20041227Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. IPC-04-, Order No. 29665
December 23, 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.state.id.
Commission OKs Idaho Power irrigation program
Boise - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an expanded Idaho Power program
that reduces the amount of energy used by irrigators during the summer months when electrical
demand is at its peak.
Irrigators who volunteer will be paid credits for agreeing to let Idaho Power interrupt their power
supply between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m for up to three days per week. The program was piloted
last summer. Next summer, the amount of the credit will be increased from $1.75 per kW of
demand reduced to $2.01 per kW for one day of interruption. The credit for two days of
interruption is $2.51 per kW and for three days, $2.76. Also, the size of pumps eligible for the
program has been decreased to 100 horsepower or more. Last summer, only pumps of 150
horsepower or more were eligible.
Reducing the summer peak demand prevents the company from having to acquire the needed
power from the wholesale market or other more expensive sources. Power is most expensive
during times of peak demand. The company anticipates that the irrigation peak-clipping program
will provide about 30 megawatts of additional capacity during the summer peak. One megawatt
is enough to power about 750 homes.
The commission agreed with comments filed by the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association that
were supportive of the program, but also said the program should provide greater flexibility in
the number of hours available for interruption and the number of days irrigators could
participate. The commission asked the company to continually review the program with the idea
of adding more options for participation and to file a progress report no later than Dec. 1 , 2005.
Copies of the commission s order and the company s application are available on the
commission s Web site at www.puc.state.id.. Those interested in seeking reconsideration of
the order must do so by no later than Jan. 12. Petitions can be delivered to the commission at 472
W. Washington St. in Boise, mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ill, 83720-0074, or faxed to 208-
334-3762.