-208-334-0339.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Legal
Five deputy attorneys general are assigned to the commission from the Office of the Attorney General and have
permanent offices at IPUC headquarters. The IPUC attorneys represent the staff in all matters before the
commission, working closely with staff accountants, engineers, investigators and economists as they develop their
recommendations for rate case and policy proceedings.

In the hearing room, IPUC attorneys coordinate the presentation of the staff’s case and cross-examine other
parties who submit testimony. The attorneys also represent the commission itself in state and federal courts and
before other state or federal regulatory agencies.
Contact John R. Hammond Jr., legal division director, at 1-208-334-0357.
Utilities Division
The Utilities Division, responsible for technical and policy analysis of utility matters before the commission, is
divided into four sections.

The staff analyzes each petition, complaint, rate increase request or application for an operating certificate
received by the commission. In formal proceedings before the commission, the staff acts as a separate party to
the case, presenting its own testimony, evidence and expert witnesses. The commission considers staff
recommendations along with those of other participants in each case - including utilities, public, agricultural,
industrial, business and consumer groups.

Contact Terri Carlock, utilities division administrator, at 1-208-334-0356.

The accounting section of five auditors and one program manager audits utility books and records to verify
reported revenue, expenses and compliance with commission orders. Staff auditors present the results of their
findings in audit reports as well as in formal testimony and exhibits. When a utility requests a rate increase, cost-
of-capital studies are performed to determine a recommended rate of return. Revenues, expenses and
investments are analyzed to determine the amount needed for the utility to earn the recommended return on its
investment.
Contact Donn English, accounting section program manager, at 1-208-334-0362.

The engineering section of two engineers, two utility analysts, and one program manager reviews the physical
operations of utilities. The Staff of engineers and analysts develops computer models of utility operations and
compares alternative costs to repair, replace and acquire facilities to serve utility customers. The group
establishes the price of acquiring cogeneration and renewable generation facilities and identifies the cost of
serving various types of customers. They evaluate the adequacy of utility services and frequently help resolve
customer complaints.
Contact Mike Louis, engineering section program manager, at 1-208-334-0316.
The technical analysis section of four utility analysts and one program manager determines the cost effectiveness
of all Demand Side Management (DSM) programs including energy efficiency and demand response. They identify
potential for new DSM programs and track the impact on utility revenues. They review utility forecasts of energy,
water and natural gas usage with focus on residential self-generation and rate design.
Contact Donn English, technical analysis program manager, at 1-208-334-0362.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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The telecommunications section oversees tariff and price list filings, area code oversight, Universal Service,
Lifeline and Telephone Relay Service. They assist and advise the commission on technical matters that include
advanced services, 911 and other matters as requested.
Contact Daniel Klein, program manager, at 1-208-334-0352.

The consumer assistance section includes three division investigators and one program manager who resolve
conflicts between utilities and their customers. Customers faced with service disconnections often seek help in
negotiating payment arrangements. Consumer Assistance may mediate disputes over billing, deposits, line
extensions and other service problems. Consumer Assistance monitors Idaho utilities to verify they are complying
with commission orders and regulations. Investigators participate in general rate and policy cases when rate
design and customer service issues are brought before the commission.
Contact Daniel Klein, consumer program manager, at 1-208-334-0352.
Railroad Safety Section
The railroad safety section oversees the safe operations of railroads that move freight in and through Idaho and
enforces state and federal regulations safeguarding the transportation of hazardous materials by rail in Idaho.
The commission’s rail safety specialists inspect railroad crossings and rail clearances for safety and maintenance
deficiencies. The Rail Section helps investigate all railroad-crossing accidents and makes recommendations for
safety improvements to crossings.
As part of its regulatory authority, the commission evaluates the discontinuance and abandonment of railroad
service in Idaho by conducting an independent evaluation of each case to determine whether the abandonment
of a particular railroad line would adversely affect Idaho shippers and whether the line has any profit potential.
Should the commission determine abandonment would be harmful to Idaho interests, it then represents the state
before the federal Surface Transportation Board, which has authority to grant or deny line abandonments.
Contact Wayne Andrews, rail inspector, at 1-208-334-0317.
Pipeline Safety Section
The pipeline safety section oversees the safe operation of the intrastate oil and natural gas pipelines in Idaho.

The commission’s pipeline safety personnel verify compliance with state and federal regulations by on-site
inspections of intrastate pipeline distribution systems. Part of the inspection process includes a review of record-
keeping practices and compliance with design, construction, operation, maintenance and drug/alcohol abuse
regulations.

Key objectives of the program are to monitor accidents and violations, to identify their contributing factors and to
implement practices to avoid accidents. All reportable accidents are investigated and appropriate reports filed
with the U.S. Department of Transportation in a timely manner.
Contact Bruce Perkins, interim pipeline safety program manager, at 1-208-334-0326.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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WHY CAN’T YOU JUST TELL THEM NO?

One of the most frequently asked questions the PUC receives after a utility files a rate increase
application is, “Why can’t you just tell them no?” Actually, we can, but not without evidence.
For more than 100 years, public utility regulation has been based on this regulatory compact
between utilities and regulators: Regulated utilities agree to invest in the generation,
transmission and distribution necessary to adequately and reliably serve all the customers in
their assigned territories. In return for that promise to serve, utilities are guaranteed recovery of
their prudently incurred expense along with an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return.
The rate of return allowed must be high enough to attract investors for the utility’s capital-
intensive generation, transmission and distribution projects, but not so high as to be
unreasonable for customers.
In setting rates, the commission must consider the needs of both the utility and its customers. The commission serves the
public interest, not the popular will. It is not in customers’ best interest, nor is it in the interest of the State of Idaho, to have
utilities that do not have the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to be able to provide safe, adequate
and reliable electrical, natural gas and water service. This is a critical, even life-saving, service for Idaho’s citizens and
essential to the state’s economic development and prosperity.
Unlike unregulated businesses, utilities cannot cut back on service as costs increase. As demand for electricity, natural gas
and water grows, utilities are statutorily required to meet that demand. In Idaho recently, and across the nation, a continued
increase in demand as well as a number of other factors have contributed to rate increases on a scale we have not witnessed
before. It is not unusual now for Idaho’s three major investor-owned electric utilities to file annual rate increase requests.
In light of these continued requests for rate increases, the commission walks a fine line in balancing the needs of utilities to
serve customers and customers’ ability to pay.
When a rate case is filed, our staff of auditors, engineers and attorneys will take up to six months to examine the request.
During that period, other parties, often representing customer groups, will “intervene” in the case for the purpose of
conducting discovery, presenting evidence and cross-examining the company and other parties to the case. The commission
staff, which operates independently of the commission, will also file its own comments that result from its investigation of
the company’s request. The three-member commission will also conduct technical and public hearings.
Once testimony from the company, commission staff and intervening parties is presented and testimony from hearings and
written comments is taken, all of that information is included in the official record for the case. It is only from the evidence
contained in this official record that the commission can render a decision.
If the utility has met its burden of proof in demonstrating that the additional expense it incurred was 1) necessary to serve
customers and 2) prudently incurred, the commission must allow the utility to recover that expense. The commission can --
and often does -- deny recovery of some or all the expense utilities seek to recover from customers if the commission is
confident it has the legal justification to do so. Utilities and parties to a rate case have the right to petition the commission
for reconsideration. Following reconsideration, utilities or customer groups can appeal the commission’s decision to the state
Supreme Court.
In the end, the commission’s job is to ensure that customers are paying a reasonable rate and are receiving adequate and
reliable service and that utilities are allowed to recover their prudently incurred expenses and earn a fair rate of return.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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ELECTRIC

Avista Utilities
2020 Average Number of Customers/Avg. Revenue/kwh*
350,699 Residential Customers/$0.09923
43,497 Commercial Customers/$0.10151
1,277 Industrial Customers/$0.05561

Idaho Power Company
2020 Average Number of Customers/Avg. Revenue/kwh*
484,432 Residential Customers/$0.1005
94,185 Commercial Customers/$0.0750
127 Industrial Customers/$0.0539

Rocky Mountain Power
2020 Average Number of Customers/Avg. Revenue/kwh*
PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power
68,786 Residential Customers/$0.1055
10,156 Commercial Customers/$0.0835
6,391 Industrial Customers/$0.0677

