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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20150701Comments (11 Total).pdfBen Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-01 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, There is no justifiable reason why Idaho’s public utilities should be granted 20-30 year agreements to invest and operate its production plants,yet not offer similar terms to other renewable energy producers.The words “unfair,”and “hyprocritical,”come to mind. Please ensure that renewable energy producers are provided the same long-term power purchase agreements that the utilities receive,so that these power producers are able to secure financing for their projects.This is the only fair and equitable way to proceed. I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Stephen White 1518 Knights Dr Boise,ID 83712 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-O1 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, •Today,Idaho relies on coal,gas and electricity markets—all of which are volatile and out of our control.Long-term contracts for clean energy produced in Idaho provide stable, predictable prices for customers while also protecting the air we breathe. ldaho needs reliable,fairly priced energy projects that grow our economy and protect our air and climate.To meet this need and support Idaho’s clean energy sector,long-term contracts are essential. •Growing Idaho’s clean energy sector with fair-priced energy will protect customers’ pocketbooks as well as the air we breathe. •The PUC has already ensured that we pay a fair price for clean energy.Now the PUC must provide clean energy companies the certainty they need to invest in our communities.It is only fair,after all,to provide Idaho’s clean energy companies the same long-term deal at fair prices that Idaho’s utilities enjoy. Your attention to this most urgent matter would be much appreciated by all present & future generations of all species. I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Lydia Garvey 429 S 24th St Clinton,OK 73601 5803232327 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-0l Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, I am writing you as an Idaho Power shareholder,customer,and retired HP engineer and program manager. You have before you a choice of great import:whether to put solar power on an equal financial footing with utility-sponsored fossil fuel and other projects,or to require PURPA providers to essentially break even in two years.The impacts of your choice will be seen and felt in many arenas,from the financial to the environmental. Let’s look at financial risk.Long-term contracts for clean energy produced in Idaho will provide stable,predictable prices.Energy currently provided by coal plants outside the state provides few,if any,job in Idaho,whereas numerous studies (NREL)show that jobs in the solar industry have been rising at 50%/year since 201 1,especially when the solar is locally contracted.Solar has no moving parts;the technology constantly improves,and supply is virtually endless within daily rhythms,whereas coal supplies and costs are finite and costs are more likely to rise than fall,especially where 1 lid and possible future carbon taxes are concerned. Let’s look at costs.Idaho Power’s own studies for scenarios within the 2015 IRP show that retiring coal plants are actually the cheapest scenarios within the 20-year planning horizon. As a customer,I want to pay for the cheapest scenario as well as the cleanest. Let’s look at general risk.Idaho Power has a choice in how it provides power to customers. Regardless of the current mix,it can and is obligated to,adjust that mix if that is the right answer for customers.Solar provides greatest output in summer,when energy demand and prices peak.Idaho Power’s desire for greater profits should not be the driving force behind its primary obligation to provide power at a reasonable profit.Idaho Power is exhibiting Marketing Myopia and needs to learn how to profit from solar power,which is the future of energy.Divestitures from fossil fuels exceed $100 billion at this point;and those will be reinvested in renewable energy.Will Idaho Power be part of that future?This concerns me as a stockholder. Ultimately,our greatest concern should be clean air and climate catastrophe.The risk-- more like a certainty--of a planet that becomes uninhabitable for us and our children is one I’d rather not countenance!This concerns me as a mother. Please soundly defeat this unfair and unwise move.Allow PURPA providers,who have taken on risk to provide solar power,a reasonable timeftame in which to get financing and break-even on their investments.Or else consistently reject any Idaho Power projects of longer than two years’duration! Sincerely, Lisa Hecht I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Lisa Hecht 4920 E.Sagewood Drive Boise,ID 83716 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-O1 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, Please keep strong energy rules and maintain long term contracts to encourage clean energy in Idaho! Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this critical issue! Sincerely, Mary and David Dudley Ola,Idaho I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Mary and David Dudley P0 Box 37 Ola,ID 83657 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-O1 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, Protecting Idaho’s clean energy sector is the right thing to do.We need to do all we can to promote clean energy research and development.Please show your support by maintaining the current long term contracts for Idaho’s clean energy companies. Thank you. I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(1 3)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Phyllis Osborn 3362 N Gawaine Place Boise,ID 83704 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-01 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, I write to urge your rejection of the Idaho Power proposed short term contract rule for the application of PURPA to clean energy contracts. As you know,Idaho Power’s proposed two year contract rule will end financing for clean energy projects.One can only imagine the howl that would emit from Idaho Power if the Commission adopted a rule that only allowed two year financing,with the cost borne solely by the shareholders and not the ratepayers. Renewable clean energy has been recognized by the Commission as essential to the future of our State.Closing the market to independent energy production by way of the short term contract rule would simply prolong the use of fossil fuels and bring an end clean energy production in Idaho. The citizens of Idaho deserve better than the interim decision of five year contracts,and certainly don’t deserve the end of clean energy production that would come from a two year limit.A balance struck by the Commission in the continuation of 20 year contracts will allow for new clean energy development,rate stability,and move the state toward the essential goal of clean energy production. I urge the rejection of the two year contract rule,and likewise urge your support for a balance approach toward clean energy production. Sincerely, Kim].Trout I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. £0LC8CI‘OS!09 JG6P!HI!eflOM6tZi iflOilW!N Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-01 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, I am writing as a concerned ID Power (IDP)customer,regarding the measures that would greatly limit renewable energy companies from creating jobs and further the accelerated pace of climate change via IDP’s continued reliance on coal generated power.The renewable energies industry in ID cannot operate or receive investment funding on a 2 year plan.This strategy by IDP to limit contracts by 2 yr terms would not only stop it’s competition,but hurt ID jobs creation and put ID farther behind the curve of this accelerated growth in non carbon power generation. The PUC must step back and look at the bigger picture regarding where ID and the nation are headed.Drought and heat waves are ever present headlines not just in ID,the Western US but globally.Thousands of peer reviewed studies hold that it is 97%certain due to human caused via fossil fuels energy model. I assure you it is not in the direct of IDP’s obsolete business model reliant on toxic coal. Toxic in its direct effects on the water,air and human health (directly attributed to coal burning)and just as important is coals legacy of increasing droughts,diminished snow pack via climate change. The renewable industry in ID needs a 20 yr.business model allowance and anything less would be unreasonable from a banking finance perspective.The PUC has an opportunity to enact a societal benefit by choosing the long term 20 yr.contract model,over the short in an ever changing climate and industry advance. Idaho is blessed with abundant solar,wind and geothermal.Technology is advancing the efficiency of these energy sources,citizens and businesses are urgently awaiting these ever more affordable methods to improve their budgets,bottom lines and create jobs. How can we citizenry reasonably expect our leaders to have the foresight to truly make a difference in the sustaining quality of our lives and the environment we all rely on for food and water,while industry with it’s sole motive of profit is in control of all our destiny via coal’s toxic legacy?? We must all convert our lives towards the effort of reducing the burning of fossil fuels.IDP seems to be doing just the opposite. The PUC should send a strong message and deny the short sighted IDP requests,for a 20 year alternative. Thank you for taking my comments,Richard Rusnak,Nampa Idaho I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Richard A Rusnak Jr 2400 S Wildrye Way Street 2 Nampa,ID 83686 €[L9668803 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-O1 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, When we consider our legacy to our children and grandchildren,we have to ask the questions what did I do to help curb the worst effects of climate change and pollution fro fossil fuels.You can have a greater impact for our future because you have the power to make a good decision for Idaho. Please keep the long-term contracts for solar because we need the change to renewable energy.Anything less than 20 year