20081212Comment.pdf

12-11-08; 05: 20PM;i~~
~ IN/~/Ó~
v-t ¡tV
; 2083778962/%~.
j f(
# 1/ 2
...
BRIGHTON
CORPORAtION
RECFIV¡:f)~.... i.' ,_ ,..J
Z008 DEC , 2 AM 8: 09
UTILIDAHO PUBUÇITIES COMMISSIONDecember 11, 2008
Idaho Public Utilties Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720~0074
Attention: President Mack A. Redford
Commissioner Marsha H. Smith
Commissioner Jim D. Kempton
Dear Commissioners:
1 am contacting you concerning IPUC Case Numbers IPC-E-08-22, Idaho Power's application to
modifY their Rule H Tariff. I am very concerned with the possible impacts of the proposed
modifications upon the development industr as well as the timing in which they are being
brought about.
First, the manner in which the timing and processing of the application has proceeded is
concerning to me. I became aware of the order for notice of intervention at a very late date in the
process and request an extension of the 14 day timeline for all parties to file petitions to
intervene. By publishing the order on the day before a 4 day holiday weekend, the timeline for
notification and action by all interested parties was severely diminished. Please do not rush such
an important application through the process but allow the public to be served by allowing
sufficient time for notification and response.
Second, the approval ofIdaho Powers application as proposed wil create an undue hardship
upon an industry that has been struggling for life for over a year. The removal of the $800 per
lot refund that developers receive wil put into jeopardy the viability of projects that have already
been approved and financing secured based upon the expectation of a per lot refund. In the tight
credit market we are seeing today, this change can have great repercussions.
Third, i recognize the hardships that Idaho Power faces in providing services in a time of
increasing power demands. However, we also ask that it be recognized that the
building/development industry is also a vital part of our economy that has been struggling for
some time. Many of the businesses in our industr have had to lay off staff and fore go wage
increases to employees. And an increase in any fees at this time is something that our industry
and the market can not handle. A July 2007 study conducted by the National Association of
homebuilders identified an $800 increase in initial cost on a home compounds to a $1000
increase in the price of the home. And that in the Treasure Valley that $1000 increase leads to
293 people being priced out of purchasing the home. I understand the importance of growth
paying its equitable share. However due to the effect that the proposed Idaho Power
modifications has on home affordabiIty I must also ask has Idaho Power also made the same
tough decisions as our members have in regards to staffng and budgetary cutbacks?
Brig/iton Corporation 12601 W. Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Boise, Idalio 83713
www.brig/itoncorp.com Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
12-11-08;05:20PM;; 2083778962 # 2/ 2
Page 2 of2
12/11/2008
I thank you for your service and for the duty that the IPUC performs. I once again ask you for a
time extension in regards to the petition to intervene deadline. And stress the importance of this
application and the effects that it could have if approved.
Sincerely,~
David W. Turnbull
President