*The information above shows each regulated electric utility’s average number of customers per customer class
and the average revenue per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 2020.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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Avista
Avista will host public meetings to share information on two integrated
resource plans
Avista Utilities will hold public meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday to share information and take comment on
its draft integrated resource plans for natural gas and electric customers.
An integrated resource plan is created by a utility to map out how it will meet the energy needs of its customers
over the next 20 years. Avista, which serves customers in several states, including northern Idaho, has created a
draft integrated resource plan for its natural gas and electric customers.
Avista is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. (MST). Idaho customers are welcome to participate.
Avista staff will give a short presentation providing an overview of each integrated resource plan. Because of
concerns regarding Covid-19, the meeting will be held virtually using the Microsoft Teams platform. Those
interested in listening to the presentation or commenting on the draft plan can call 1-253-372-2181 and use
conference ID 203 830 370. To participate online using the Microsoft Teams platform, please visit Microsoft
Teams Meeting.
Avista will also host a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (MST) using the ZOOM
platform. Avista staff will give a presentation on each draft plan, and there will be an opportunity to ask
questions. Those interested in participating are asked to register in advance by visiting: myAvista.com/IRP.
The meetings are open to the public, and will address questions regarding Avista’s service territory in
Washington, Oregon and Idaho. To learn more about the draft integrated resource plans, please visit:
myAvista.com/IRP.

Commission schedules public workshop on proposed Avista natural gas,
electric rate increases and will consider prop osed settlement
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a public workshop on Wednesday, June 16, to share information
on a proposed rate increase for Avista natural gas and electric customers in Idaho.
The public workshop is on June 16 and begins at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). Those interested in attending and learning
more about Avista’s application can call 1-415-655-0001, and enter meeting number 133 194 8246. Participation
also can be done online by visiting idahogov.webex.com, and entering meeting number 133 194 8246. At the next
window, please enter your name, e-mail address and this password: June16Meeting.
Parties to the case have proposed a settlement with a two-year rate plan that, if approved by the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission, would allow Avista to increase annual base electric revenues by $10.6 million, or 4.3
percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and increase annual base electric revenues by $8.0 million, or 3.1 percent,
effective Sept. 1, 2022.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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For natural gas, the parties agree that Avista should be allowed to decrease natural gas base revenue by $1.6
million, or 3.7 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and increase natural gas base revenue by $0.9 million, or 2.2
percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022. Through the settlement agreement, the parties also agree to return to customers
available tax credits of approximately $31.3 million for electric over the two-year rate plan and $12.1 million for
natural gas over 10 years.
If the settlement is approved, a residential electric customer using an average of 892 kilowatt hours per month
would see a billed increase of $0.49 per month, or 0.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and a billed increase of
$0.31 per month, or 0.4 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022. A residential natural gas customer using an average of
63 therms per month would see a billed decrease of $2.30 per month, or 4.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and
a billed increase of $0.76 per month, or 1.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022.
Avista’s original proposal called for an increase in rates for electric customers and natural gas customers over a
two-year period. In the first year, Avista proposed to increase electric revenues by $24.8 million, or 10.1 percent,
and natural gas revenues by $0.1 million, or 0.1 percent, beginning Sept. 1, 2021. In the second year, Avista
originally requested an increase of $8.7 million, or 3.2 percent, for electric customers, and $1 million, or 2.2
percent, for natural gas customers. Avista’s original request also proposed to offset the proposed rate increases
with available tax credits, similar to the settlement agreement.
To learn more about Avista’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6614.

Commission schedules telephonic public hearing on proposed Avista natural
gas, electric rate increases and will consider proposed settlement
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic public hearing on Wednesday, July 14, to take
testimony on a proposed rate increase for Avista natural gas and electric customers in Idaho.
The telephonic hearing begins at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). Those interested in submitting verbal testimony are asked to
call 1-415-655-0001, and enter passcode 133 481 5766 when prompted. Those planning on testifying are
encouraged to join the hearing at 5:45 p.m. (PDT).
Parties to the case have proposed a settlement with a two-year rate plan that, if approved by the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission, would allow Avista to increase annual base electric revenues by $10.6 million, or 4.3
percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and increase annual base electric revenues by $8.0 million, or 3.1 percent,
effective Sept. 1, 2022.
For natural gas, the parties agree that Avista should be allowed to decrease natural gas base revenue by $1.6
million, or 3.7 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and increase natural gas base revenue by $0.9 million, or 2.2
percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022. Through the settlement agreement, the parties also agree to return to customers
available tax credits of approximately $31.3 million for electric over the two-year rate plan and $12.1 million for
natural gas over 10 years.
If the settlement is approved, a residential electric customer using an average of 892 kilowatt hours per month
would see a billed increase of $0.49 per month, or 0.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and a billed increase of
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 17
$0.31 per month, or 0.4 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022. A residential natural gas customer using an average of
63 therms per month would see a billed decrease of $2.30 per month, or 4.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2021, and
a billed increase of $0.76 per month, or 1.6 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2022.
Avista’s original proposal called for an increase in rates for electric customers and natural gas customers over a
two-year period. In the first year, Avista proposed to increase electric revenues by $24.8 million, or 10.1 percent,
and natural gas revenues by $0.1 million, or 0.1 percent, beginning Sept. 1, 2021. In the second year, Avista
originally requested an increase of $8.7 million, or 3.2 percent, for electric customers, and $1 million, or 2.2
percent, for natural gas customers. Avista’s original request also proposed to offset the proposed rate increases
with available tax credits, similar to the settlement agreement.
In addition to the telephonic hearing, those wishing to submit written comments on the proposed rate increases
may do so. Public testimony and written comments become part of the permanent public record for the case.
Written comments are due by the close of business on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Comments must be filed by e-mail unless
it is unavailable. To comment by e-mail, please visit puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab and then the
“Case Comment or Question Form” and complete the form using case number AVU-G-21-01 if commenting on
the proposed natural gas rate increase or case number AVU-E-21-01 if commenting on the proposed electric rate
increase. If e-mail is not available, comments may be mailed to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and Avista at
these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street address for the commission to send express mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Avista:
David J. Meyer, Esq.
Vice President and Chief Counsel for Regulatory & Governmental Affairs
Avista Corporation
P.O. Box 3727 1
411 E. Mission Avenue
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]

To learn more about Avista’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6614.
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Page 18
Idaho Public Utilities Commission sets public comment deadline on Avista
application to increase surcharge rate fo r electric customers
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment until Sept. 9 on an application from Avista to
increase its annual Power Cost Adjustment surcharge rate from 0.015 cents per kilowatt hour to 0.251 cents per
kilowatt hour.
Avista, which serves electric and natural gas customers in northern Idaho, reported higher overall power supply
expenses than are included in electric retail rates. Avista said increased power supply expenses that were driven
primarily by increases in thermal generation and changes in natural gas generation resulted in supply expenses of
$12.5 million. Avista also said the surcharges were offset by favorable net purchases and transmission expense for
a $4.7 million rebate.
If Avista’s application is approved, electric residential customers using an average of 896 kilowatts per month
would see monthly bills increase 2.5 percent, from $85.63 to $87.74. The company has requested an effective
date of Oct. 1, 2021.
The annual Power Cost Adjustment tracks changes in Avista’s hydroelectric generation, secondary prices, thermal
fuel costs and other changes in power contract revenues and expenses.
Written comments on Avista’s application are being accepted until Sept. 9, 2021. Comments are required to be
filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage
at puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment
Form.” Please use case number AVU-E21-09 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-mailed to
Avista at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Avista at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Avista:
David J. Meyer, Esq. (MSC-10)
Patrick Ehrbar (MSC-27)
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P.O. Box 3727
1411 E. Mission Ave.
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For additional information on Avista’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6737.

