20040914Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
For Immediate Release
Case No. IPC-04-, Order No. 29589
September 14, 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.state.id.
Commission approves Idaho Power-Tamarack agreement
Boise - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved a $2.7 million agreement between
Idaho Power and Tamarack Resort for new electric facilities to serve the four-seasons resort
under construction in Valley County. The proj ect is located in an area where Idaho Power does
not have adequate existing facilities to meet anticipated demand.
Tamarack developers have already paid Idaho Power $1.8 million for the first two phases of the
project, which, when complete will include substations as well as underground and overhead
facilities and lines to interconnect with Idaho Power s existing transmission system. Remaining
costs for the proj ect will be paid from contributions and electrical revenues from other new
customers who will attach to the facilities to receive service.
The resort complex includes 2 000 housing units, about 272 000 square feet of commercial
space, a golf course, ski lifts and other recreational amenities. When complete, Tamarack will
require an electrical load of about 20 megawatts. One megawatt is enough power to energize
between 750 and 1 000 homes.
Idaho Power determined that the West Mountain Road corridor was the best route to provide the
projected electrical service and that the former railroad right-of-way would be part of the 138-
transmission loop needed within the Donnelly/McCall area.
The commission received comments from some customers asking that Idaho Power bury the
overhead transmission lines between McCall and Donnelly and the 34.kV distribution lines
between Donnelly and Tamarack. The commissioners noted that this agreement deals only with
the distribution lines between Donnelly and the resort and not the transmission lines along
Highway 55. However, the commission said residents could work with the company and their
local governments to explore methods of paying the additional expense that results from burying
transmission and/or distribution lines. Idaho law allows for the creation of Local Improvement
Districts for the underground conversion of electric lines (Idaho Code, 50-2503 and 50-2504).
According to Idaho Power estimates, overhead transmission lines will cost about $3 million for
the 12-mile McCall-Donnelly stretch. Burying the lines will cost between $15 and $30 million
according to the company.
A full text of the commission s order, along with other documents related to this case, are
available on the commission s Web site. Click on "File Room" and then on "Electric Cases" and
scroll down to Case No. IPC-04-12.
Interested parties may petition the commission for reconsideration by no later than Oct.
Petitions for reconsideration must set forth specifically why the petitioner contends that the order
is unreasonable, unlawful or erroneous. Petitions should include a statement of the nature and
quantity of evidence the petitioner will offer if reconsideration is granted.
Petitions can be delivered to the commission at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise, mailed to P.
Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0074, or faxed to 208-334-3762.
END