20061206Comment.pdf

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Linda D. Paul
1715 Grant Av
Boise, ill 83706-3529
RECE!VED
200& DEC -6 M~ 8: 25
December 4, 2006
IDAHO PUUUC
UTILITIES COMMISSIOr.
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
POBox 83720
Boise, ill 83720-0074
Dear Commissioners:
Having read about the squabble over who will pay for transmission upgrades resulting
from wind power projects in eastern Idaho, I am puzzled. I realize this is a complicated
issue and I am a mere layperson. But I understand that Idaho Power wants small power
producers to pay around $60 million in transmission upgrades to accommodate 200
megawatts of new generation. As this issue comes before you, I wonder what role Idaho
Power s Green Power Project plays. I have several concerns:
1. What happens to the $6 per month that voluntary contributors, like me, pay to
promote the incorporation of Green Power such as solar and wind power into
Idaho Power s grid.
2. Since I am not necessarily "purchasing green power" that comes to my home, I
have been hoping that I would at least be supporting the development of small
green power generators around the state.
3. If new startups are priced out of the grid, what is the point of my $6 contribution?
It seems I'm simply lining Idaho Power s already golden pockets.
4. Idaho Power contends that the upgrades are not necessary except for these (green)
projects. I posit that these green projects are the most important thing we are
doing and that the cost should be shared by every power user in the state.
I understand that each new energy provider should pay initial interconnection costs, but it
seems that the transmission upgrades would be part of Idaho Power s normal
maintenance anyway. Why should the new little guys have to pay disproportionately for
system maintenance and upgrades
Thank you for your careful consideration of these issues. I do trust you will make wise
decisions for all of us.
Sincerely,-
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Linda D. Paul