20131125Comments (13 Total).pdf

OFFICE Of THE MAYOR BRIAN C.BLAT)Pocateflo Cfty Councth
911 North 7th Avenue Mayor
Jfij Pocatello,Maho 83205 STEVE BROWNILAXUZlUCRPJGCOOPER
(20$)234-6163 W.JAMES JOHNSTONAMLLcOPORflONOFIDAHOFax:[phone] GARY MOORE
www.pocatello.us EVA JOHNSON NYF
November25,2013
:‘j
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
RE:Case #IPC-E-13-16
Via email secretary(puc.idaho.gov
C.J7
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to express my strong support of Idaho Power’s application for a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.The City of Pocatello appreciates Idaho
Power’s commitment to reliable,fair priced energy in our region.As Mayor of Pocatello I am
encouraged by the responsibility shown by Idaho Power to lessen the environmental impact
while still providing for the needs of their customers in an affordable manner.
Idaho Power remains an integral part of the economic advancement of Pocatello and I look
forward to their continued success.
Sinc y
/
Brian C Blad
Mayor
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
I,.
To:Idaho Public Utilities Commission 7qf.4 ,..—.
From:Lon Crowell,Director ‘,.1:5CityofPocatello
Planning &Development Services Department ,_.,,
Re:Case Number IPC-E-1 3-16 l:.CGj
Date:November25,2013
To Whom it May Concern,
While I am unable to speak on behalf of the City at Pocatello,I am able to speak on behalf of
Economic Development.Low utility rates are a unique characteristic that we in Idaho use to our
benefit when competing nationally and globally for industry and manufacturing companies
looking to the west and northwest United States.We are surrounded by states that have
significant resources,same with what could be viewed as unlimited funds,to attract business
and provide the necessary infrastructure at very little or no cost at all to the prospective
companies.Idaho does not have that luxury.In Pocatello what we do have is a great work
force,a great location and low power costs.
It is well known that coal power is the least expensive and one of the most reliable resources for
consistent power.This resource is readily available and used responsibly in the intermauntain
west.This resource is not a threatened source of power such as oil or a controversial source of
power such as nuclear.It does not carry with it the significant environmental risks and damage
caused by fracking or other natural gas drilling methods.Reliability and cast effectiveness are
vital to industry and manufacturing.Without cost effective power,Idaho industry may not be
able to compete financially with our global competitors.Without consistent power,industry
would not be able to operate efficiently or effectively;in same cases a short burst of power lass
results in a complete shutdown and losses of thousands,same cases tens of thousands,of
dollars.In addition we have consistent requests far significant amounts at power that would
otherwise be very difficult to provide.
I agree that alternative sources of power are fundamentally responsible however at this time
they are inefficient,cost prohibitive and unpredictable.We NEED affordable power and
consistent power for the residents at Pocatello and tar our economic future and growth.
As of today,Pocatello is able to use the benefits that you,Idaho Power,currently provide to your
customers;low cast,reliability.These benefits are invaluable when trying to convince industry
that Idaho and Pocatello is the right place for them.This mutually beneficial relationship has
brought several great companies and hundreds at jobs to Pocatello.We hope that we can
continue this relationship well into the future.We appreciate the help and support we receive
from Idaho Power and from your local Idaho Power employees.
Please vote to approve the necessary certificate and investment for the Idaho Power!
PacifiCarp Bridger Wyoming Power Plant;please keep it open,fully operational and please da
what is necessary to keep our rates ow.
Con Crawell,Director
City at Pacatello
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development,Planning.Development Engineering,
cDBG/HuD,Pocatello Regional Airport
Jean Jewefl
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 4:45 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Russell Buschert
Name:Russell Buschert
Case Number:IPC
Email:russ{buschert.com
Telephone:208-86e-73@@
Address:235 W.Floating Feather Road
Eagle Idaho,83616
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Subject:Idaho Power’s request for the Btidger Power Plant Dear Commisioners,
I am not in favor of investing more money in the Jim Bridger Coal generating plant.I feelamoreprudentapproachistobuildmorenaturalgascapacityinsteadandreducetheamountofpowerthatisrequitedbycoalgeneration.Additional gas capacity has a very long term
life potential and can be built closer to the usage demand,while the window for coal is
closing and there is no such thing as clean coal.
As global climate change is taken more seriously,there will be the likelihood of much higher
coal taxes which might lesson or eliminate coal’s current cash cost advantage.The non-cash
costs of burning coal are well known but much harder to quantify.
I realize that large users of electricity have in the past looked at electric cost as a key
driver in their decision process for potential plant locations.I think that is changing
with progressive businesses not wanting to be accused of using cheap dirty power as part of
their manufacturing process (or server farm)any more than prison/slave labor in China.
Dumping more money into Bridger continues to degrade our long term competitive position in
this factor.
I would also like to see a much more aggressive approach to conservation especially with timeofdaymeteringtohelpreducepeakdemands.In addition solar should be encouraged to helpreduceneededcapacity.Building power plants of any kind should be a last resort after wehavemadesubstantialeffortsinconservation.
