20050812press release.htm

./081205_IPCoTFhydro_files/filelist.xml IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Case No. IPC-E-05-23 August 12, 2005 Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339 office, 841-1107 cell

Website:
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov

Idaho Power wants to buy energy from Twin Falls hydro project

Boise – Idaho Power is seeking approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission of a 20-year sales agreement with Twin Falls Energy Company, Inc., which operates a 2.5-megawatt hydroelectric project.

Under the agreement, Twin Falls will sell Idaho Power electric energy generated by the Low Line Midway Hydroelectric Project in Twin Falls County. The plant is scheduled to be in operation by April 1, 2007.

The project will qualify as a small power production facility under the provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Congress passed PURPA during the energy crisis of the late 1970s. Its purpose is to encourage development of renewable energy technologies as alternatives to burning fossil fuels or constructing new power plants. The federal act requires electric utilities 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 commission is accepting comments on Idaho Power’s proposal through Friday, Aug. 26. Comments are accepted via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (IPC-E-05-23) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].

A full text of the commission’s order, along with other documents related to this case, are available on the commission’s Web site at
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room” and then on “Electric Cases” and scroll down to the above case number.