20050426Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. IPC-05-13, Order No. 29764
April 26, 2005
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.idaho.eov
Idaho Power seeks contract from Montana hydro project
Boise - Idaho Power Co. is asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to approve a 20-year
contract to buy power from a hydroelectric project near Toston, Montana, southeast of Helena.
Dry Creek LLC, which leases and operates the Broadwater Hydroelectric Project, a 10-megawatt
facility, would sell Idaho Power energy from the project for nine months of the year, from June
through February. The manager of Dry Creek is Ted Sorenson of Idaho Falls.
The proj ect qualifies as a small-power production facility under the provisions of PURP A, the Public
Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. PURPA, passed during the energy crisis of the late 1970s is to
encourage development of renewable energy technologies as alternatives to burning fossil fuels
or constructing new power plants. The federal act requires that electric utilities offer to buy
power produced by small power producers or cogenerators who obtain Qualifying Facility (QF)
status. The rate to be paid to project developers is to be equal to the cost the electric utility avoids
if it would have had to generate the power itself or purchase it from another source.
The hydroelectric project is located in NorthWestern Energy s service territory. Under the
proposed agreement, Dry Creek would be required to pay all costs associated with integrating the
hydroelectric project's energy deliveries into the Idaho Power system.
The commission will proceed under a modified procedure that allows the case to be handled
through written public comments rather than by public hearing. However, comments may request
a public hearing. Those wishing to submit comments must do so by no later than May 16.
Comments are accepted via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at
www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (IPC-05-
13) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ill
83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].
A full text of the commission s order, along with other documents related to this case, are also
available on the commission s Web site. Click on "File Room" and then on "Electric Cases" and
scroll down to the above case number.