Best regards,
Russ Buschert
Business investor and Idaho Power shareholderseeshares(held in Tin Cup LLC)
Unique Identifier:75.174.124.121
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 4:24 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:kit@peasleytransfercom
Subject:Case Comment Form:Kit Herndon
Name:Kit Herndon
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:kitpeasleytransfer.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:2763 N.Camden Place
Boise ID,83704
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power Company Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:If Idaho Power wishes to spend over $100 million of our money,it should be toward
modernizing our power supply,and not waste money on old,polluting,and dangerous methods.
This money could be better spent switching to sustainable energy supplies (like consumergeneratedsolar,wind,geothermal,etc.)or converting to natural gas generation.Idaho
Power has both a vinancial obligation and an obligation to its customers safety.Ignoringtheobviousfutureofpowergenerationviolatesthefirstobligations,and consciously
choosing the most health hazardous option available violates the second.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kit Herndon
Unique Identifier:67.132.125.82
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 3:40 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:peacenow22gmail.com
Subject:Case Comment Form:Elizabeth Paul
Name:Elizabeth Paul
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:peacenow22gmail .corn
Telephone:
Address:6152 Plantation Lane
Garden City ID,83703
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Elizabeth Paul,6152 Plantation Ln,Garden City,ID 83703
November 25,2013
Comments on Docket #IPC-E-13-16
Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for this opportunity to provide my comments on this issue.
I am concerned about the environmental,public health and economic impacts of the Jim BridgerCoalPlant.Greenhouse gas emissions from the plant contribute to global warming and thatimpactaloneisseriousenoughtowarrantdenialofIdahoPower’s requests.The case fordenialisstrengthenedwhenthepublichealthimpactsoftheunitsarefactoredintotheequation.Emissions of mercury,particulates,coal ash and other pollutants sicken peoplewholiveintheairshed.The mining and transportation of coal also cause disease and illhealth.As an energy consumer and ratepayet,I don’t want to depend on energy that damagestheenvironmentanddiminishespublichealth.
Idaho Power needs to be encouraged to comply with the Idaho State Energy Plan and phase coaloutofitsenergyportfolio.Idaho Power ratepayers are growing in their support for clean,sustainable energy supply.The Idaho Public Utilities Commission should also encourage IdahoPowertophaseoutcoalbydenyingtheserequests.
As an Idaho Power ratepayer,I want my rates to be reasonably predictable and supportdevelopmentanddeliveryofcleanandreliablesourcesofenergy(including efficiency).don’t get to shop around for my electricity;I can’t use my purchasing power to shape themarketplace.I rely on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to protect my interests,and theinterestsofallratepayersoftodayandtomorrow.
At question is the future of the Jim Bridger Coal Plant and how much additional investment byIdahoPowerinvestmentisprudent.It’s obvious that the $130 million investment Idaho Powercurrentlyseekstoguaranteeisnottheonlylargeinvestmentthecompanywillneedtomakeinthecomingdecade.The problem is that Idaho Power has not offered an accounting of thefullinvestmentthatwillbeneeded,and the IPUC is being asked to decide without benefit ofallrelevantinformation.
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The situation reminds me of a dilemma many of us have faced —how much money to invest in an
aging car.You can see that the tires are bald,but without knowing how many more miles the
engine,transmission and brakes have left you can’t make a good decision on whether to buy
new tires.No one would knowingly invest $l,@@O in tires when they knew the car was on its
last legs and that $1,000 should go toward buying a new car.
We all agree that Idaho Power’s Jim Bridger coal plant has “bald tires.”I don’t want my rate
payments spent on new tires because I know that the Jim Bridger coal plant is a junker.I
urge you to “look under the hood”and deny Idaho Power’s request for CPCN certificate and
binding ratemaking treatment.
Unique Identifier:63.155.46.16
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November25,2013 3:36 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Beth Ineck
Name:Beth Ineck
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:ineckb8cityofnampa.us
Telephone:[phone]
Address:55 South Pit Lane
Nampa ID,83687
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Low cost reliable power is a vital component to the success of economic development
in Idaho.As the Economic Development Director for the City of Nampa I am actively engaged
in bringing new industry to our city as well as assisting our existing businesses in
expanding.Through that process the importance of adequate power supply,reliability,and
cost is one of the top considerations for any company or site location consultant.As
manufacturing becomes more automated and the need for servers and data centers increases the
need for additional power supply is great.As an example,this summer we worked on a project
in conjunction with Idaho Power which initially needed over 300MW to support their
manufacturing facility.The elimination of coal from the power supply would halt the
opportunities for new industry.I support Idaho Power’s efforts to meet the state and
federal requirements for pollution control and continue their investment in the Jim Bridger
coal-fired generating plant near Rock Springs,Wyoming.I also recognize the importance of
developing new cleaner technologies to meet our energy needs;but at this time upgrading the
emission-control equipment is the best alternative to meet our growing energy needs at the
lowest cost.
Unique Identifier:174.46.198.5
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Jean Jewell
From:jimjohnston8gmait.com
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 3:23 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Jim Johnston
Name:Jim Johnston
Case Number:ipc-el3-16
Email:iimiohnston8(gmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:6375 5.Bannock Hwy.
