gnre02.3staff.pdf

DONALD L. HOWELL, II
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, ID 83720-0074
[phone]
[phone]
Idaho State Bar No. 3366

Street Address:
472 W. Washington St.
Boise, ID 83720

Attorney for Commission Staff

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF UNITED ELECTRIC CO-OP, INC. FOR
APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE § 61-333.
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CASE NO. GNR-E-02-3

COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION STAFF

COMES NOW the Staff of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and submits these
comments in the above referenced case.1 The Staff recommends that the Commission approve
United Electric Co-op’s purchase of the City of Heyburn’s municipal electric system.
STAFF COMMENTS
United Electric Co-op (United) and the City of Heyburn (City) are electrical suppliers as
defined by the Electric Supplier Stabilization Act (ESSA). Idaho Code § 61-332A(4). The City
has determined that it would be in the best of interest of its citizens to sell and transfer the City’s
electrical system to United. Although the City Council has approved the transfer, final approval
will be put to Heyburn’s voters in a special election on June 25, 2002.
For the reasons set out in the Application, the Staff believes that the transfer agreement is
in the public interest. Idaho Code § 61-333. The Staff believes that transfer of the City’s system
will discourage duplication and stabilize the territories and consumers served by United. United
has managed the City’s electrical system since July 2000 under an Operation and Maintenance

COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION STAFF 1
1 Because these comments were due on a legal holiday (May 27, 2002), the Commission’s Rule 17 allows the
comments to be filed on the next business day. IDAPA 31.01.01.017.

COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION STAFF 2
contract. In addition, adding the City’s 1300 customers will increase United’s customer base to a
total 6900 customers. This will provide an improved economy of scale to United.
In summary, the Staff urges the Commission to approve the transaction between the two
electric suppliers.
Respectfully submitted this day of May 2002.

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

i:umisc/comments/gnre02.3dh