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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20150225Comments (2 Total).pdf0’ F:EC\iE[1 ______ 2!5FEE25 P1 2:05 DAik;UL. [JIILITIES OOMMk) 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 1