20070122Comment.pdf

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Jean Jewell
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jsteciak~uidaho.edu
Monday, January 22 , 2007 3:27 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Judi Steciak follows:
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Case Number: IPC-E-06-
Name: Judi Steciak
Address: 4120 Edgemont Street
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83706-2404
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: j steciak~uidaho. edu
Name of Utility Comp~~daho Power
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Please describe your question or comment briefly:
While Idaho Power should be commended for including renewable resources it its portfolio
of power generating capacity, the company needs to be significantly more far-sighted and
environmentally aware. Specifically, the proposed addition of more fossil-fuel power
generation completely ignores global warming problems caused by release of carbon dioxide
form non-renewable sources. We as a nation cannot afford to ignore the CO2 problem.
The most efficient and environmentally responsible power plant that Idaho Power can build
is the one it does not build.
Better choices exist and the utility needs to be more progressive.For example:
1. Idaho Power can upgrade its contract with US Geothermal for base load geothermal power
(instead of Idaho Power trying to use geothermal for peak loads as the current contract is
set up for) and work to obtain additional baseload capacity from this source rather thancoal-based power. There is significant potential for geothermal power generation within
the region as the IRP mentions and it is a reality in the making. Not just southern Idaho
but eastern Oregon needs to be included.
2. Take inspiration from California s solar energy initiative which will stimulate the
installation of 000 megawatts of electrical generating capacity over the next decade.
Idaho Power can partner with the Idaho Energy Division, local zoning boards, the
legislature, and federal programs to provide homeowners a rebate to install photovoltaicsystems. In California, hundreds of private companies installed almost 50 megawatts of
solar electric generating capacity in 2006. While California has a much larger
population and many more rooftops, Idaho is also abundant in sunshine - and the solar
systems peak generation will be during the summer peak usage hours; why build another
natural gas peaker plant? All the new developments in Idaho that are causing the demand
for new power generation can become part of the solution via installation of solar
electric systems.
In view of California s success with its solar energy program, it is hard to believe why
Idaho Power has not even considered solar electric systems in its energy plans.
3. Take a second look at biomass and partner with companies, municipalities, andbusinesses. Dairy factories have significant potential for methane generation from
anaerobic digestion of their waste stream. Landfill gas can be harvested. Small
operations in northern Idaho contract with utili ties for power production from wood
processing waste; herbaceous agricultural residue has been cofired with bark and wood
chips.
4. I am certain others have responded with comments regarding Idaho Power I s actual policy
towards wind power and how it is harming small producers - the people and companies taking
the financial risk to provide the power.
5. Nuclear power? Yes, INL has a contract to develop the next generation nuclear powerplant for the nation. I attended a recent presentation about this and was underwhelmed.
The program is not fully funded. The existing waste issue remains of great concern.
Speculating on nuclear power generation is far more risky and costly than any of the
renewable al ternati ves.
In summary, business-as-usual with fossil fuel generation cannot continue and Idaho Power
is in a position to be a leader with more progrssive and environmentally responsible
choices.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuci/ipuc.htmi
IP address is 129.101.170.137
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