20080519ICL Comments.pdf

Ma~ 14 2008 11: 54AM Idaho Conservat i on League 208-3340344 p. 1
Idaho Pub Ii
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Boid
èonseon Leaue
PO BO 84. Bois 10 8370120.345.69
Idao Public Utilities Cossion
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074 '
May 13. 2008
RE: Idaho'ConservtionLeague Comments on Idaho Power EneriY Effciency
Rider (Case No. IPC-E~08-03)
Dear Conussioner:
Than you for the opportty to comment on the proposed expanion of Idao Power's
energy effciency programs though an effciency rider increase. For thirt-four year, the
Idao Conservation League has been Idao's voice for clean water, clean ai, and
wildemess-values tht are the foundation to Idao's extaordinar quality of life. The
Ida Conservon League works to protect thse values through citizen action, public
education, and professional advocac. As Idao's larest state.based conservation
organiation we represent over 9,500 members many of whom have a deep personal
interst in protecti our clean air, clean water, and qulity of
life.
The Idao Conservation League (ICL) urges the Idao Pulic Utility Commissioners
(PUC) to approve the 1 percent increas proposed for Idaho Power's Energy Effciency
..der (Rder). In addition, ICL reuests that the PUC dit idao Power to provide
fuer details, such as a scope an budget, associated with the use of
these fuds to
supprt smal-scale renewable energy programs.
Since 2001, Idao Power has been involved in developin Deman Side Management
(DSM) prgram to reduce electric consumption and assist ratepayers in reducing their
bils. In 2002, the fit Rider was approved as a sour of fuding for the DSM programs.
This Rider was set to taget each customer class at 0.5 percent of overal class revenue. '
Since that time, Idao Power has steadly incrased die fudig for the DSM programs to
include aditional efficiency and conservation prgrs such as the NC Cool Credit
Program and the Rebate Advantage program. On Jun i, 2008, Idao Power proposes to
agin increase the suort for the DSM progÌs by inreasing the rider from the
existig 1.5 percent to 2.5 percet, a 1 pert incree. Idaho Power's application
indicates th ths i percent increase would suport the DSM program beyond 2010 and
that fuer incrases in fudi wil be necessar after tht time. To date, these programs
have been shown to be cost-effective in comprison to the next best resource alterative
as they result in energy savis and reduced demad.
Ma~ 14 2008 11: 54AM Idaho Conservat i on League 208 -3340344 p.2--~-
In addtion to supportg DSM programs, Idao Power would lie to expand the scope
of
the Rider to includ suport of smaii~scale reewable energy progras. The Idao
Conseration Leage commends Idao Power for its desir to assist rateayers in fu(l
small.scale renewable, However, based on the application it is unclear whether'he t
percent increase will prvide adequate fincial support to fud boll progrs. Fung
for small scale renewable should not be done in a way tht may result in reduced fudig
for DSM projects. Pnor to approvig the use of
Rider fuds to support small-scale
renewable projec, more detals need to be provided to the PUC regarding the fianial
incentives to be implemented and the prjecte scope of the progr. A Small-Scale
Renewable 'Ener;logr Plan should be develope by Idao Power to detail, and
mae publicaly available, the allocation of Rider fuds for reewable projects.
We
encourage the Commissioners approve all other conditions associated with tls an
incrase in the Ride. However, we encourage th Commissioners to direct Idaho Power
to provide Ad detai1 with regard to the small..scale renewable prior to approving thportion. '
Than you for the opportty to comment on th Rider eae. Pleas feel free to conta
me with any ,question or comments.
Saa Cohn
8!..
Communty Conseration Associate
Idaho Conservation League