20070523final_order_no_30317.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
May 23, 2007
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF IDAHO POWER
COMPANY'S 2006 INTEGRATED
RESOURCE PLAN
ORDER NO. 30317
CASE NO. IPC-06-
In Order No. 30281 issued on March 26 2007, the Commission found that receiving
each electric utility s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) within a narrower time frame would
improve the overall planning process and assist in regional planning efforts. Consequently, the
Commission directed Idaho Power to file a brief report containing suggestions on how its IRP
may be coordinated with the IRP filings of Avista and Rocky Mountain Power. On May 10
2007, Idaho Power filed its letter report.
THE LETTER REPORT
Idaho Power reports that it has contacted Rocky Mountain Power and A vista
Corporation regarding their plans to file future IRPs. Idaho Power states that Rocky Mountain
Power is scheduled to file its 2009 IRP no later than the last business day of March 2009. See
Order No. 30262 at 2. Idaho Power also reports that Avista intends to file its 2009 IRP on or
near September 1 , 2009.
Given the filing dates of the other utilities, Idaho Power requests that the
Commission authorize it to file its next "full" IRP on or before the last business day of June
2009. That would put Idaho Power s IRP filing between the filings of Rocky Mountain and
Avista. Idaho Power also proposes to file an "IRP update" in June 2008 to highlight the progress
on its short-term action plan; changes in its load forecast, existing loads, customer base and
purchased power contracts; and any significant deviations from its 2006 IRP.
Staff agreed with Idaho Power s proposed IRP report date. Staff believes that the
six-month window for filing the three IRPs is in compliance with the Commission s directive in
Order No. 30281. The Staff also endorsed Idaho Power s offer to provide an "IRP update" in
June 2008.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
Based upon our review of Idaho Power s report, we grant the Company s request to
file its next full IRP no later than the last business day of June 2009. We further direct the
ORDER NO. 30317
Company to file an IRP "update" in June 2008 highlighting the issues mentioned above.
Requiring the IRPs to be filed closer together will allow the utilities to coordinate and cooperate
on IRP issues of mutual benefit, e., shared generation resources. Given the procedural nature
of the Company s request, we find there is good cause to grant the requested relief without
further notice or Modified Procedure.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Idaho Power Company file its next full IRP no later
than the last business day of June 2009.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Company provide the Commission a
transitional IRP update in June 2008. This IRP update should address the progress of the
Company s short-term action plan; any changes in its load forecast, existing loads, customer
base, and purchased power contracts; and any significant deviations from its 2006 IRP.
THIS IS A FINAL ORDER. Any person interested in this Order may petition for
reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the service date of this Order with regard to any
matter decided in this Order. Within seven (7) days after any person has petitioned for
reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for reconsideration. See Idaho Code 9 61-
626.
ORDER NO. 30317
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this J)3
day of May 2007.
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
~LJJe D. Jewell
Commission Secretary
bls/O:IPC-06-24 dh
ORDER NO. 30317