Commission appro ves applications from Avista Utilities that will change
rates for natural gas customers
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved two applications from Avista Utilities that will result in a rate
change to customers.
In July, Avista filed its annual purchased gas cost adjustment application. The purchased gas adjustment is a
mechanism approved by the commission that adjusts rates up or down to reflect changes in Avista’s costs to buy
natural gas from suppliers, including changes in transportation, storage, and other related costs. The company
defers the costs into its purchased gas adjustment account, then passes them on to customers through an
increase or decrease in rates.
The company has natural gas customers in northern Idaho, and transports the natural gas it buys to the
customers through pipelines. In its purchased gas adjustment application, it proposed to pass-through changes in
the estimated cost of natural gas for September 2021 through October 2022 to customers. It also proposed to
revise the amortization rates to collect the balance of deferred natural gas costs. Avista said it filed the purchased
gas adjustment application earlier than the typical August-September timeframe to limit the bill impact to
customers from the accumulated deferral and amortization surcharge balances that have increased due to rising
natural gas costs in recent months.
Avista has received approval from the commission to increase rates for an average residential or small
commercial customer by $6.00 per month, or 12.1 percent, beginning Sept. 1, 2021. Residential or small
commercial customers using an average of 63 therms per month will see their monthly bills increase from $49.49
to $55.49. The change in rates will result in an annual revenue increase of $9.0 million for Avista, or about 13.5
percent.
The company also received approval from the commission to refund deferred credit balances associated with
depreciation expense, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act benefits that would decrease natural gas revenues by approximately $1.9 million, or 2.9
percent beginning Sept. 1, 2021. The approval decreases rates for an average residential or small commercial
customer using an average of 63 therms per month by $1.44 each month.

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For additional information on Avista’s applications and the commission’s decisions regarding them, please visit
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6722 and puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6721.

Commission appro ves settlement agreement that will allow Avista to change
rates for natural gas and electric customers
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a settlement agreement between Avista Utilities and parties
to the settlement that will allow the company to change rates for its electric and natural gas customers over a
two-year period.
Effective Sept. 1, 2021, an electric residential customer using an average of 892 kilowatt hours per month will see
a $0.49 increase for a revised monthly bill of $86.12. Beginning Sept. 1, 2022, an electric residential customer will
see a $0.31 increase for a revised monthly bill of $86.43.
Effective Sept. 1, 2021, a natural gas residential customer using an average of 63 therms per month will see a
$2.30 decrease for a revised monthly bill of $47.19. Beginning Sept. 1, 2022, a natural gas residential customer
will see a $0.76 increase for a revised monthly bill of $47.95.
The settlement agreement will impact the amount of revenue that Avista gathers for its electric and natural gas
service, and includes the refunding of tax customer credits that will also impact how much revenue is gathered
during the two-year rate increase.
As part of the settlement agreement, the company agreed it will not file another general rate case before Sept. 1,
2023.
For additional information on the settlement agreement, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6614.

Idaho Power
Commission approves Idaho Power application to decrease customer rates
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an application from Idaho Power to decrease customer rates
by 0.33 percent based on the closure of the Boardman Power Plant in north-central Oregon.

Boardman, a pulverized-coal plant that started service in 1980, consists of a single generating unit. Idaho Power
owns a 10 percent interest, or 58.5 megawatts in Boardman. After certain adjustments, Idaho Power’s annual
share is approximately 50 megawatts. Boardman was scheduled to stop operating on Oct. 31, 2020.

In February 2012, the public utilities commission authorized Idaho Power to establish a balancing account to track
the incremental costs and benefits for an early shutdown of Boardman. The balancing account was intended to
“stabilize customer rates and increase the likelihood that the customers who benefit from Boardman’s continuing
operation will pay the associated costs.”
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Idaho Power said the balancing account was originally composed of all plant investments as of May 31, 2012,
which included actual investments through Dec. 31, 2011, and forecasted investments from Jan. 1, 2012, through
May 31, 2012, projected additions to Boardman from June 2012 through 2020 and estimated decommissioning
and salvage costs. This application reflects actual costs through June 30, 2020. The commission finds the
additional investments necessary and prudent.

The result of the balancing account process was the 0.33 percent reduction in customer rates.

Idaho Power submitted a separate application to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in August seeking approval
to increase the collection percentage of the energy efficiency rider outlined in Tariff Schedule 91 from 2.75
percent of customer base rates to 3.10 percent of base rates. Idaho Power said the average residential customer
using 950 kilowatts per month would see approximately a $0.29 increase in their monthly bill, or approximately
$3.50 per year.

The commission approved the increase in December, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

With the approval of both applications from Idaho Power, the average residential customer’s bill will decrease by
$0.02 per month.

For additional information on Idaho Power’s application and the commission’s final order, please visit:
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6553

Commission sets May 11 public comment deadline on annual fi xed cost
adjustment application from Idaho Power
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has set a May 11 deadline for the public to submit comments on an Idaho
Power application to implement new fixed cost adjustment rates for electric service from June 1, 2021 through
May 31, 2022.
If approved, the new fixed cost adjustment rates would be for residential and small general service customers.
The fixed cost adjustment is a cost-recovery mechanism that allows a utility to recover a commission-authorized
amount of fixed costs per customer. It is adjusted each spring based on changes in energy use among customers
over the previous year. If the fixed costs recovered are less than the fixed costs authorized in the utility’s most
recent rate case, customers see a surcharge on their bill. If the utility collects more in fixed costs than is
authorized by the commission, customers receive a credit.
Idaho Power is applying for a corresponding revised tariff Schedule 54 – fixed cost adjustment - to recover the
2020 fixed cost adjustment balance. Idaho Power said the 2020 fixed cost adjustment balance is $38,315,499,
made up of $36,706,200 for the residential class and $1,609,299 for the small general service class.
Idaho Power is requesting an increase to fixed cost adjustment rates of 0.7008 cents per kilowatt hour for
residential customers and 0.8864 cents per kilowatt hour for small general service customers. If approved, the
proposed rates would increase current billed revenue for the residential and small general service customers by
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Page 22
0.38 percent per year. The company said a typical residential customer would see an increase of approximately
$0.37 on their monthly bill if the application is approved in full.
Comments must be filed through the public utilities commission website or by e-mail unless computer access is
not available. To comment using e-mail, please visit puc.idaho.gov and click on the “Case Comment Form” link
that is on the lower right side of the page. Please complete the form using case number IPC-E-21-03. Comments
must also be e-mailed to [e-mail], [e-mail] and
[e-mail].
If computer access is not available, comments will need to be mailed to:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

Street address for express mail for the commission:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Idaho Power:
Nathan Gardiner
Pawel Goralski
1221 West Idaho Street (83702)
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707-0070

For additional information on Idaho Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6663.

Commission schedules online public workshop to share information on
Idaho Power application to exit North Valmy Power Plant Unit 2 in 2025
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is holding an online public workshop to share information on an Idaho
Power application asking that the commission find that an exit date of Dec. 31, 2025, to exit the North Valmy
Power Plant is appropriate based on currently available information.
Valmy is a coal-fired power plant that consists of two units, and is located near Battle Mountain, Nev. Unit 1 went
into service in 1981 and Unit 2 followed in 1985. Idaho Power owns 50 percent, or 284 megawatts, of Valmy. The
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Page 23
power plant is jointly owned by Idaho Power and NV Energy. Idaho Power, in a settlement stipulation approved by
the commission, agreed to use prudent and commercially reasonable efforts to end its participation in the
operation of Unit 1 by the end of 2019, and Unit 2 by the end of 2025. On Dec. 31, 2019, the company’s
participation in coal-fired operations at Unit 1 concluded.
Idaho Power identified those dates after doing a series of economic analyses of the units. The company
determined in this application that Unit 2 would still be economically viable until the end of 2025.
The online public workshop will be held Wednesday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). Those wishing to participate
online can do so by visiting idahogov.webex.com and entering meeting number 177 312 9655. At the next
window, please enter your name, e-mail address and the password JulyWorkshop. Participation also can be done
over the phone by calling 1-415-655- 0001 and entering meeting number 177 312 9655.
Written comments on Idaho Power’s application are being accepted until Aug. 17, 2021. Comments are required
to be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s
webpage at puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case
Comment Form.” Please use case number IPC-E-21-12 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-
mailed to Idaho Power at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Idaho Power at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Idaho Power:
Lisa D. Nordstrom
Matt Larkin
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 24
For additional information on Idaho Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6693

Commission schedules telephonic public hearing to take testimony on Idaho
Power application to exit North Valmy Power Plant Unit 2 in 2025
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic public hearing on Aug. 24 to take testimony on an
Idaho Power application asking that the commission find that a date of Dec. 31, 2025, to exit the North Valmy
Power Plant is appropriate based on currently available information.

