20040223Press Release.pdf

Janet Bahora
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gene Fadness
Thursday, February 19, 20044:36 PM
ipuc pr~puclist.state. id.
Idaho Power seeks approval for irrigation program
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
For Immediate Release
Case No. IPC-E-04-February 19, 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.state.id.
Idaho Power seeks approval for irrigation program
Boise - Idaho Power is seeking approval of a plan to invite up to 200 of its irrigation
customers to agree to turn off selected pumps during summer peak use times in exchange for
monetary benefits.
The Idaho Public Utili ties Commission must approve the one-year pilot proj ect because it
changes the method by which Idaho Power provides electrical service to irrigation
customers who elect to participate.
Idaho Power hopes to get up to 50 irrigation customers from each of four geographic areas
to participate. Those who meet eligibility criteria for the program would agree to have
the company install timers behind metered service points that provide power to pumps of at
least 50 cumulative horsepower. When the company reaches critical peak demand periods
during the months of June, July and August, the company would be able to shut off the
pumps for up to four hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. In
exchange, customers would receive a payment that is based on the number of kilowatts of
load reduction.
The company s 2002 long-range resource plan identified potential resource deficiencies
during peak use periods over the next few years. By reducing summer peak demand, the
company avoids having to pay for power from higher cost sources, including the wholesale
market.
Idaho Power estimates the program will cost $294 750. Money to operate the program
come from the Energy Efficiency Rider that appears on residential , irrigation and
commercial bills. For residential customers, the charge is 30 cents per month. For
irrigation customers, the rider is $0.0003 cents per kWh, but not to exceed $15 per
per month.
would
meter
Idaho Power hopes to gain up to 50 customers from each of these four geographic areas:
Kuna, Melba and Nampa; 2) Mountain Home, Bruneau and Grand View; 3) Rupert and Paul; and4) American Falls.
Idaho Power sought an implementation date of March 6, but the commission suspended that
date to April S to allow time for customer comment.
The commission has determined that public interest in the matter may not require a
hearing, but can be processed by written comments instead. Customers may comment through
March 10.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission
homepage at www.puc.state.id.us and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case
number (IPC-E-04-3) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box
83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].
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