20120705Comment.pdf

r -7
• City of Mountain Home
160 South 3'East, P0 Box 10, Mountain Home, ID 83647 [phone] Fax [phone]
June 29, 2012
r- rn
I 0
r7 D) rn
- m
CID-
F
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
427 W. Washington
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Dear Members of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
We all recognize that electricity is an indispensible part of our lives, and reliable, fair-priced energy is vital to the
economic health of our communities. Idaho's economy is beginning to show signs of emerging from the
recession, but the recovery remains fragile. That's why I am writing to support Idaho Power's efforts to protect
customers from absorbing additional financial burdens placed on them by costly alternative-energy
developments.
Idaho's position among states with the lowest residential and commercial electricity rates is an important factor in
attracting new business investment. If business owners foresee big electric rate increases as a result of Idaho's
rapidly expanding wind industry, they may be reluctant to locate or expand here. Sharp increases in residential
rates squeeze family budgets that are already tight.
I support clean energy, but Idahoans can't afford to pay premium prices for unreliable electricity. Please consider
Idaho Power's position in Case #GNR-E-1 1-03 and update the way we pay for wind, solar and other alternative-
energy projects. It's the right thing to do for Idaho businesses, Idaho families and Idaho communities. Our
community appreciates your consideration.
Thank
Tom Rist,
Mayor
City of Mountain Home
www.mountain-home.us