20050824final order no 29853.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 24, 2005
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF AVISTACORPORATION AND IDAHO
COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COOPERATIVE)
TO RELEASE AN ELECTRIC CUSTOMERTO AVISTA
CASE NO. A VU-O5-
ORDER NO. 29853
On August 4, 2005, Avista Corporation filed an Application seeking the
Commission s approval of a contract between A vista and Idaho County Light & Power
Cooperative (ICLPC) to exchange a customer. The exchange agreement is submitted for the
Commission s review pursuant to the provisions of the Electric Suppliers Stabilization Act
(ESSA). Idaho Code ~ 61-332 et seq. In this Order, the Commission grants the Application and
approves the Agreement.
BACKGROUND
Under the ESSA, if more than one service supplier has an existing service line within
320 feet of a new customer, the electric supplier whose existing service line is closest to the
new service entrance shall have the right to serve the customer. Idaho Code ~ 61-332C(1).
However, the ESSA also allows electric suppliers to contract with one another for the purpose of
exchanging customers provided that the Commission approves the agreement. Idaho Code ~ 61-
333.
The Commission approves customer exchange contracts only upon finding that the
transfer is consistent with the purposes of the ESSA. Idaho Code ~ 61-334(B)(1). The purposes
of the ESSA are: (1) to promote harmony among and between electric suppliers; (2) prohibit the
pirating" of consumers; (3) discourage the duplication of electric facilities; (4) actively
supervise the conduct of electric suppliers; and (5) stabilize the territories and consumers served
with electricity by such electric suppliers. Idaho Code ~ 61-332(2).
THE AGREEMENT
Under the Agreement, the parties propose to exchange a single customer Ronda
Edwards. ICLPC has agreed to relinquish the right to serve Ms. Edwards' property in
Grangeville, Idaho to A vista.
ORDER NO. 29853
According to the Agreement, ICLPC has a transmission line within 250 feet of Ms.
Edwards' property, and A vista has an existing line within 600 feet of the property. However, it
would cost ICLPC considerably more than it would cost A vista to provide service to Ms.
Edwards ' property. Avista is willing to supply the electric service to Ms. Edwards; ICLPC is
willing to release Ms. Edwards as a customer; and Ms. Edwards supports the exchange.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
Based on our review of the Application, we find that the Application for approval of
a customer exchange agreement should be granted. The Agreement is consistent with the
purposes of the ESSA and is the least-cost solution to the customer. Further, both the electric
suppliers and the customer support the Agreement. Therefore, it is appropriate for the
Commission to issue this Order approving the Application.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of Avista Corporation to approve an
agreement between A vista Corporation and Idaho County Light and Power Cooperative to
release an electric customer is granted.
THIS IS A FINAL ORDER. Any person interested in this Order (or in issues finally
decided by this Order) may petition for reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the
service date of this Order with regard to any matter decided in this Order. Within seven (7) days
after any person has petitioned for reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for
reconsideration. See Idaho Code ~~ 61-626, 63-30291(4).
ORDER NO. 29853
-fADONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 2.
day of August 2005.
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
Je D. JewellCo ission Secretary
O:A VU-05-kdp
ORDER NO. 29853