28664.mod.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO INSTITUTE A PILOT PROGRAM TO ALLOW IRRIGATION CUSTOMERS TO TAKE ELECTRIC SERVICE AT TIME-OF-USE ENERGY RATES.
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) CASE NO. IPC-E-01-6

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED
PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 28664

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on February 21, 2001, Idaho Power Company (“Idaho Power”) filed its Application seeking Commission authority to institute a pilot program to allow irrigation customers to take electric service at time-of-use energy rates by implementing Tariff Schedule 25, Irrigation Service, Optional Time-Of-Use, Pilot Program (the “Program”). Idaho Power requests that its Application be approved with an effective date of March 23, 2001. Accordingly, the Company requests expedited consideration of this matter using Modified Procedure under the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, i.e., by written comment rather than by evidentiary hearing. IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204.
Idaho Power states that the purpose of this Program is to ameliorate the pressure on its system peak demands and associated financial consequences resulting therefrom. Specifically, under this Program the Company will provide an appropriate price signal to its irrigation customers to encourage them to shift their energy usage away from peak times which in turn will help to reduce the Company’s purchase power costs. Accordingly, the Company believes that exploring the potential benefits of this Program is warranted.
The Program will be available to all of the Company’s irrigation customers who are not participating in the Company’s Tariff Schedule 22, [Commercial Users] Energy Buy Back Temporary Program, or the Company’s Irrigation Buy Back Program. See Case Nos. IPC-E-01-4 and IPC-E-01-3. The Company also states that enrollment in this pilot program will be limited to 300 metered service points unless it chooses to waive this restriction.
Idaho Power contends that if the Program is successful it may lead to a reduction in the amount of revenue the Company will receive. However, this reduction in revenue is not accounted for in Idaho Power’s PCA mechanism and thus the Company entirely absorbs it. Accordingly, Idaho Power requests authorization to include reduced revenues, resulting from this Program, as an adjustment to its PCA mechanism.
The Commission Staff recognizing the time sensitive nature of Idaho Power’s Application recommended that it be processed in an expedited manner because irrigators must make decisions regarding the 2001 growing season in the coming weeks. Staff also recommended the use of Modified Procedure and suspension of the proposed effective date beyond March 23, 2001 to allow a shortened period of time for interested persons and parties to comment. The Commission finds these recommendations appropriate for the processing of this Application.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has reviewed the filings of record in Case No. IPC-E-01-6. 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 Application may 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 may not hold a hearing in this proceeding unless it receives written protests or comments 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 any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within sixteen (16) days from the date of this Notice. The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received within the deadline, the Commission will consider the matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing. If comments or protests are filed within the deadline, the Commission will consider them and in its discretion 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 Case No. IPC-E-01-6 should be mailed to the Commission and the Company at the addresses reflected below:

COMMISSION SECRETARY LARRY RIPLEY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SENIOR ATTORNEY
PO BOX 83720 IDAHO POWER COMPANY
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074 PO BOX 70
BOISE, IDAHO 83707
Street Address for Express Mail:
JOHN R. GALE
472 W WASHINGTON ST GENERAL MANAGER
BOISE, IDAHO 83702-5983 PRICING & REGULATORY SERVICES
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
PO BOX 70
BOISE, IDAHO 83707

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-01-6 can be reviewed at the Commission’s office and at Idaho Power’s offices during regular business hours.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED and the Commission does hereby suspend the proposed effective date for the proposed Program in Case No. IPC-E-01-6 from March 23, 2001 to March 30, 2001.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that because of the time sensitive nature of Idaho Power’s Program its Application be processed in an expedited manner.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this case shall be processed by Modified Procedure in accordance with the Commission Rules. See, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any person desiring to state a position on Idaho Power’s Application may file a written comment in support of or in opposition to the Company’s request. These comments must be filed within sixteen (16) days after issuance of this Notice. The written comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho, this
day of March 2001.

DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary

O:ipce0106_jh
If a customer is participating in these programs they must be granted written consent by Idaho Power before participating in the time-of-use program.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 28664 -1-

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
March 8, 2001