Valmy is a coal-fired power plant that consists of two units, and is located near Battle Mountain, Nev. Unit 1 went
into service in 1981 and Unit 2 followed in 1985. Idaho Power owns 50 percent, or 284 megawatts, of Valmy. The
power plant is jointly owned by Idaho Power and NV Energy. Idaho Power, in a settlement stipulation approved by
the commission, agreed to use prudent and commercially reasonable efforts to end its participation in the
operation of Unit 1 by the end of 2019, and Unit 2 by the end of 2025. On Dec. 31, 2019, the company’s
participation in coal-fired operations at Unit 1 concluded.

Idaho Power identified those dates after doing a series of economic analyses of the units. The company
determined in this application that Unit 2 would still be economically viable until the end of 2025.

The hearing is on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). To participate, please call 1-415-655- 0001, and enter
passcode 177 246 6391 when prompted.

Written comments on Idaho Power’s application are being accepted until Aug. 17, 2021. Comments are required
to be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s
webpage at puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case
Comment Form.” Please use case number IPC-E-21-12 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-
mailed to Idaho Power at the e-mail addresses listed below.

If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Idaho Power at these addresses:

For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074 s
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 25
For Idaho Power:

Lisa D. Nordstrom
Matt Larkin
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For additional information on Idaho Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6693.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Idaho Power schedule workshops on
design of net-metering study
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission and Idaho Power have scheduled online public workshops to share
information on the potential design of a study to examine the costs, benefits and compensation of extra energy
that is generated by Idaho Power customers who have solar panel systems.
In addition, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic public hearing to take verbal testimony on
the potential design of the study.
A net metering program allows Idaho Power customers to pay an independent contractor to have solar panels or
other systems installed on their homes or property and then receive credit from Idaho Power for the surplus
energy they deliver to the company. On Dec. 20, 2019, the commission granted legacy treatment to customers
who had installed, or submitted an application to install with a financial commitment, an on-site generation
system under Schedules 6 and 8 (Case No. IPC-E-18-15, Order No. 34509.) If an application was filed by this date,
customers had until Dec. 1, 2020, to complete and connect the installation. Customers who made a financial
commitment but had not submitted an application to Idaho Power had 30 days from Dec. 20, 2019, to submit an
application to the company. Customers in Schedule 6 and Schedule 8 are residential and small general service
customers.
Schedule 84 defines the terms for commercial, industrial, and irrigation customers who are participating in net
metering. In Case No. IPC-E-20-26, Order No. 34854, customers in this schedule were given legacy treatment
under the same conditions as customers in Schedules 6 and 8 above.
The commission also issued an order directing Idaho Power to do a comprehensive study of its net-metering
program for customers.
Idaho Power will host an online public workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to share
information on the potential design of a study. To participate, please visit
https://idahopower.webex.com/idahopower/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee7facc6b894bb4fdf8360eb69 9851953. At
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Page 26
the next window, please enter event number 2598 994 4136 and this password: Power123. To participate over
the phone, please call 1-650-479-3208 and enter access code 2598 994 4136. At the workshop, the public may
ask Idaho Power staff about the proposed design of the study and how they may participate in future
proceedings.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission staff will hold an online public workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 6:00 p.m.
(Mountain Time) to share information on staff’s analysis of the proposed design of the study. The public may ask
staff questions during the workshop. To participate online, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter meeting
number 2450 964 1384 when prompted. At the next window, please enter your name, e-mail address and this
password: OctoberWorkshop. To participate over the phone, please dial 1-415-655-0001, and enter meeting
number 2450 964 1384 when prompted.
The commission will also hold a telephonic public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to
take verbal testimony from members of the public and customers of Idaho Power. For those who want to call in
and listen only, please call 1-800-920-7487, and enter participant code 9877 951#. For those who want to call in
and submit verbal testimony, please call 1-800-920-7487 and enter participant code 6674 832#.
Depending on attendance and public interest during the telephonic hearing, the commission may impose a five-
minute cap on each caller’s testimony to ensure those wanting to submit testimony have the opportunity to do
so.

Rocky Mountain Power
Commission schedules telephonic hearing on application to approve lease
agreement between Rocky Mountain Power, New Cingular Wirele ss
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic customer hearing on Monday, April 26, to take verbal
testimony on an application from Rocky Mountain Power to approve a lease agreement with New Cingular
Wireless PSC, LLC.
The telephonic customer hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. MDT on Monday, April 26. The hearing is intended to
take testimony from customers, public officials, and others not related to parties in the case. To participate, those
interested can call 1-415-655-0001 shortly before or at the designated time, and enter meeting number 133 992
2574 when prompted.
If approved, the lease would allow Cingular Wireless to attach small cell wireless facilities on Rocky Mountain
Power’s street light poles. The lease is for a ten-year term, with automatic one-year renewals until either party
terminates it. The lease calls for New Cingular Wireless to submit applications to Rocky Mountain Power to use
individual street poles, and Rocky Mountain will grant or deny each application.
In addition, non-metered service may be provided to New Cingular under Rocky Mountain’s Electric Service
Regulation No. 4. Alternatively, Rocky Mountain may provide metered service.
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Page 27
Those interested in stating a position on Rocky Mountain Power’s application may file a written comment
explaining why they support or oppose the application. Comments are due on April 28, 2021, and must be filed
through the commission’s website or by e-mail unless computer access is unavailable. To comment electronically,
please visit the commission’s home page at www.puc.idaho.gov, and click on the “Case Comment Form” at the
bottom right side of the page. Please use Case No. PAC-E-21-04 when completing the form. To file comments
using e-mail, please send the comments to [e-mail], [e-mail],
[e-mail] and [e-mail].
If computer access is unavailable, comments can be mailed to the commission and company at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

Street address for the commission for express mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Rocky Mountain Power:
Ted Weston
John Hutchings
1407 W. North Temple, Suite 330
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Data Request Response Center
825 NE Multnomah, Suite 2000
Portland, OR 97232

Those interested in learning more about Rocky Mountain Power’s application can visit:
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6650.

Commission schedules telepho nic public hearing to take verbal testimony
on Rocky Mountain Power application to sell assets
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a public telephonic customer hearing on Sept. 22 to take verbal
testimony on an application from Rocky Mountain Power to sell assets to the City of Idaho Falls.
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Page 28
Rocky Mountain Power is asking the commission for approval to sell electric facilities the city needs to provide
electric service to 733 customers in Idaho Falls. Rocky Mountain and Idaho Falls reached an allocation agreement
in 2017 to reduce duplication of service and promote stability in their respective service areas.
If Rocky Mountain Power’s application is approved by the commission, the City of Idaho Falls would purchase
poles, wires, cross arms, insulators and other facilities no longer needed by Rocky Mountain to provide service to
customers. The city would pay Rocky Mountain Power $4,152,351 for those items.
The telephonic customer hearing is on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 6:00 p.m. (MDT). Commissioners will take verbal
testimony from members of the public and Rocky Mountain Power customers. To participate, please call 1-415-
655-0001, and enter meeting number 177 851 2120 when prompted.
Written comments on Rocky Mountain Power’s application are being accepted. They are required to be filed by e-
mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at
puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment Form.”
Please use case number PAC-E-21- 17 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-mailed to Rocky
Mountain Power at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Rocky Mountain Power at these
addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Rocky Mountain Power:
Ted Weston
Emily Wegener
1407 W. North Temple, Suite 330
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Data Request Response Center
PacifiCorp
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 29
825 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 2000
Portland, OR 97232
[e-mail]
Comments also can be mailed to the City of Idaho Falls, but it is not required.
For the City of Idaho Falls:
Bear Prairie
Idaho Falls City Power
140 S. Capital Ave.
P.O. Box 50220
Idaho Falls, ID 83405

For additional information on Rocky Mountain Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6732.

