28035.docx

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF AVISTA CORPORATION DBA AVISTA UTILITIES—WASHINGTON WATER POWER DIVISION FOR AN ORDER APPROVING THE ADDITION OF A NET METERING OPTION TO THE COMPANY’S ELECTRIC SMALL POWER PRODUCTION AND COGENERATION TARIFF SCHEDULE 62.
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CASE NO. AVU-E-99-2
ORDER NO. 28035On March 1, 1999, Avista Corporation dba Avista UtilitiesWashington Water Power Division (Avista; Company) in Case No. AVU-E-99-2 filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) proposing a revision to the Companys Electric Tariff Schedule 62Cogeneration and Small Power Production ScheduleIdaho. Avista proposes adding a net metering option to its Electric Tariff Schedule 62. Net metering as defined by the Company means measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by an electric utility and the electricity generated by a customergenerator that is fed back to the electric utility over the applicable billing period.The Companys proposed tariff sheets 62F and 62G establish the terms and conditions under which the net metering option is available. These terms and conditions include: 1.customer eligibility2.cost to customergenerator of metering and interconnection3.standards4.balances of generation and usage by the customergenerator5.remaining unused kwh credits6.reversion to previous service The Company contends that the revenue impact associated with its filing is minimal. The Company estimates that less than three existing customers will initially take service under these tariff provisions. The Company requests that the Commission approve the proposed tariff changes for an effective date of May 1, 1999. Commission Notices of Application and Modified Procedure in Case No. AVUE992 issued March 29, 1999. The deadline for filing written comments was April 20, 1999. The following parties submitted written comments: PacifiCorp dba Utah Power & Light Company, State of Idaho Department of Water Resources, Aurora Power & Design, and Commission Staff. All commenting parties recommend approval of the Company’s net metering proposal.
PacifiCorp, stressing the difference between utilities, suggests that the Commission qualify its approval in such a manner that its Order will not be interpreted as having precedential or policy implications for other utilities.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources states that it has spoken with an Avista representative regarding some suggested minor modifications that would expand customer eligibility to include biomass and requesting some clarification as to whether net metering will be available to irrigation customers. Water Resources indicates that it does not wish to delay the proposed effective date and is fully convinced that Avista will work with affected parties to make appropriate modifications as the needs arise. Water Resources responds that net metering is available to irrigation customers and that biomass generation will be eligible if viability can be demonstrated. Avista has provided the Commission with an amended replacement of original Sheet 62F adding Schedule 31 (irrigation) customers to paragraph (2)(a).
COMMISSION FINDINGSThe Commission has reviewed the Company’s Application and proposed amended electric tariff Sheet 62, proposed replacement Sheet 62F, and proposed Sheet 62G. The Commission has also reviewed and considered the written comments filed in this matter. The Commission continues to find that the issues presented in this case are suitable for processing under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204. The Commission finds the Company’s net metering option and proposed revisions to electric tariff Schedule 62 to be just and reasonable. The Commission also finds the proposed implementation date to be reasonable. Regarding the qualifying language requested by PacifiCorp, we acknowledge simply that the net metering tariff is a tariff for Avista and not for PacifiCorp.
conclusion of lawThe Idaho Public Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over this matter and Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities—Washington Water Power Division, an electric utility, pursuant to the authority and power granted under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
o r d e rIn consideration of the foregoing and as more particularly described above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities—Washington Water Power Division for authority to add a net metering option to its electric tariff Schedule 62 is approved effective May 1, 1999.THIS IS A FINAL ORDER. Any person interested in this Order may petition for reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the service date of this Order. Within seven (7) days after any person has petitioned for reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for reconsideration. See Idaho Code § 61-626.DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this day of March, 16.DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENTMARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONERPAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONERMyrna J. WaltersCommission Secretaryvld/O:AVU-E-99-2_sw