20151207Comment.pdf

AVU-IE-/5-O
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P0 Box 83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074 2915 DEC —
IDAHL H:c
UTILITIES COMMISSION Don Davis
1781 Jarnagin Rd
Craigmont,Id
83523
Dear Commission,I am writing this letter in support of the Avista Corp.2015 integrated resource plan.
As a customer of Avista I am in support of the IRP because I would like to be assured that the electricity
rates I pay remain affordable and that the power is there when we need it.Here in Idaho we have some
of the lowest electricity rates in the country.As a County Commissioner,it is important to me that the
rates remain low,not only as we try to lure new industry into the county but keep the business that we
already have.Low electricity rates are important because of the high percentage of low income and
senior members in our communities.
How does Avista strive to remain successful and be competitive?By planning,by developing a 20 year
look into the future.The IRP looks at the company’s projected need for additional electricity and the
resources necessary to meet that need while balancing reliability,environmental responsibility,
efficiency and cost.Avista has met those goals in the past and will,with no doubt in my mind strive to
meet them in the future.
I read almost daily of those wanting to eliminate coal as a power source.I disagree because coal plants
provide low cost,reliable,on-demand energy when other resources such as wind power are not
available.
Although coal power is just a small percentage of Avista’s power mix it is a very important one.We were
faced with major precipitation shortfalls last winter here in the northwest,producing a record low snow
pack;thus hydro generation is reduced.When the extreme cold of winter hits the winds are reduced
and the wind generator production is diminished.The extreme heat that we experienced this summer
again calmed the wind and slowed wind generation.These are times when electrical power is needed
most.
Shuttering the Coistrip plant which has 700 megawatts of generating capacity,(which is among the
cleanest coal plants in America)would not only be a loss of cheap power but would also devastate
Colstrip,the small community of 2000 putting 300 to 400 people out of work.
I feel that the 2015 IRP is well balanced,utilizing a nice mix of hydro and other renewable energy,
conservation,and thermal resources to provide customers in Idaho with reliable and reasonably priced
energy for years to come.Please accept and approve the Avista 2015 IRP.
Sincerely,
Don Davis