20031029Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. A VU-03-
For Immediate Release / October 23 2003
Contact: Gene Fadness (2015) 334-0339
A vista, Potlatch seek approval of agreement
BOISE - A vista Utilities is seeking IPUC approval of a lO-year power purchase agreement to buy 62 average
megawatts of capacity from Potlatch Corporation at rate of $42.92 per megwatt-hour.
Potlatch owns and operates four electric generators at its wood product manufacturing facility in Lewiston. Under the
agreement, Potlatch would sell Avista 543,120 megawatt-hours a year at the $42.92 per MWh rate. For generation beyond that
amount, A vista would pay 85 percent of the market price at the Mid-Columbia trading hub as long as the rate does not exceed
$55 per MWh. Avista proposes to recover the costs from the Potlatch generation from its customers through the annual power
cost adjustment process.
The agreement also stipulates that Potlatch buy power from Avista at the established rate for all extra-large general
service customers.
The agreement, if approved, would settle two other open cases before the commission regarding Potlatch and A vista.
The commission has determined to handle the case under a modified procedure that does not include hearings but
allows for written comments from interested parties and the general public. The commission may hold a public hearing if it
receives written protests or comments stating why a hearing should be held.
The deadline for filing written protests or comments is Nov. 14. Avista and Potlatch may file written reply comments
up until Nov. 28.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at
www.puc.state.id.and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (A VU-03-7) and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].
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