The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About20061005notice_of_application_order_no_30143.pdfOffice ofthe Secretary Service Date October 5, 2006 BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO INSTITUTE A UNIFORM SCHEDULE 72 INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT AND AMEND TARIFF LANGUAGE CASE NO. IPC-06- NOTICE OF APPLICATION NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 30143 On September 1 , 2006, Idaho Power Company filed an Application seeking authority to revise its Schedule 72 to include a Uniform Interconnection Agreement and to make the associated tariff language changes. With this Order the Commission issues notice of the Company s Application, authorizes the use of Modified Procedure, and sets a deadline for written comments and/or protests. THE APPLICATION YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that according to the Company s Application, it is proposing to implement a separate Uniform Interconnection Agreement to improve its internal processes and ensure the functional separation between power supply and delivery mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The Company states that when non-utility projects, such as PURPA qualified facilities (QFs), request interconnection to Idaho Power distribution/transmission system the current practice is to address those issues in the power purchase agreement document and in conjunction with Schedule 72 (Interconnections to Non- Utility Generation). However, interconnection is managed by Idaho Power s Power Delivery (Transmission) business unit, while power purchase agreements are within the purview of Idaho Power s Power Supply (Marketing) business unit. The FERC now requires a functional separation between the activities of these two business units, so it is no longer possible for the marketing business unit to negotiate interconnection terms and conditions as part of the power purchase agreement. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Idaho Power proposed Uniform Interconnection Agreement addresses the terms and conditions of interconnection and integration to the Company s transmission/distribution system, incorporates portions of the Company NOTICE OF APPLICATION NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 30143 template power purchase agreement, and is patterned after FERC's standard Small Generator Interconnection Agreement. The Company states that the Uniform Agreement is in keeping with utility industry efforts to standardize interconnection procedures and facilitate investment in needed utility infrastructures. The proposed Uniform Interconnection Agreement is included as Attachment 1 to the Company s proposed tariff. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Idaho Power states that it is not proposing any major changes to the terms and conditions of Schedule 72 other than referencing the Uniform Interconnection Agreement and adding language explicitly adopting the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: IEEE Standard 1547 (IEEE 1547) for interconnection. The Company states that it has adopted IEEE 1547 internally and believes non-utility generation interconnection should adhere to these industry best practices as well. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application, supporting workpapers testimonies and exhibits have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.The Application and testimonies are also available on the Commission s Website at www.puc.idaho.gov under the File Room" icon. NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has reviewed the filing of record in Case No. IPC-06-18. The Commission has preliminarily determined that the public interest may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented in this case and that issues raised by the Company s filing may be processed under Modified Procedure , by written submission rather than by hearing. IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. In so doing, the Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission may not hold a hearing in this proceeding unless it receives written protests or comments opposing the use of Modified Procedure and stating why Modified Procedure should not be used. IDAP A 31.01.01.203. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no protests or written comments are received within the deadline, the Commission will consider the matter and enter its Order without a hearing. If protests or comments are filed within the deadline, the Commission will NOTICE OF APPLICATION NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 30143 consider them and may, in its discretion, set the matter for hearing or decide the matter and issue its Order on the basis ofthe written positions before it. IDAP A 31.01.01.204. NOTICE OF COMMENTIPROTEST DEADLINE YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the deadline for filing written comments or protests with respect to the Application and the Commission s use of Modified Procedure in Case No. IPC-06-18 is October 31,2006. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written protests or comments. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that written comments concerning this case should be mailed to the Commission and to the Company at the addresses reflected below. Commission Secretary Idaho Public Utilities Commission PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0074 Street Address For Express Mail: 472 W. Washington Street Boise, ID 83702-5983 Barton L. Kline Lisa D. Nordstrom David Sikes Idaho Power Company PO Box 70 Boise, ID 83707-0070 E-mail: bkline~idahopower.com lnordstrom~idahopo wer. com dsikes~idahopower.com document. These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing the Commission s homepage located at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the "Comments and Questions icon, and complete the comment form, using the case number as it appears on the front of this document. These comments must also be sent to Idaho Power at the e-mail addresses listed above. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over Idaho Power Company, its Application for authority to institute a uniform Schedule 72 interconnection agreement and amend tariff language, and the issues involved in this case by virtue of Title 61 , Idaho Code including Idaho Code 99 61-129 , 61-301 , 302, 303, and 61-503, and the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.000 et seq. NOTICE OF APPLICATION NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 30143 The Commission has preliminarily determined that the public interest may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented in this case, and that issues raised by the Company s filing may be processed under Modified Procedure , by written submission rather than by hearing. IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. In so doing, the Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation. ORDER IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be processed under Modified Procedure. Persons interested in submitting written comments regarding this case or protesting the use Modified Procedure should do so no later than October 31 , 2006. DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this !)- I-Io. day of October 2006. , PRESIDENT MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER ATTEST: L) Je'jID)D. Jewell Co'n1mission Secretary O:IPC-O6-18 dw NOTICE OF APPLICATION NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 30143