20130523Comment.pdf

Jean Jewell
From:Jean Jewell
Sent:Thursday,May 23,2013 8:45 AM
To:Jean Jewell
Subject:FW:Solar Energy vs.Idaho Power Company
From:M BAER tmailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Wednesday,May 22,2013 12:22 PM
To:Lou Ann Westerfield
Subject:Solar Energy vs.Idaho Power Company
Dear Ms.Westerfield,
I was just made aware of a proposal by Idaho Power to charge more for power that renewable customers
generate above their own usage.
I am one of those renewable customers and am writing to voice my concern over this development.
The decision to install solar panels upon my property was done with a great deal of advance thought as it was
not an inexpensive journey.Key to the decision making process was the stance that Idaho power had on
renewable energy --which included what costs I might incur from them.And it seemed like a win-win for
everyone.I had the security of knowing that I had a system that would function in the event of outages.I felt
by investing a system,I was also doing my part to be part of the solution to the country’s energy needs and
helping to preserve our environment.And Idaho Power,with no expense of its own --I paid for my system,
utility lines and grid were already in existence --could,during peak energy demand times,have access to me
excess power without having to get that power from other places (like the coal-fired plants in Wyoming and
Nevada).
Both state and local governments feels strongly enough about renewable energy that there are substantial tax
savings.
Yet,apparently,Idaho Power no longer feels the same way.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and call a spade a spade.Idaho Power is worried that more people will
jump on the renewable energy bandwagon.And they are worried about profits.(Which,I was informed,
tightly or wrongly,were in the $40 million range last quarter?)
It sees like a better long-term strategy for them would be to support renewable energy --selling and installing
solar systems,for instance.The need for renewable energy is not going to go away...it is only going to
increase.And many other states have already wisely jumped on board.
Idaho Power’s proposal would stall any further growth of renewable systems in Idaho.Do we really want to
move in the direction of being at the “bottom of the barrel”among other states in America when it comes to
progressive issues?
I have heard that there will be another hearing on this issue the week of June 12th.When a date becomes
firm,I would appreciate having the information.
Thank you so very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Marianne Baer
Ku n a
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