Commission schedules online public workshop regarding Rocky Mountain
Power application to increase electric rates
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host an online workshop Oct. 13 to share information on an application
from Rocky Mountain Power to increase rates for electric customers in eastern Idaho.
Rocky Mountain is asking for commission approval to increase rates for customers by approximately 7 percent. If
approved, the average bill for a residential customer would increase by about $10.32 each month.
At the online workshop, staff with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will present information on Rocky
Mountain Power’s application and answer questions. The workshop is Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 6:00 p.m.
(Mountain Time). To attend online, please visit idahogov.webex.com, and enter meeting number 177 928 3400.
At the next window, please enter your name, e-mail address and this password: OctoberWorkshop. To attend
over the phone, please call 1-415-655-0001, and enter meeting number 177 928 3400 when prompted.
Comments are being accepted on Rocky Mountain Power’s application. They are required to be filed by e-mail
unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at
puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment Form.”
Please use case number PAC-E-21-07 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-mailed to Rocky
Mountain Power at the email addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Rocky Mountain Power at these
addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 30
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]
Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Rocky Mountain Power:
Ted Weston
1407 West North Temple, Suite 330
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
[e-mail]

Emily Wegener
Matthew D. McVee
1407 West North Temple, Suite 320
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For additional information on Rocky Mountain Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6659.

Commission schedules telephonic public hearing to take testimony on Rocky
Mountain Power application to increase electric rat es
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic public hearing on Nov. 15 to take verbal testimony on
an application from Rocky Mountain Power to increase rates for electric customers in eastern Idaho.
Rocky Mountain is asking for commission approval to increase rates for customers by approximately 7 percent. If
approved, the average bill for a residential customer would increase by about $10.32 each month.
The telephonic hearing will be held Monday, Nov. 15, at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). For those who want to call in
and listen only, please dial 1-800-920-7487, then enter participant code 9877 951#. For those who want to
submit formal testimony, please dial 1-800-920-7587, and enter participant code 6674 832#.
Depending on attendance and public interest, the commission may impose a five-minute cap on each caller’s
testimony.
Comments are being accepted on Rocky Mountain Power’s application. They are required to be filed by e-mail
unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at
puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment Form.”
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Please use case number PAC-E-21-07 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-mailed to Rocky
Mountain Power at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission and Rocky Mountain Power at these
addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Rocky Mountain Power:
Ted Weston
1407 West North Temple, Suite 330
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
[e-mail]

Emily Wegener
Matthew D. McVee
1407 West North Temple, Suite 320
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For additional information on Rocky Mountain Power’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6659.

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WATER
Regulated water companies

Company Customers Nearest city/town
Algoma Water Company 27 Sand Point
Aspen Creek 47 Fish Haven
Bitterroot Water System, Inc. 160 Coeur d'Alene
Capitol Water 2,941 Boise
CDS Stoneridge Utilities, LLC 375 Blanchard
Eagle Water Company, Inc. 4,177 Eagle
Falls Water Company, Inc. 6,193 Ammon
Gem State Water 400 Coeur d'Alene
Grouse Point Water 24 Kuna
Happy Valley Water System 27 Athol
Island Park Water Company 362 Island Park
Kootenai Heights Water System, Inc. 11 Kootenai
Mayfield Springs Water Company 101 Kuna
Morning View Water Company, Inc. 118 Rigby
Picabo Livestock Company 35 Picabo
Ponderosa Terrace Estates Water System, Inc. 22 Sandpoint
Resort Water Company 449 Sandpoint
Rocky Mountain Utility Company, Inc. 112 Rigby
Schweitzer Basin Water LLC 464 Sandpoint
Suez Water Idaho Inc. 97,029 Boise
Sunbeam Water Company 22 American Falls
Teton Water and Sewer Company, LLC 297 Driggs
Troy Hoffman Water Corporation 147 Coeur d'Alene

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SUEZ Water
Commission schedules virtual workshops, hearings to share information on
proposed SUEZ Water rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a virtual workshop on Thursday, March 25, to share information on
a proposal from SUEZ Water to raise its rates by 22.3 percent.
The virtual workshop will provide customers with an overview of the application from SUEZ to raise rates, and an
analysis from commission staff regarding how the proposed increase would impact customers. At the workshop,
customers may ask commission staff about the application and how customers may further participate.
Representatives from SUEZ also will be available to answer questions during the workshop.
The workshop starts at 6:00 p.m. (MST). To participate online, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter 133
719 2187. At the next window, enter your name, e-mail address and this password: ThursdayMeeting.
In addition to the workshop on March 25, the commission will host a telephonic customer hearing on Thursday,
April 15, at 6:00 p.m. (MST). The purpose of the hearing is to take testimony from members of the public and
SUEZ customers. To participate online, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter 133 430 0807. At the next
window, please enter your name, email address and the password ThursdayMeeting. To participate by telephone,
please call 1-415- 655-0001 and enter the passcode 133 430 0807 when prompted. Those planning on testifying
are encouraged to join the hearing at 5:30 p.m. (MST).
The commission will host a technical hearing beginning on Tuesday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. (MST), and continuing
on Wednesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 22, if necessary. A technical hearing is an opportunity for parties to
the case to present witnesses and testimony, including exhibits. Non-parties interested in listening to the
testimony and presentations at the technical hearing can attend, but will not be allowed to ask questions or
testify. To listen to the hearing on April 20, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter 133 596 6873. At the next
window, enter your name, e-mail address and this password: TuesdayMeeting. To listen over the phone, please
call 1-415-655-0001, and enter access code 133 596 6873. To listen on Wednesday, April 21, please visit
idahogov.webex.com and enter 133 759 4530. At the next window, enter your name, e-mail address and this
password: WednesdayMeeting. To listen over the phone, please call 1-415-655-001 and enter access code 133
759 4530. The start time for the hearing on Wednesday will be determined at the close of the hearing on
Tuesday. If necessary, the technical hearing will continue on Thursday, April 22. To attend, please visit
idahogov.webex.com and enter 133 928 5445. At the next window, enter your name, e-mail address and this
password: ThursdayMeeting. To listen over the phone, please call 1-415-655- 0001 and enter access code 133
928 5445. The start time for the hearing on Thursday will be determined at the close of the hearing on
Wednesday.
Those interested in submitting written comments on the proposed rate increase can do so. Comments must be
filed through the commission’s website or by e-mail unless computer access is not available. To submit comments
electronically, please visit: www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Case Comment Form” and complete the form using
case number SUZ-W-20-02. Comments also can be submitted by e-mailing them to [e-mail],
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[e-mail], [e-mail], and [e-mail]. Comments will need
to be submitted to all of those e-mail addresses.
If computer access is not available, comments can be mailed to:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Boulevard
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For SUEZ Water Idaho:

Michael C. Creamer
Preston N. Carter
Givens Pursley LLP
601 W. Bannock Street
Boise, ID 83702

For additional information on the application to raise rates, please visit: https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6543.

Commission approves settlement agreement allowing SUEZ Water Idaho to
raise rates by 8.75 percent over 2 years
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a settlement agreement between SUEZ Water of Idaho and
its customers that will allow the utility to raise rates by 8.75 percent over a two-year period. The percentage
represents an increase in revenue of $3.99 million.
SUEZ initially proposed to raise rates by 22.3 percent, but agreed to enter into settlement negotiations with
customers and stakeholders in February. The settlement negotiations resulted in the approved 8.75 percent rate
increase.
The settlement agreement, approved by the commission on April 30, includes a phase-in of the rate increase.
Customers will see a 3.55 percent increase on May 1, 2021, which represents increased revenues of $1.62 million
in the first year. On May 1, 2022, rates will increase by 5.2 percent, representing a $2.37 million increase in the
second year.
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As part of the settlement, SUEZ agreed to file an updated depreciation study with its next general rates case,
undertake a load study, and broaden public outreach efforts that include hosting public workshops related to
water quality and resource planning. The company also agreed to examine its low-income assistance program,
including participation and future opportunities.
In its order issued Friday, the commission acknowledged customer concerns regarding discolored water on the
Boise Bench. It encouraged SUEZ to continue with efforts to implement solutions that would address the
discolored water, and SUEZ agreed to keep commission staff informed of the efforts.
For more information about the commission’s approval of the rate increase, please visit
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6543.

