20150609Comment.pdf

BANNOCK
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ?S JUi —9 PH 2:
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February 23,2015
Idaho Public Utility Commission
P.O.Box 83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
To The Idaho Public Utility Commission:
As an Idaho economic development corporation,the Bannock Development Corporation
supports Idaho Power’s request to shorten the length of guaranteed contracts for large
solar and wind generation projects.I believe Idaho Power’s request is in the best interests
of Idaho Power business customers because it will keep power rates low.
Low power costs are one of Idaho’s top attractions for industrial recruitment,retention and
expansion and associated good paying jobs.Having access to reliable electricity at a fair
price is essential to good job creation in Idaho.It’s also essential to the financial health of
our citizens,who range from individuals living on fixed incomes to major industrial
accounts.
The Directors of the Bannock Development Corporation love and respect the clean
environment that’s essential to our way of life in Idaho and the Northwest.All of us want
clean energy,and we are glad to know that a majority of our electricity comes from the
region’s clean,renewable hydro resources.
Our state cannot sacrifice power reliability and affordability to exchange our current clean
energy for another form.The Bannock Development Corporation believes Idaho Power
recognizes and understands this,and works hard to strike a good balance.The Bannock
Development Corporation recognizes the company’s efforts to keep power costs in line
with current market rates,which will benefit Idaho companies and create jobs for its
citizens.
We don’t believe Idaho Power should be required to buy electricity it does not need,
especially from sources that decrease the reliability of its service while pushing costs up.
ISU Research and Business Park
1651 Alvin Ricken Drive
Pocaello,Idaho 83201
Phone:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
www.bannockdevelopment.org
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If Idaho Power continues to be required to make such purchases,we agree that contracts
should be limited to two years,as the company has requested,or less,rather than locking
in prices for 20 years.
The Bannock Development Corporation supports Idaho Power’s environmentally
responsible and balanced service and its tradition of providing quality,reliable service at a
low cost.This is key to The Bannock Development Corporation and it’s good for Idaho.We
ask that you grant Idaho Power’s petition to modify the terms and conditions of future
PURPA energy sales agreements (IPC-E-15-01].
Thank you,
John G.Regetz
Executive Director
Bannock Development Coiporadon
ISU Research and Business Park
1651 Alvin Ricken Drive3 Pocatdlo,Idaho 83201
Phone,t20 233-3500 fax:[phone]
www.bannockdcvelopment.org
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