HomeMy WebLinkAbout20150225Comments (2 Total).pdf0’
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
Boise,ID 83702
Commissioners,
I am writing this letter to express my support of Idaho Power’s request to shorten the length of guaranteed
contracts for large solar power and wind generation projects.
I operate a TV station based in Twin Falls.We serve the Magic Valley as well as the Wood River Valley.
We employ over 60 people.Being a TV station one of the largest expenses I have each month is for
electricity.As the margins in our industry erode due to competition,it is critical that we manage expenses
closely.Additionally,since our revenue is mainly derived from businesses wishing to advertise,a healthy
economy is of paramount importance to our continued success and growth.One more item of note is that
it is becoming increasingly difficult to lure new employees to Idaho and at times the tipping point can be
the relatively low cost of living in our state as opposed to places such as California.
I do not believe that Idaho Power should be forced into a long-term contract to purchase additional energy
that is not needed.As I understand,it all of the additional costs that Idaho Power will be forced to take on
will be absorbed by its customers.One possible solution would be to drop the contract period to two
years as requested in Idaho Power’s petition.
I appreciate your kind consideration and am thankful for the reliable and consistent flow of electricity that
allows my business to operate.I am sure the 64,000 households I serve in my broadcast area are
thankful as well.
Respectfdil
Chris Pruitt
Vice President
Neuhoff Communications
February 20,2015
Neuhoff Communications Twin Falls 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd.North Twin Falls,ID Tel (208)733-1100
11 i c-V ‘‘NC.Date February 23,2015
222 Shoshone St W.Office 208-734-4411 ?5 FEB 25 6:1 5Box0346Fax208-734-0410
Twin Falls,Idaho 83303 Cell 208-420-0314 .,.
www.willsinc.com UI fLlilES C(iHfUj
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
POBox 83720
Boise,Idaho 83720-0074
Reference:Idaho Power Co.’s petition to modify the terms and condition of future PURPA
energy agreements
Filing:IPUC Case No.IPC-E-15-01
To:Idaho Public Utility Commissioners:
As a local Builder and Land Developer in the Magic Valley,I am in support of Idaho Power
Co.’s petition to shorten the length of guaranteed contracts for solar and wind generation
projects.
Currently,Idaho benefits from our low energy rate due to our use of alternative renewable
power generation and forcing Idaho Power Co.to agree to long term contracts for Solar and
Wind pushes cost higher.Solar and Wind are intermittent generation sources and don’t offer
the reliability of other available renewable sources of power generation Idaho Power
currently uses.
Forcing Idaho Power Co.to purchase Wind or Solar Power under a 20 year agreement
guarantees higher consumer rates in the future.Renewable power sources are important and
almost 60 %of IPC generation resources are renewable but Wind or Solar Power is not the
long term solution for Idaho.Allowing agreements from 2-5 years will allow Idaho Power Co.
to make the right choice of power generation as it develops in the future.
By shorting the length of the PURPA agreements,Idaho Power Co.will continue to provide
affordable electrical rates and plan better for Idaho’s power needs as they develop over time.
Sincerely,
Brad Wills
President,Wills,Inc.
Chairman,
Magic Valley Developer’s Council
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