Commission schedules online public workshop on application to allow SUEZ
Water to acquire Eagle Water
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will hold an online public workshop on Oct. 5 to share information on an
application to allow SUEZ Water Idaho to acquire assets from Eagle Water Company. SUEZ Water Idaho and Eagle
Water Company filed a joint application with the commission on June 8 asking for approval.
The online public workshop will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). At the workshop, commission staff
will present an overview of the application and answer questions from those attending. Staff from SUEZ Water
Idaho also will be available to answer questions. To participate online, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter
meeting number 2463 517 8624. At the next window, please enter your name, e-mail address and this password:
OctoberWorkshop. To participate by phone, please call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2463 517
8624 when prompted.
Written comments on the application are being accepted through Nov. 8, 2021. They are required to be filed by
e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at
puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment Form.”
Please use case number SUZ-W-18-02 or EAGW-18-01 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-
mailed to SUEZ Water and Eagle Water at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission, SUEZ and Eagle Water at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]
Street Address for Express Mail:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 36
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For SUEZ Water Idaho, Inc.:
Michael Creamer
Preston Carter
601 Bannock St.
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For Eagle Water Company:
Molly O’Leary
1775 W. State St., #150
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]

Robert Deshazo
188 W. State St.
Eagle, ID 83616
[e-mail]

For additional information on the application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/3610.

Commission schedules telephonic public hearing to take verbal testimony
on appl ication to allow SUEZ Water to acquire Eagle Water
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic public hearing on Nov. 1 to take verbal testimony on
an application to allow SUEZ Water Idaho to acquire assets from Eagle Water Company. SUEZ Water Idaho and
Eagle Water Company filed a joint application with the commission on June 8 asking for approval.
The telephonic hearing will be on Monday, Nov. 1, at 7:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). The purpose of the hearing is to
take testimony from members of the public and customers of the companies. For those who wish to call in and
listen only, please dial 1-800-920-7487 and enter participant code 9877 951#. For those who plan to offer verbal
testimony, please call 1-800-920-7487 and enter participant code 6674 832#.
Depending on public interest and attendance, the commission may impose a five-minute cap on each caller’s
testimony to ensure all participants have the opportunity to submit their verbal comments for the record.
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Page 37
Written comments on the application are being accepted through Nov. 8, 2021. They are required to be filed by
e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the commission’s webpage at
puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Consumers” tab toward the top of the page, then click on the “Case Comment Form.”
Please use case number SUZ-W-18-02 or EAGW-18-01 when filling out the form. Any comments should also be e-
mailed to SUEZ Water and Eagle Water at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission, SUEZ and Eagle Water at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]
Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For SUEZ Water Idaho, Inc.:
Michael Creamer
Preston Carter
601 Bannock St.
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For Eagle Water Company:
Molly O’Leary
1775 W. State St., #150
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]

Robert Deshazo
188 W. State St.
Eagle, ID 83616
[e-mail]

For additional information on the application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/3610.

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Page 38
Proposed settlement agreement re garding acquisition of Eagle Water
Company by SUEZ Water Idaho has been submitted to Idaho Public U tilities
Commission
A proposed settlement agreement that spells out the terms allowing SUEZ Water Idaho to acquire the assets of
Eagle Water Company has been submitted to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for its consideration.
SUEZ, Eagle Water, and commission staff all signed the proposed agreement. Other parties involved in settlement
negotiations did not sign on to the agreement. If approved by the commission, SUEZ Water will be entitled to an
acquisition adjustment amount of $10,475,000 that will be included in its next rate case. In addition, that amount
will be amortized over 40 years beginning at the implementation of rates in SUEZ’s next rate case.
As part of the proposed settlement agreement, the parties involved agreed that new rates for existing Eagle
Water customers will be phased-in over seven years. On Jan. 1, 2022, existing Eagle Water customers’ rates will
be set at 50 percent of SUEZ’s approved rates. Each year thereafter on Jan. 1, existing Eagle Water customers’
rates will increase by approximately 8.33 percent until their rates are 100 percent of SUEZ’s approved rates.
The rate phase-in for Eagle Water customers will follow this progression:
Jan. 1, 2022 – 50 percent
Jan. 1, 2023 – 58.33 percent
Jan. 1, 2024 – 66.67 percent
Jan. 1, 2025 – 75 percent
Jan. 1, 2026 – 83.33 percent
Jan. 1, 2027 – 91.67 percent
Jan. 1, 2028 – 100 percent

The proposed settlement agreement also directs Eagle Water to refund approximately $592,020 to existing
customers of the utility. The refund is intended to offset in part the increase in rates existing Eagle Water
customers will see beginning Jan. 1, 2022.
The commission is accepting written comments on the proposed settlement agreement through Nov. 8, 2021.
Comments must be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To submit comments via e-mail, please visit the
commission’s webpage at puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Case Comment Form” link toward the top left side of the
page. Please use case number SUZ-W-18-02 or EAG-W-18-01 when filling out the form. Any comments should
also be e-mailed to SUEZ Water and Eagle Water at the e-mail addresses listed below.
If e-mail is unavailable, comments may be mailed to the commission, SUEZ and Eagle Water at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 39
[e-mail]
Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For SUEZ Water Idaho, Inc.:
Michael Creamer
Preston Carter
601 Bannock St.
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

For Eagle Water Company:
Molly O’Leary
1775 W. State St., #150
Boise, ID 83702
[e-mail]

Robert Deshazo
188 W. State St.
Eagle, ID 83616
[e-mail]

For additional information on the application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/3610.

Falls Water
Commission schedules online public workshop to share information on
proposed Falls Water Company rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a live, virtual public workshop on Jan. 5 to share information
regarding an application from Falls Water Company to raise the rates it charges for water service. Falls Water
provides municipal water service to a portion of Bonneville County east of Idaho Falls and north of Ammon.
Falls Water proposes to raise rates between 11.2 percent and 27.3 percent, depending on the rate class
customers are in. The customers affected are classified as residential, multi-family or commercial. In addition, the
size of the meter determines how much rates would increase. For example, if the application was approved,
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Page 40
residential 1’’ meter customers would see an increase of 23.8 percent, increasing their average bill from $27.86 to
$34.49. Company revenues would increase by $344,175. This represents a 19.12 percent increase.
The commission will host a live, online workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (MST). To participate
online, please visit idahogov.webex.com, and enter this meeting information: 177 343 7276. At the next window,
enter your name, e-mail address and this password: Jan5Workshop. To participate via the phone, please call 1-
415-655-0001 and enter this access code: 177 343 7276.
Commission staff will give a presentation, and will be available to answer questions.
Those interested in submitting written comments on the application can do so. Comments are due by Jan. 11,
2021. Written comments must contain a statement of reasons supporting them.
Comments can be mailed or e-mailed to:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714
E-mail: [e-mail]

For Falls Water:
K. Scott Bruce, General Manager
Falls Water Co.
2180 N Deborah Dr.
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
E-mail: [e-mail]

Eric Nelsen
Senior Regulatory Attorney
Northwest Natural
250 SW Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97204-3038
E-mail: [e-mail]

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 41
These comments should contain this case caption: In the matter of Falls Water Company’s application for an
order authorizing increases in the company’s rates and charges for water service in the state of Idaho. Written
comments also should contain this case number: Case No. FLS-W-20-03.
In addition to the mailing addresses and e-mail addresses above, written comments can be submitted through the
commission’s website at www.puc.idaho.gov. Please click on the “Case Comment Form” link on the lower right
side of the page and complete the comment form using this case number: FLS-W-20-03.
For additional information on Falls Water Company’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6530.

Commission schedules telephonic hearing on proposed Falls Water
Company rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host a telephonic hearing on Jan. 14 to take testimony regarding an
application from Falls Water Company to raise the rates it charges for water service. Falls Water provides
municipal water service to a portion of Bonneville County east of Idaho Falls and north of Ammon.
Falls Water proposes to raise rates between 11.2 percent and 27.3 percent, depending on the rate class
customers are in. The customers affected are classified as residential, multi-family or commercial. In addition, the
size of the meter determines how much rates would increase. For example, if the application was approved,
residential 1’’ meter customers would see an increase of 23.8 percent, increasing their average bill from $27.86 to
$34.49. Company revenues would increase by $344,175. This represents a 19.12 percent increase.
The commission will host a telephonic hearing on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (MST). To participate,
please call 1-800-920-7487, and enter confirmation code 667 4832# when prompted.
Those interested in submitting written comments on the application can do so. Written comments must contain a
statement of reasons supporting them. Comments can be mailed or e-mailed to:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714
E-mail: [e-mail]

For Falls Water:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 42
K. Scott Bruce, General Manager
Falls Water Co.
2180 N Deborah Dr.
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
E-mail: [e-mail]

Eric Nelsen
Senior Regulatory Attorney
Northwest Natural
250 SW Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97204-3038
E-mail: [e-mail]

These comments should contain this case caption: In the matter of Falls Water Company’s application for an
order authorizing increases in the company’s rates and charges for water service in the state of Idaho. Written
comments also should contain this case number: Case No. FLS-W-20-03.
In addition to the mailing addresses and e-mail addresses above, written comments can be submitted through the
commission’s website at www.puc.idaho.gov. Please click on the “Case Comment Form” link on the lower right
side of the page and complete the comment form using this case number: FLS-W-20-03.
For additional information on Falls Water Company’s application, please visit: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6530.

