20110512Senator Malapeai Comment.pdf

DISTRICT 30
BANNOCK COUNTY
HOME ADDRESS
585 SOUTH 19TH
POCATELLO, IDAHO 83201
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Idaho State Senate
SENATOR EDGAR MALE PEAl
SENATE MINORITY LEADER
May 11,2011
The Honorable Marsha H. Smith
The Honorable Paul Kjellander
The Honorable Mack A. Redford
Idao Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
PO Box 83720
Boise,ID83720-0074
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STATE CAPITOL
P.O. BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0081
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FAX: [phone]
emalepea¡ilsenate.idaho.gov
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RE:Case No. GNR-E-ll-Ol
Dear Commssioners Smith, Kjellander, and Redford:
I am wrting to provide comment on the case cited above and I do so as an individua Idao State Senator, not on
behalf of the Senate Minority Offce. The legislatue was confonted by a surrising number of bils related to
Idaho's energy policy in the 2011 session, paricularly with respect to issues pertg to wid and alternative
energy.
One such bil, H 348, passed resoundingly in the House and I was disappointed that the bil did not get a ful
hearng in the Senate where I believe it would have enjoyed equa support. Ths legislation would have set the
eligibility cap at 100 kw for wid and solar energy projects seekig published avoided cost rates. I support ths
cap which requires wind and solar projects larger than 100 kw to negotiate with the purchasing utilties on prices
that are consistent with actu avoided costs. Since these costs are passed-though to Idao's ratepayers, it is
critical that the utilities pay no more than what they would have otherwse paid for the same tye of energy.
I would mge the Qomrnission to consider settg the published rate eligibilty cap at 100 k)von a permanent basis
which would align Idaho's published rate eligibility With federal regulations and requie develQpers to negotiate a
fair price for ratepayers with the utilty.
I applaud the Commssion's on-going stewardship which has enabled Idaho to enjoy reliable and reasonably
priced energy. A permanent cap will enhance our energy stabilty by establishing appropriate energy policy and
pricing into the futue.
Sincerely,
Edgar J. Malepeai