contract would severely hurt the chances to make the transition as soon as possible.As a shareholder in IDACORP,I made suggested that they change the business model to embrace solar instead of fighting it.Other countries and other American utilities have embraced solar but Idaho Power is still in the dark ages by fighting it.Every shareholder who spoke agreed that Idaho Power should do more not less. Yet here we are again.Germany has more solar per person than we do with a climate similar to Seattle.We have great potential but we need the political will,foresight and fairness that only the Idaho PUC can provide. To be fair,Idaho Power’s need for long-term certainty to finance projects is used when they build a power plant or transmission line,they ask us customers to repay them for as long as the project operates—often 20 to 30 years or more.Idaho’s clean energy businesses should get the same deal.That’s only fair. This contract rule matters because selling power to utilities is the only legal path for an independent business to invest in Idaho’s clean energy sector.Homeowners or businesses can put solar panels or windmills on their own roofs to meet their own needs.But only utilities can sell power to other people or businesses.That will make the difference for our contribution to a better future. Future Idaho generations are depending upon you.Please make the best decision for them.Even Darrel Anderson acknowledged at the Annual Meeting that they will eventually move away from coal and towards alternatives like solar but they are not doing it.Since necessity is the mother of invention,I think it is your job to make it a necessity for Idaho Power to move to solar now and keep the long term contracts so they will change their business model to meet the needs of Idahoans and the future generations. I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Ed Wardwell 73268 Decham beau Way Boise,ID 83774 208 229 8778 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-01 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, In the past month alone,the G7 has set targets for dramatic emissions cuts by 2050,Bill Gates has called for a new Manhattan Project for renewable energy,and the Pope has issued an encyclical that places environment front and center.I understand the difficulties posed by intermittent renewable energy sources,but Idaho Power has the profit and human capital to meet these challenges and become a model utility for the future.If Idaho Power slashes purchasing contracts to 2 years,it will be a short term win for easy profitability at the long term expense of being on the wrong side of history,both morally and economically. I am an undergraduate materials science student at Boise State University.I have been researching DNA nanotechnology as part of a collaborative effort between Boise State, Micron,and Harvard.Recently,I secured funding to start a new project on perovskite solar cells.If these perovskites can be stabilized,which is no small challenge,they may reduce solar cell module pricing by 85%over crystalline silicon (MRS Fall Meeting 2014,Dr. Snaith,University of Oxford). 10 years ago it would be unthinkable that newspaper and music industry revenues would be forever changed.5 years ago it would be bold to predict the same for TV,but people now spend more time online than watching shows.The pace of change is increasing in proportion to technological progress,and new energy materials may be disruptive.Idaho Power can embrace change by using their economies of scale to offer renewable energy at price points that small installations will be unable to match.A new report on the future of solar,written by more than two dozen professors and researchers at MIT,recommends that utilities move in this direction. Thank you for your consideration, Kelly Schutt I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Kelly Schutt 1423 South Grant Ave Boise,ID 83706 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-01 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, The current model a monopoly investor owned electric utility seems to be dated and in need of review.One way of initiating that review is to give long term contracts (i.e.20 years)for those who develop clean energy projects.In doing so consumers,developers of clean energy and the environment all win. I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. paul cunningham 874 w.sandstone lane boise,ID 83702 Ben Otto Idaho Conservation League Re:IPC-E-15-O1 Dear Commissioners Kjellander,Redford,and Raper, On June 24th I testified on the PURPA issue at the hearing in Boise.At that time I handed you a hard copy of signatures of Idaho residents who support promoting clean energy in our state.I am now submitting the URL with the petition names.Please put these on the record. hif p :1/petitions.moveon .org/sign/promote-dont-smother-1 Thank you, Kerrin McCall I acknowledge that submitting a comment in a current case constitutes a public record under Idaho Code §9-337(13)and all information provided by me on this form is available for public and media inspection.I further understand that my comment may be reviewed by the utility. Kerrin McCall 105 Sunnyside Blvd Ketchum,ID 83340