Commission issues decision on proposed Falls Wat er rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued a decision on Falls Water’s application to increase rates for its
customers. Falls Water provides municipal water service to a portion of Bonneville County east of Idaho Falls and
north of Ammon.
Falls Water asked to raise rates between 11.2 percent and 27.3 percent, depending on the rate class a customer
is in. Falls Water requested to raise its rates to recover revenues of $2,144,602. The commission found it fair, just
and reasonable to increase the company’s base charges 5.6 percent and to increase the commodity charge to
$0.917 from $0.689. The commission approved annual revenues of $2,112,749 for Falls Water.
The commission found most of Falls Water’s requested rate increase to be well justified. Falls Water’s rates were
last raised in 2012 in Case No. FLS-W-12-01. The commission approved Falls Water’s request to raise its
employees’ salaries in order to provide competitive compensation and be able to attract, train, and retain
qualified employees that can safely and efficiently operate the water system. The commission lowered Falls
Water’s return on equity to 10.2 percent from 10.5 percent in recognition of the better access to capital that is
available to a subsidiary of NW Natural Holdings, and to reflect the lower costs of capital available today. The
commission found the back office functions performed by Falls Water’s parent company to be cost-effective and
reasonably allocated among subsidiaries of NW Natural Holdings.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 43
For additional information on the commission’s decision and Falls Water’s application, please visit:
https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6530.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Regulated telecommunicati ons companies

Company Location
Albion Telephone Corp. Albion
Cambridge Telephone Co. Cambridge
CenturyLink* Boise
CenturyTel of Idaho, Inc.* Salt Lake City, UT
CenturyTel of the Gem State* Salt Lake City, UT
Citizens Telecommunications Company of
Idaho* Beaverton, OR
Columbine, dba Silver Star Communications Freedom, WY
Direct Communications Rockland, Inc. Rockland
Fremont Telecom, Inc. Missoula, MT
Frontier Communications Northwest, Inc.* Beaverton, OR
Inland Telephone Co. Roslyn, WA
Midvale Telephone Company Midvale
Oregon-Idaho Utilities, Inc. Nampa
Pine Telephone System, Inc. Halfway, OR
Potlach Telephone Company* Kendrick
Rural Telephone Company Glenns Ferry

* These companies are no longer rate regulated; however, they are still regulated for customer service.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 44
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CASES
Commission accepts annual rep ort, budget for Idaho Telecommunications
Relay Service
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has accepted the 2020 annual report and the 2021 budget for the Idaho
Telecommunications Relay Service.
The relay service, established by the Idaho Legislature in 1992, allows hearing- or speech impaired residents to
use phone communications “in a manner that is functionally equivalent to individuals without hearing or speech
impairments.” A relay center is used, which converts or relays verbal conversations to text-type and vice versa.
The relay center also provides speech-to-speech, Spanish-to-Spanish, video, and Internet relay services.
The commission approved the 2020 annual report and 2021 budget on April 7. The 2021 operating budget is
projected at $173,760 and includes $8,350 for a required audit of the relay service fund. The 2021 budget also
includes an increase in the telephone line charge from $0.03 per line to $0.05 line, and an MTS/WATS minute rate
increase from $0.0008 per minute to $0.001 per minute. The increase is intended to ensure the long-term
viability of the relay service fund, and takes effect May 1, 2021.
The increase in the line charge and MTS/WATS minute rate does not apply to cell phone or Internet service. The
surcharge is paid by telephone companies. Idaho Code does not allow companies to pass the surcharge on to
their customers.
Hamilton Telecommunications operates the relay center, and submitted the report and budget to the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission. The relay service is funded by assessments on local residential and business
telephone service access lines and on billed intrastate long-distance minutes. In-state relay traffic and captioned
telephone services are reimbursed by the fund, while the firm of Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates, LLC reimburses
Hamilton for interstate calls.
Hamilton Telecommunications said the relay center handled 2,106 calls in calendar year 2020, a 26 percent
increase from calendar year 2019. The number of captioned telephone units held steady. The 2020 average
answer time by Hamilton was 0.85 seconds, compared to 0.41 seconds in 2019. The increased average answer
time was due to greater usage during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For more information on the commission’s decision, please visit:
https://puc.idaho.gov/Fileroom/PublicFiles/telecom/34988.pdf.

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NATURAL GAS

Consumption decreased and prices remained low in
FY20211

In Idaho, natural gas is supplied to customers by Avista Corporation, Dominion Energy, and Intermountain Gas
Company. Idaho is fortunate to be located between two large natural gas producing basins: The Rocky Mountain
Basin (Rockies) and the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB).

These basins are connected through the Williams Northwest Pipeline and TransCanada’s GTN pipelines allowing
the natural gas utility companies serving Idaho to take advantage of capacity and of pricing at both basins.

Individual Idaho Gas Utility Profiles

FY 2021 Statistics Total Residential Commercial Industrial Transportation2
Avista Corporation
Customers 89,128 79,740 9,307 73 8
% of Total 100% 89.47% 10.44% .08% .01%
Therms (millions) 155.25 56.62 31.64 2.31 64.68
% of Total 100% 36.47% 20.38% 1.49% 41.66%
Revenue (millions) $66.10 $45.65 $18.81 $1.04 $0.59
% of Total 100% 69.07% 28.46% 1.57% 0.89%
Dominion Questar Gas
Customers 2,405 2,142 261 0 2
% of Total 100% 89.06% 10.85% - .08%
Therms (millions) 0.27 0.15 0.11 - 0.01
% of Total 100% 56.53% 38.67% - 4.80%
Revenue (millions) $2.01 $1.26 $0.71 - $0.04
% of Total 100% 62.82% 35.17% - 2.01%
Intermountain Gas
Customers 392,399 357,599 34,661 29 110
% of Total 100% 91.13% 8.83% 0.01% 0.03%
Therms (millions) 773.18 263.33 129.72 11.27 368.86
% of Total 100% 34.06% 16.78% 1.46% 47.71%
Revenue (millions) $248.61 $165.26 $69.93 $3.84 $9.58
% of Total 100% 66.47% 28.13% 1.55% 3.85%

1 The Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s fiscal year is July 1st through June 30th.
2 Transportation is nonutility owned gas transported for another party under contractual agreement.
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Page 46
NATURAL GAS
Consumption
In 2020, overall consumption of natural gas in Idaho decreased approximately 1 percent. Residential customers
consumed roughly 3 percent less and commercial customers consumed roughly 7 percent less natural gas than
the previous year. Industrial consumption decreased slightly and consumption of gas for electric generation
increased over 4 percent. Use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel increased slightly over 10 percent but is less than 1
percent of overall consumption.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Page 47

NATURAL GAS
Demand
The Northwest Gas Association (NWGA) forecasts demand for natural gas in the Northwest to grow at a rate of
approximately 1.0% per year.3 Forecast demand growth in the residential and commercial sectors is slightly less,
while industrial demand growth has dropped by half (from 0.5 to 0.2 percent/yr.). Demand for natural gas to
generate electricity is forecast to grow slightly, mostly when coal-fired generation plants are retired in the
region.
Several factors could impact demand for natural gas:
• Retirement of coal fired generation and increased use for generating electricity.
• LNG and petrochemical production and exports.
• Energy policies, regulations, and legislation.

Prices
Over the last decade, the commodity price of natural gas has continued to decline (see Figure 1). The Northwest
Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) forecasts show that commodity prices are expected to remain below
$5/Dth through 2050 (see Figure 2) at hubs where the Pacific Northwest sources its gas.

