20150312Comment.pdf

Robert L.Henry City of Nampa
Mayor 4euh
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Office of the Mayor
March 11,2015
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IPUC Case NO.IPC-E-15-O1
Idaho Public Utility Commissioners
P.O.Box 83702 1\)
Boise,Idaho 83702 cr
As a mayor of the second largest city in Idaho,I support Idaho Power Co.’s quest to shorten the life of contracts for
solar and wind generation projects.Idaho is one of the unique states that enjoys low power rates.Those
affordable rates are one of the key reasons new industry and new manufacturers consider Nampa and Idaho when
they are ready to relocate or expand.
Yes,alternative power sources are important,but putting the burden on Idaho Power —and ultimately its
consumers —is not the right way to do it.In a nation built on competition and a free market structure,Idaho
Power should not be forced to lock into 20-year contracts.In this rapidly-changing world,20-year contracts are the
equivalent of a lifetime.It’s bad business to lock in rates for unreliable alternative power for 20 years.
When those costs are passed onto the consumers —residential,commercial and yes,even governmental agencies
—efforts by the Idaho Department of Commerce or the City of Nampa are hampered as officials try to bring more
industrial businesses to this great state.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission should consider what is in the best interests of those who live in Idaho.We
are blessed with affordable and abundant power because of our natural resources.It gives the Gem State a
competitive edge.
Twenty-year contracts and high rates might be considered good practice for other states,but it’s not fair to the
people trying to make Idaho and Nampa a better place to live.Please carefully consider Idaho Power Co.petition
to modify the terms and conditions of future alternative power sales agreements.
Respectfully,
Robert L.Henry
Mayor of Nampa