20040506Order No 29490.pdf

U1tIce 01 the :secretary
Service Date
May 6, 2004
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF
IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY)
TO INCREASE ITS INTERIM AND BASE
RATES AND CHARGES FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE. CASE NO. IPC-03-
ORDER NO. 29490
On October 16 2003 , Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power, Company) applied to the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission for authority to increase its rates and charges an average of
17.7% for electric service in the State ofIdaho. Pursuant to Order No. 29369 issued October 28
2003, the proposed schedule of rates and charges was suspended for a period of thirty (30) days
plus five (5) months from the effective date of November 15 , 2003 (i., May 15, 2004). The
Commission held technical hearings to receive evidence in this matter on March 29 - AprilS
2004. The parties filed post-hearing briefs and intervenor funding requests by April 26, and the
public comment period ended April 30, 2004.
The issues raised in the 3 200-page record are numerous and complex.The
Commission has considered its calendar and notes that other Commission-related demands
prevent the complete consideration of this matter within the time frame previously established.
In a letter filed with the Commission on April 30, 2004, Idaho Power indicated its
willingness to consent to a further suspension of its previously filed rate schedules until May 25
2004. The Company agreed to this 10-day extension because it would still allow the Company
sufficient time to prepare the revised rate schedules from the final Order in this case and its
annual power cost adjustment in Case No. IPC-04-9 to effectuate a single rate adjustment on
June 1 2004.
Based on the foregoing, the Commission finds that good cause exists to extend the
suspension period in Case No. IPC-03-13 from May 15 , 2004 to May 25, 2004. Reference
Idaho Code 9 61-622. The additional period will enable the Commission to give the issues
raised in this case the consideration and informed reflection they deserve.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over Idaho Power
Company, an electric utility, and its Application in Case No. IPC-03-13 pursuant to Idaho
Code, Title 61 , and the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.000 et seq.
ORDER NO. 29490
The Commission has the authority under Idaho Code 9 61-622 to suspend the rates
that are the subject of the Application in this case upon a finding of good cause for an additional
period of sixty (60) days from the calculated decision date of May 15 2004.
It is necessary to suspend the rates in this Application an additional ten (10) days (or
until May 25 , 2004) to allow the Commission sufficient time to consider and determine the
issues presented in this Application.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the proposed schedules of rates and charges for
electric service in Case No. IPC-03-13 should be and hereby are suspended for a further period
of ten (10) days from May 15 , 2004 (or until May 25 , 2004), or until such earlier time as the
Commission may issue an Order accepting or rejecting or modifying the Application in this
matter.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this (p f-1...
day of May 2004.
IS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
~A).
J a D. Jewel
ISSlOn Secretary
O:IPCE0313 1n4 suspension order
ORDER NO. 29490