20201116Notice_of_Application_Order_No_34836.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34836 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
November 16, 2020

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

On October 15, 2020, Avista Corporation (“Avista” or “Company”) filed an
Application requesting authorization to update the peak energy forecast, natural gas price forecast,
and contracts used as inputs to calculate its incremental cost Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”)
avoided cost rates. The Company must update these inputs by October 15 of each year. Order
Nos. 32697 and 32802. IRP avoided cost rates are available to qualifying facilities (“QFs”) that
are above the resource-specific project eligibility cap for published avoided cost rates under
Idaho’s implementation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (“PURPA”).
The Commission now sets deadlines for interested persons to comment on the
Application, and for Avista to reply.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company forecasts its average load to grow
at a 0.2% annual average growth rate from 2021 through 2041, and for its peak load to grow at a
0.44% annual average growth from 2021 through 2041. Application at 2.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company states its natural gas forecast was
developed using a blend of two national forecasting consultants’ most recent forecasts, the U.S.
Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook, and forward market prices as of
June 30, 2020. Id. at 3.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company states it has signed five new long-
term PURPA power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) since its last update to the IRP model. These
PPAs are with the City of Spokane, Meyers Falls and Sheep Creek, Stimson Lumber, Great
Northern, and Purcell. Id. at 4.
IN THE MATTER OF AVISTA
CORPORATION’S ANNUAL COMPLIANCE
FILING TO UPDATE THE LOAD AND GAS
FORECASTS IN THE INCREMENTAL COST
INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN AVOIDED
COST MODEL TO BE USED FOR AVOIDED
COST CALCULATIONS
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CASE NO. AVU-E-20-10

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 34836
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34836 2

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application is available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission’s office. These documents are also
available on the Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “ELECTRIC” icon,
select “Open Cases,” and click on the case number as shown on the front of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission’s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically Idaho
Code §§ 61-501 to 61-503.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure
pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s Rules of Procedure,
IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through .204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written
comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application. Persons who would like a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written
comments. Persons shall have 21 days from the service date of this order to file written
comments. Comments must be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To comment by e-
mail, please access the Commission’s home page at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the “Case
Comment Form” and complete the form using the case number as it appears on the front of this
document. Comments filed by e-mail must also be e-mailed to Avista at the e-mail addresses listed
below. If e-mail is unavailable, then comments may be mailed to the Commission and Avista at
these addresses:
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34836 3

For the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, Idaho 83714

For Avista Corporation:

Michael G. Andrea
Senior Counsel
Avista Corporation
P.O. Box 3727
1411 E. Mission Avenue, MSC-17
Spokane, WA 99220

[e-mail]

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Avista must file any reply comments within
28 days of the service date of this order.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its order
without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the
Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Avista’s Application be processed by Modified
Procedure, Rule 201-204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons interested in submitting written
comments must do so within 21 days of the service date of this order. Avista must file any reply
comments within 28 days of the service date of this order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties should continue to comply with Order No.
34781, issued September 17, 2020. All pleadings should be filed with the Commission
electronically and shall be deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See
Rule 14.02. Service between parties should also be accomplished electronically. Voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34836 4

DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 16th
day of November 2020.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

I:\Legal\ELECTRIC\AVU-E-20-10\AVUE2010_ntc app mod proc_ej.docx