20080408notice_of_application_order_no_30525.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 8, 2008
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR CASE NO. IPC-08-
AUTHORITY TO MODIFY ITS RULE
CHARGES AND CREDITS RELATED TO NOTICE OF APPLICATION
DISTRIBUTION LINE INSTALLATIONS
AND UNDERGROUND SERVICE NOTICE OF
A TT ACHMENTS.INTERVENTION DEADLINE
ORDER NO. 30525
On March 10, 2008, Idaho Power Company filed an Application requesting
modification of its Rule H tariff relating to the 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 requests the
Application be processed by Modified Procedure and that the updated charges become effective
May 2008.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company asserts 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 noted an increase in the construction oflarger-
sized residential properties within its service territory that require a larger-sized conductor than
the "1/0" underground cable. The current tariff charges and credits are based on use of the 1/0
cable size.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company s current Rule H tariff assigns
additional charges for customers who take service under Schedules , 5, or 7.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).
1 Schedules: I - Residential Service; 4 - Residential Energy Watch (optional); 5 - Residential Time-of-Day
(optional); 7 - Small General Service.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
ORDER NO. 30525
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that 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 no charge, but must pay the added cost to install
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).
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that 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.
per foot with 4/0 cable, and $4.65 per foot with 350 cable.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that 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.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company is requesting that the updated
tariff become effective on May 1 2008.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application and 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" and then "Electric Cases.
DEADLINE FOR INTERVENTION
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to intervene in this matter
for the purpose of presenting evidence or cross-examining witnesses at hearing must
file a
Petition to Intervene with the Commission pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure 72
and 73 , IDAP A 31.01.01.072 and .073. Persons intending to participate at hearing must file a
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
ORDER NO. 30525
Petition to Intervene no later than 14 days from the service date of this Order. Persons seeking
intervenor status shall also provide the Commission Secretary with their electronic mail address
to facilitate further communications in this matter.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to present their views
without parties ' rights of participation and cross-examination are not required to intervene and
may present their comments without prior notification to the Commission or to other parties.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that once the deadline for intervention has
passed, the Commission Secretary shall issue a Notice of Parties. The Notice of Parties shall
assign exhibit numbers to each party in this proceeding.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that after the Notice of Parties is issued, the
Commission anticipates that the parties will informally convene to devise a recommended
schedule to process this case. Commission Staff is directed to contact the parties after the
intervention deadline to discuss a procedural schedule. In addition to the schedule, the parties
may discuss discovery logistics, electronic service, and other scheduling matters.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has jurisdiction over this
matter pursuant to Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically Idaho Code 99 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.
SUSPENSION OF PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE
Due to the limited time between when the Company filed its Application and when it
requests that the changes become effective, the Commission finds that it cannot resolve Idaho
Power s requested Rule H modifications before the proposed effective date of May 1 , 2008.
Pursuant to Idaho Code 99 61-622 and 61-623 , the Commission hereby suspends the proposed
changes for a period of 30 days plus 5 months from April 11 , 2008 , or until such time as the
Commission enters an Order accepting, rejecting or modifying the request in this matter.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
ORDER NO. 30525
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the proposed modifications to its Rule H tariff
submitted by Idaho Power Company in this matter are suspended for a period of 30 days plus 5
months from April 11 , 2008, or until such time as the Commission enters an Order accepting,
rejecting or modifying the request in this matter.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that persons desiring to intervene in this case for the
purpose of presenting evidence or cross-examination at hearing shall file a Petition to Intervene
with the Commission no later than 14 days from the service date of this Order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that after the Notice of Parties is issued, the Staff shall
informally convene with the parties to discuss the processing of this case.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
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day of April 2008.
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MACK A. REDFORD, PRESIDENT
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MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
O:IPC-O8-02 ks
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
ORDER NO. 30525