20060629notice_of_application_order_no_30081.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
June 29, 2006
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF A VISTA CORPORATION FOR
AUTHORIZATION TO DEFER THE COST
OF A LOAN RELATED TO GRID WEST NOTICE OF APPLICATION
CASE NO. A VU-06-
NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30081
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 27, 2006, Avista Corporation filed an
Application requesting an accounting order from the Commission authorizing the deferral of
costs the Company incurred relating to the development of a regional transmission organization
(RTO). Avista alleges it participated in efforts to develop an RTO, now called Grid West
pursuant to orders issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The
Application states that Pacific Northwest electric utilities have been involved in the RTO
development process since 2000, and that the costs incurred by the utilities were to be repaid
through surcharges on customers after the R TO became operational. It now appears the
development of Grid West is unlikely, and Avista requests authorization to defer the amounts it
loaned to Grid West, with interest, in the development process. An accounting order authorizing
deferral of costs does not establish reasonableness or the amount of the costs to be recovered in
rates.
A vista states it provided startup costs to the R TO to retain experts and facilitators
and that the current balance of A vista s loan to Grid West is $1 217 499.26, which includes
interest of $188 187.34. Avista estimates that the total amount of the deferred amount would be
$421 620 for the Idaho jurisdiction portion of Avista s loan amount to Grid West.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the
public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified
Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission s Rules
of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and
written comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and
participation.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30081
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within
forty-five (45) days from the service date ofthis Notice. The comment must contain a statement
of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a
hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this Application may be
mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
Kelly Norwood
Vice-President, State and Federal Regulation
A vista Corporation
1411 E. Mission Avenue, MSC-
PO Box 3727
Spokane, W A 99220-3727
E-mail: kelly.norwood(fYavistacorp.com
472 W. Washington Sreet
Boise, ID 83702-5983 David J. Meyer
Vice-President, Chief Counsel for Regulatory
and Governmental Affairs
A vista Corporation
1411 W. Mission Avenue, MSC-
PO Box 3727
Spokane, W A 99220-3727
E-mail: david.meyer(fYavistacorp.com
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first
page of this document. Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing
the Commission s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov Click the "Comments and
Questions" icon, and complete the comment form, using the case number as it appears on the
front of this document. These comments must also be sent to A vista at the e-mail addresses
listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are
received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and
enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit
set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal
hearing.
NOTICE OF APPLICA nON
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30081
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application and supporting workpapers
testimonies and exhibits have been filed with the Commission and are available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices or on the Commission
Website at www.puc.idaho.gov under the "File Room" icon.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the
Commission may enter any final order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of Avista Corporation to defer costs
related to the development of a regional transmission organization be processed by Modified
Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.201-204. Persons interested in submitting written comments in this
matter must do so no later than 45 days from the service date of this Order.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this ;). 9 tI-
day of June 2006.
PAUL
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
~L~Je D. Jewell
Commission Secretary
bls/O:A VU-06-03 ws
NOTICE OF APPLICA nON
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30081