20090316press release.htm

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. IPC-E-08-22, Order No. 30746

March 16, 2009

Contact: Gene Fadness [phone], 890-2712

PUC grants request to extend comment deadline

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is extending the comment deadline in a case that’s drawing interest from builders and developers.

Idaho Power Company is asking state regulators to allow it to charge builders and developers more for new service attachments and distribution line installations and to reduce or eliminate refunds the builders get as new developments hook-on to the expanded facilities.

The company claims the proposed modifications to those charges, called the Rule H Tariff, would better meet a goal of the company and the commission to require growth to pay for itself by shifting more of the installation costs from all ratepayers to the new customers requesting construction for the services.

The commission is granting a request by the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho, one of the parties to the case, to extend the comment deadline from March 20 to April 17 “due to the complexity and nature of the issues involved.” Comments from the general public are due by May 1. Extending the comment period will also delay the date any updated tariff would become effective from May 1 to no later than July 1.

Idaho Power is also asking that it be allowed to add a section to the tariff that more clearly spells out who pays when the company has to relocate distribution facilities on public right-of-way due to roadway expansion. Currently, Idaho Power pays for the relocation when it is being required by a governmental agency such as the state Department of Transportation or county or city highway departments. When a third party requests relocation of distribution facilities, the third party must bear the cost. Idaho Power claims there have been recent instances where public road agencies have requested relocation on behalf of third-party developers. Idaho Power wants public road agencies to more clearly demonstrate that the relocation is for the public benefit and not for the benefit of a third party.

In addition to the Building Contractors, intervenors in the case include the City of Nampa, the Association of Canyon County Highway Districts and The Kroger Co, which does business in Idaho as Fred Meyer and Smith’s Food and Drug.

Comments are accepted via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at
http://www.puc.idaho.govwww.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number, IPC-E-08-22, and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].