FIGURE 1. Idaho Historical Natural Gas Price

3 Northwest Gas Association 2020 Pacific Northwest Gas Market Outlook
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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FIGURE 2. Pacific Northwest Natural Gas Price Forecast Comparisons

Production
There was approximately 108 Mcf of natural gas produced by the Snake River Oil and Gas Group in Idaho in
2020.4 In years prior to 2019, gas was produced by Alta Mesa/High Mesa. Snake River Oil and Gas Group
purchased Alta Mesa/High Mesa wells and production facilities in December 2019. Production in Idaho was
shut-in March through December 2020.

Snake River Oil and Gas Group operations include:
• Processing facility located at Willow Creek near Payette, Idaho.
• Six wells producing natural gas, condensate, oil, and other liquids in the Willow Creek drainage.
• Six shut-in wells and are no longer producing.

4 Source EIA Natural Gas Summary https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_sum_lsum_dcu_SID_a.htm
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Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

RNG is pipeline-quality biomethane produced from biogas. Biogas is the mixture of gases produced by the
breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobically), primarily consisting of methane and
carbon dioxide. It can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste,
plant material, sewage, or food waste. It is interchangeable with natural gas and compatible with the U.S.
natural gas infrastructure. In the past, RNG projects in the state consumed gas produced in their operations or
used the gas to generate electricity. Recently, a number of biomass operations in the state have pursued
development of capabilities to produce sufficient volumes of RNG for export onto pipeline infrastructure. On a
per therm basis, RNG is more expensive to produce than traditional natural gas. Given current State and Federal
Government policies and programs some RNG projects have the potential to achieve profitability.

Natural gas utility companies in the state are facilitating the transportation of RNG and the growth of the RNG
industry. Producers contract to use the utility’s distribution system to move RNG from the producers to their
end use customers. The utilities are monitoring RNG production activity and government policies as they
continue to look for opportunities to participate in the development of this resource.
Summary

Idaho residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation users of natural gas realized benefits from low
natural gas prices and plentiful supply, this fiscal year. Lower than average natural gas inventories are
contributing to price volatility. It is anticipated that domestic natural gas production will outpace LNG exports in
the second calendar quarter of 2022 reducing volatility and putting downward pressure on prices.

-by Kevin Keyt, IPUC Staff Analyst
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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NATURAL GAS

NATURAL GAS CASES

Avista:
AVU-G-20-01 IRP Extension
AVU-G-20-02 Clearwater Agreement
AVU-G-20-03 COVID-19 Accounting
AVU-G-20-04 PGA
AVU-G-20-05 FCA
AVU-G-20-06 Depreciation and Amortization
AVU-G-20-07 Federal Income Tax
AVU-G-20-08 DSM Prudency
AVU-G-21-01 General Rate Case
AVU-G-21-02 IRP
AVU-G-21-03 EE Ryder Adjustment
AVU-G-21-04 PGA
AVU-G-21-05 AFUDC
AVU-G-21-06 FCA

Intermountain Gas:
INT-G-20-01 General Service Provisions
INT-G-20-02 FERC Form 2
INT-G-20-03 RNG Access
INT-G-20-04 Commercial EE Program
INT-G-20-05 PGA
INT-G-20-06 DSM Prudency
INT-G-21-01 Depreciation and Amortization
INT-G-21-02 Customer Payments
INT-G-21-03 DSM Prudency
INT-G-21-04 PGA

Dominion:
No cases

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Commission issues annual consumer assistance report

The Consumer Assistance staff responded to 1,138 complaints and inquiries in fiscal year 2021, 88 percent of
which were from residential customers.

The chart below illustrates the complaints and inquiries by industry.

The chart below summarizes the types of issues reported to the Commission. While the Consumer Assistance
staff is able to respond to most inquiries without extensive research, about 53 percent of complaints required
investigation by the staff. Approximately 52 percent of investigations resulted in reversal or modification of the
utility’s original action. Payment terms were negotiated in 14 percent of the investigations.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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REGULATING IDAHO’S RAILROADS

The Commission conducts inspections of Idaho’s railroads to determine compliance with state and federal laws,
rules and regulations concerning the transportation of hazardous materials, locomotive cab safety and sanitation
rules, and railroad/highway grade crossings.
Hazardous material inspections are conducted in rail yards.
In 1994, Idaho was invited to participate in the Federal Railroad Administration’s State Participation Program. The
commission has a State Program Manager and one FRA certified hazardous material inspector.
The commission inspects railroad-highway grade crossings where incidents occur, investigates citizen complaints
of unsafe or rough crossings and conducts railroad-crossing surveys.
The commission also plays a role when rail lines are abandoned.
More than 900 miles of railroad track in Idaho have been abandoned since 1976.
Federal law governs rail line abandonments, and the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB. formerly the
Interstate Commerce Commission) decides the final outcome of abandonment applications.
Under Idaho law, however, after a railroad files its federal notice of intent to abandon, the Idaho commission
must determine whether the proposed abandonment would adversely affect the public interest. The commission
then reports its findings to the STB.
In reaching a conclusion, the Commission considers whether abandonment would adversely affect the service
area, impair market access or access of Idaho communities to vital goods and services, and whether the line has a
potential for profitability.

Railroad Activity Summary

Rail Safety Category Totals
Idaho Railroad Track Miles 1710/996 Class I *
Hazmat Inspections 187
Rail Cars inspected 13,471
Railcar Violations 31
Railcar Defects 594
Railroad Grade Crossings Inspected 704
Crossing Accidents Investigated 5
Crossing Complaints Investigated 7
Crossing Complaints Validated 3
Locomotives Inspected 3
Locomotive defects 0
*Source: ITD `(2017)
Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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REGULATING IDAHO’S PIPELINES

Idaho Code 61-515 empowers the Commission to require every utility to “maintain and operate its line, plant,
system, equipment, apparatus, and premises in such a manner that promote and safeguard the health and safety
of its employees, customers and the public.”
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C Section 60105, Chapter 601, the Commission is a certified partner with the U.S. Department
of Transportation Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration.
The federal/state partnership provides the statutory basis for the pipeline safety program and establishes a
framework for promoting pipeline safety through federal delegation to the states for all or part of the
responsibility for intrastate natural gas pipeline facilities under annual certification.
Under the certification, Idaho assumes inspection and enforcement responsibility with respect to more than
8,300 miles of intrastate natural gas pipelines over which it has jurisdiction under state law. With the certification,
Idaho may adopt additional or more stringent standards for intrastate pipeline facilities provided the standards
are compatible with federal regulations. The Idaho Commission has a state program manager and three trained
and certified pipeline safety inspectors who conduct records audits and field installed equipment inspections on
all intrastate natural gas pipeline operators under its jurisdiction.

Pipeline Summary Activity

Regulating Idaho's Pipeline
Standard Inspection Days 109
Compliance Inspection Days 0
Damage Prevention Inspection Days 5.5
Construction Inspection Days 136.5
Operator Qualification Inspection Days 12
Integrity Management Program Inspection
Days 25.5
Incident/Accident Inspection Days 0
Operator Training Inspection Days 28

Compliance Enforcement Actions
Notice of Probably Violation 7
Notice of Amendment 0
Warning Letters 0

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

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This report satisfies Idaho Code 61-214; this is a “full and complete account” of the most significant cases to come before the commission
during the 2020 calendar year. (The financial report on Page 7 covers Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021.) Anyone with access
to the Internet may also review the commission’s agendas, notices, case information and decisions by visiting the IPUC’s Web site at:
www.puc.idaho.gov. Commission records are also available for public inspection at the commission’s Boise office, 11331 W. Chinden Blvd.,
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission, as outlined in its Strategic Plan, serves the citizens and utilities of Idaho by determining fair, just and
reasonable rates for utility commodities and services that are to be delivered safely, reliably and efficiently. During the period covered by
this report, the commission also had responsibility for ensuring all rail services operating within Idaho do so in a safe and efficient manner.
The commission also has a pipeline safety section that oversees the safe operation of the intrastate natural gas pipelines and facilities in
Idaho.

Costs associated with this publication are available from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in accordance with Section 60-202, Idaho Code, PUC 12-100-
2020.