Pocatello Idaho,83204
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I support Idaho Powers application to the IPUC for a certificate authorizing the
company to invest in new required environmental controls at the Jim Bridger coalfired
generating plant near Rock Springs,Wyoming.I am certain that this equipment will lessen the
environmental impact and that is a big concern.
Unique Identifier:65.101.68.140
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Jean Jewell
From:secretary
Sent:Monday,November25,2013 3:15 PM
To:Barb Barrows;Jean Jewell
Subject:FW:Idaho Power Bridger Coal Case IPC-E-13-16
From:Kelly Gorritz[SMTP:GLENNKELLYMUSICGMAIL.COM]
Sent:Monday,November 23,2@13 3:16:47 PM
To:secretary
Subject:Idaho Power Bridger Coal Case IPC-E-13-l6 Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear PUC Commissioners,
I am an Idaho Power customer,and I dont want to invest in dirty coal power.
Kelly Gorritz
P0 Box iggi
McCall,ID 23638
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November25,2013 3:03 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Leonard Nolt
Name:Leonard Nolt
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:LeonardNolt(AOL.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:5763 W.Filly St.
Boise ID,83703
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Popwer
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Greetings
1m opposed to allowing Idaho Power to use millions of dollars for coal plant upgrades.
Coal-fired power plants are going out of business like rats leaving a sinking ship.At least
150 coal-fired power plants in the US have been shut down in the past several yeats.
Electricity generated by burning dirty coal pollutes the air people breath and must come to a
halt.Investing in coal-fired power plants for whatever reason is like investing in the
first generation of computers.It’s wasting financial resources.Instead that money should
be designated to buy power for individuals and families who have installed their own solar
panels.They should be paid at rates comparable to the ones paid in Germany where the roofs
of building are covered with solar panels and Germany is rapidly coming to the place where
all their electricity is generated by clean sources of energy.As a respiratory therapist I’m
concerned about air quality and the harmful impact it has on human health.Let’s not impose
more air pollution on people living near coal-fired power plants by using out financial
resources to produce more ditty air when we ate living in a time when there are better and
cleaner sources available.Thank You.
Unique Identifier:168.103.41.2
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 2:37 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Caren DeAngelis
Name:Caren DeAngelis
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:tonycaren(yahoo.corn
Telephone:
Address:2085 Grace Street
Boise ID,83702
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I urge you to not let Idaho Power pass on the cost of upgrading the coal plants on
to the ratepayers.The millions of dollars wasted on this project should go in to finding
renewable energy sources.
Unique Identifier:178.232.192.18
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 2:29 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Darrell BoIz
Name:Darrell Bolz
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:dbolz(hotmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:3412 College Ave.
Caldwell ID,83605
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I am in support of Idaho Powers request to invest in investing in new environmental
controls at the Jim Bridger coal-fired plant near Rock Springs,Wyoming.It only makes sense
to make the plant more environmentally friendly while maintaining the ability to provide the
necessary electrical needs of its customers at reasonable rates.To replace the capacity at
the Jim Bridger plant with alternative sources of electricity would end up costing the
consumers more.I realize that there are those who are opposed to coal use,but do they have
alternatives that are both environmentally friendly as well as being at less cost to the
consumer?Besides those who favor wind or solar need to consider the electrical costs to the
consumer.Life is a series of choices and I feel that this choice is in the best interest of
all concerned.Thank you for taking input on this issue.
Unique Identifier:97.121.51.43
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Monday,November 25,2013 4:52 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Milan Kovach
Name:Milan Kovach
Case Number:IPC-E-13-16
Email:mpkovachcableone.net
Telephone:[phone]
Address:2960 W Joust St
Meridian ID,83646
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:False
Comment:The time is long past for Idaho Power to start distancing itself from the production
of energy through the burning of high sulfur coal.The use of coal,with any degree of
contaminates is adding to an environmental disaster and the industry should not be asking its
consumers to help fund this abomination to the environment and creating further health
problems.Idaho has a long history with the safe use and technical advantages of nuclear
energy.The State should be encouraging the development and further use of clean and safe
nuclear power.The fourth generation of nuclear plants as well as breeder reactors offer a
viable and advantageous alternative to coal producing plants with all their inherit
disadvantageous.
Unique Identifier:184.155.255.120
1
Jean Jewell
From:shawn.socia©gmaiL corn
Sent:Monday,November25,20134:51 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:shawn.sociagmail.com
Subject:Case Comment Form:Shawn Soda
Name:Shawn Socia
Case Number:
Email:shawn.sociagmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:1092 Vine St
Boise Idaho,83703
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:We have the opportunity to move forward with a cleaner energy model that can
invigorate our economy through job creation and set an example of what it means to work with
the environment in a manner that encourages the survival of the planet,and thus,us,as a
species.I DO NOT support revamping coal plants to continue our same old way of doing
things.I DO support the development and use of green energy.Its the only way we can move
forward and ensure survival for future generations.Thank you for your time.
Unique Identifier:184.99.82.112
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