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B ENGINEERS, Inc.
ENGINEERS. SURVEYORS. PLANNERS
Regional Office
115 Northstar Avenue
Twin Falls, 10 83301
208- 733-2414
Fax: [phone]
www.jub.com
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March 1 , 2002
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Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
RE:Case No. GNR-02-
Dear Commissioners:
I am a Vice President and Regional Manager for j-B ENGINEERS, Inc. (J-B),
working out of our Twin Falls, Idaho office.
During the 1980's and early 1990'
, j-
B was one of the Idaho-based firms thatprovided professional engineering services for over fifty (50) PURPA, QF hydroelectric
projects. Our services consisted of licensing, design , construction engineering, and
operation assistance. Many of those projects were built and have been on line for
going on 20 years. They have proven , contrary to misinformation, to be reliable andcost competitive.
j-U-B also has been involved in providing engineering services for over twenty (20)large dairies in Southern Idaho. Many of the dairy owners have been very interested
in producing electricity utilizing methane gas from anaerobic digesters. This would bebeneficial for manure management as well as odor control. Producing and sellingelectricity from these facilities could help defray the construction and operation cost,
and solve environmental problems.
It is apparent to me , and I am sure you , that as the Idaho Power Company completes
the re-licensing of their hydroelectric projects, generation will be reduced because
required environmental mitigation. This will both absorb any surplus of electricity
and raise the cost of production at those projects.
In Southern Idaho there is probably up to 80 megawatts of capacity that is stiltavailable on seasonal irrigation canal systems. This capacity would environmentally benign and possibly could qualify for tow impact hydropower institute
certification. This could allow the power to meet greerienergy requirements. Peakpower production of the canal system projec~s i1"reat ~igh power demand periods . inthe summer. This is very positive for the Idaho Power grid.
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Engineers Surveyors Planners
The canal system hydroelectric projects and the dairy anaerobic digester projects
should be developed. This would not only benefit the local economy, but would also
help stabilize rates so the ratepayers do not see the large variations that are now
being experienced. Long-term stable rates would be of significant help to Idaho
economy.
In order for the above positive projects to be developed, the following is needed:
Long term (20 year) fixed rate contracts for projects up to ten megawatts.
Avoided cost rates determined over the term of the contract and equal to the
life of Idaho Power s new resources.
Standardized contract terms.
Standardized interconnection terms and conditions.
Avoided cost rates determined using Idaho Power s actual new plant additions
for avoided cost rate calculations.
I appreciate your consideration and hope that the above items will be approved by
the Idaho Public Utility Commission. This would be a very positive thing for Southern
Idaho and the ratepayers.
Please call me at [phone] if you have any questions or would like to discuss my
comments.
Sincerely,
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W. "Bill" Block, P.
Regional Manager
cc:Robert J. Lafferty, Avista Corporation
Mark Widmer , Pacificorp
John M. Eriksson , Pacificorp
Barton L. Kline, Idaho Power Company
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