modproc.app.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL OF SCHEDULE 62—GREEN ENERGY PURCHASE PROGRAM. )
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CASE NO. IPC-E-00-18

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE

NOTICE OF COMMENT/ PROTEST DEADLINE

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on November 16, 2000, Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power; Company) filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) requesting approval of a proposed Schedule 62—Green Energy Purchase Program (Green Program). The Green Program is an optional program devised to provide customers an opportunity to participate in the purchase of new environmentally friendly green energy—e.g., wind, solar, geothermal. It is the Company’s program intention to stimulate demand for green resources and their development for future supply.
At the time of program enrollment, customers will select a six monthly payment amount (any dollar amount) based on their desired level of participation. The designated amount will be added to their monthly electric bill. Payments received for the Green Program will be accounted for in a separate account (FERC Account No. 142). The funds will wholly be used to purchase green energy or cover the green energy price premium with no customer amounts allocated to program overheads or marketing expenses. Green energy purchases will be accounted for separately and will not affect the Company’s Power Cost Adjustment.
Idaho Power indicates its intention to use the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to facilitate the purchase of green energy for the program. BEF, a non-profit foundation organized in September 1998, is dedicated to the replacement of fossil fuel generation and new renewable resources sited and operated in a manner consistent with sustainable resource practices. BEF will serve as the brokering party to facilitate electricity sales from resources certified by three leading regional environmental organizations as “green.” The BEF is located in Portland, Oregon.
Idaho Power indicates its intention to purchase both wind and solar energy from the BEF. The wind and solar products will not be available until December 2001. The Company will purchase a green resource blend product until the wind and solar products become available.
The Company notes that in developing its Green Program it met with representatives from Idaho Rivers United and the Northwest Energy Coalition. The Company has incorporated several suggestions made by these groups, such as:
Idaho Power will give priority to wind and solar resources when purchasing green energy;

Idaho Power will provide information to customers regarding the benefits of green energy and how much green energy can be purchased with accumulated fund amounts;

Idaho Power will pursue marketing and partnership opportunities with environmental and local public interest groups to encourage participation in the program.

Idaho Power requests that its tariff be effective January 15, 2001 and proposes that its Application be processed under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing. Reference Commission Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has reviewed the filings of record in Case No. IPC-E-00-18. The Commission has preliminarily determined that the public interest may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented, and that the issues raised by the Company’s filing may be processed under Modified Procedure.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission will not hold a hearing in this proceeding unless it receives written comments or protests opposing the use of Modified Procedure and stating why Modified Procedure should not be used. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.203.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the deadline for filing written comments or protests with respect to the Application and the use of Modified Procedure in Case No. IPCE00-18 is Friday, December 29, 2000. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written protests or comments.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no protests or comments are received within the deadline, the Commission may consider the matter and enter its Order without a hearing. If protests or comments are filed within the deadline, the Commission will consider them and may set the matter for hearing or may decide the matter and issue its Order on the basis of the written positions before it. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that written comments concerning this Application must be mailed to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and Idaho Power Company at the following addresses:
COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, ID 83702-5983 LARRY D RIPLEY
SENIOR ATTORNEY
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
PO BOX 70
BOISE ID 83707-0070
and
THERESA A. DRAKE
SENIOR ANALYST
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
PO BOX 70
BOISE ID 83707-0070
All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application in Case No. IPC-E-00-18 can be reviewed at the Commission office and at the principal office of Idaho Power Company during regular business hours. Idaho Power Company is located at 1221 West Idaho Street in Boise, Idaho.

DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of December 2000.

DENNIS HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary

Vld/N:IPC-E-00-18_sw

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
NOTICE OF COMMENT/
PROTEST DEADLINE 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
December 18, 2000