20080428notice_of_modified_procedure_order_no_30541.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 28, 2008
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR
AUTHORITY TO MODIFY ITS RULE H
CHARGES AND CREDITS RELATED TO
DISTRIBUTION LINE INSTALLATIONS
AND UNDERGROUND SERVICE
ATTACHMENTS.
CASE NO. IPC-08-
NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30541
On March 10, 2008, Idaho Power Company filed an Application requesting
modification of its Rule H tariff charges and credits for installing distribution lines and
underground service to customers' premises. Specifically, the Company proposes to update
Section 4(b) concerning Underground Service Attachment Charges. The Company requested
that the Application be processed by Modified Procedure. On April 8, 2008 , the Commission
issued a Notice of Application and set a deadline for intervention. Order No. 30525. No persons
petitioned to intervene.
BACKGROUND
In its Application, the Company notes that the last major change to its charges and
credits (specific to this section of its Rule H tariff) occurred in February 1997. Since that time
the Company has observed an increase in the construction of larger-sized residential properties
within its service territory that require a larger-sized conductor than the "I/O" underground cable.
The current tariff charges and credits are based on use of the 1/0 cable size.
The Company s current Rule H tariff assesses additional charges for customers who
take service under Schedules 1 , 4, 5 , or 7.1 These customers must pay for underground service
attachments. Charges in Section 4(b) are divided into two types: a "Base" Charge and a
Distance" Charge (priced per foot based on the length of the installation).
The current method used to calculate the Distance Charge compares the cost
difference between installing overhead and underground service based on a single service-size
(1/0 cable at $5.05 per foot). Customers receive standard overhead service from the Company at
1 Schedules: 1 - Residential Service; 4 - Residential Energy Watch (optional); 5 - Residential Time-of-Day
(optional); 7 - Small General Service.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30541
no charge, but are charged an added cost differential when installing underground service. The
Company proposes a Distance Charge calculation using the same method (overhead vs.
underground), but with an additional assessment dependent on the size of the wire ($6.90 per
foot with 1/0 cable, $7.50 per foot with 4/0 cable, and $9.60 per foot with 350 cable).
The Company also requests a change to the discount in Distance Charges for
customers who provide their own trenching. The current charge for wire in customer-provided
trenching is $1.05 per foot. The existing tariff does not distinguish between types of wire. The
proposed charges are $2.15 per foot with 1/0 cable, $3.60 per foot with 4/0 cable, and $4.65 per
foot with 350 cable.
The Company s Base Charge is currently $30 for service from existing underground
facilities, and $255 for service from overhead facilities due to the cost of the 2" conduit riser.
The Company proposes to increase the Base Charge to $40 for service for existing underground
facilities and $395 for service requiring a 2" riser. The Company also proposes to add a charge
for a 3" riser option to address the larger-sized services not previously envisioned when the tariff
was created.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the
public interest may not require a formal evidentiary hearing in this matter and will proceed under
Modified Procedure pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure 201 through 204, IDAPA
31.01.01.201 through .204.The Commission notes that Modified Procedure (with written
comments) has proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation in
cases of this nature.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission no later
than 21 days from the date of this Order. The comment must contain a statement of reasons
supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their
written comments.Written comments concerning this Application shall be mailed to the
Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30541
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
Lisa D. Nordstrom
Barton L. Kline
Idaho Power Company
PO Box 70
Boise, ID 83707-0070
Mail: lnordstrom~idahopower.com
bkline~idahopower. com
472 W. Washington Street
Boise, ID 83702-5918 Celeste Schwendiman
John R. Gale
Idaho Power Company
PO Box 70
Boise, ID 83707-0070
E- mail: csch wendiman~idahopower. com
rgale~idahopower.com
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this
document.Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing the
Commission s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the "Comments and Questions
icon, and complete the form, using the case number as it appears on the front of this document.
These comments should also be sent to the Company at the e-mail addresses listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are
received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and
enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit
set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal
hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically
Idaho Code ~~ 61-307, 61-503 , and 61-622. The Commission may enter any final Order
consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30541
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be processed under Modified Procedure.
Interested persons and the parties may file written comments no later than 21 days from the date
of this Order.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this C;;Z 8'rA.
day of April 2008.
MACK A. REDF , RESIDENT
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
mission Secretary
O:IPC-08-02 ks2
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30541