20131127Comments (3 Total).pdf

Idaho Public Utilities Commission 7R frw 97 P 2:)f
472 W.Washington Street
Boise,ID $3702
Dear ID P.U.C.,
I am a local business owner and voting citizen of Boise,Idaho.I am extremely
concerned about the $215 million business plan proposed by Idaho Power to upgrade the
Jim Bridger Coal burning plant.This is an outdated utility that is threatening the health of
our planet and a concern for public health,as well as a bad business plan.
I urge the P.1J.C.io review all foreseeable pollution costs before approving this
expenditure.I also urge the P.U.C.to become more forward thinking on energy sources
that can be prolific and generative in our state.
Sincerely,
/
II
O e V ]
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Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Wednesday,November27,2013 1:44 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Morty Prisament
Name:Marty Prisament
Case Number:IPCE-13-16
Email:mortypri(aol.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:2102 N.20th
Boise ID,83702
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I appreciate the opportunity to comment on Idaho Powers pending Certificate of
Convenience (CPCN)for proposed Bridger Plant upgrades.Idaho Power,as one-third owner in
the Bridger Plant,has an investment to protect and,failure to make the necessary upgrades
would jeopardize future operation of the facility.Understandably,therefore,the utility
views the best option as continuing to participate in operation of the facility,particularly
if Ratepayers cover these costs.
This option is only economical through the lens of Idaho Power because of their heavy
investment (i.e..sunk costs)in coal power.Idaho Power and not the ratepayers own the
interest in the Bridger Plant.This raises the question of why Ratepayers should be
responsible for compensating Idaho Power for continuing to participate in the operation of
Bridger.It was simply Idaho Power’s business decision to rely so heavily upon coal instead
of gradually transitioning to alternatives,especially least-cost alternatives of
conservation and energy efficiency.In fact,Idaho Power’s half-hearted attempts to implement
such alternatives reflect the utilities lack of interest in alternatives.
What does this mean for future Ratepayers?We would continue to,in effect,subsidize Idaho
Power’s ill-advised investments in coal generation as a major source of power for Idaho,and
these costs will continue to rise.The wild card is the additional,incalculable but large,
costs that would be necessary for coal-dependent utilities to control greenhouse gas
emissions.These future costs have not even been considered as part of Idaho Power’s
calculus,but are assuredly significant.Consequently,from the Ratepayer’s standpoint,
further investment in coal generation is unwise.
Certainly,the costs of transition to alternatives is not cheap.However,the long-term costs
will pale in comparison to the proposed $130m “AND RISING”Bridger “bailout.”Moreover,such
a huge investment in Bridger would irreversibly commit Idaho Power and its Ratepayers to a
reliance on coal-powered electricity generation for a long time into the future.The plain
truth is that utilities are no longer building coal plants.Idaho Power’s request simply
represents a thinly-veiled attempt to have Ratepayers cover a bad investment.
Unique Identifier:63.155.36.181
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Jean Jewell
From:secretary
Sent:Wednesday,November 27,2013 9:17 AM
To:Barb Barrows;Jean Jewell
Subject:FW:Idaho Power Bridger Coal Case IPC-E-13-16
From:Carmen Northen[SMTP:ASPOTTEDOGtC0X.NET]
Sent:Wednesday,November 27,2013 9:18:40 AM
To:secretary
Subject:Idaho Power Bridger Coal Case IPC-E-13-16 Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear PUC Commissioners,
I am an Idaho Power customer,and I don’t want to invest in dirty coal power.It’s time to
move forward and look to renewal energy instead of going backwards.Coal fired plants are
noxious and the process of extracting and shipping coal is a heavy cost on the environment.
Climate change is very real and scientists are concerned on how quickly the effects of
climate change are accelerating.I am currently involved in a climate change workgroup and
involved in discussion with scientists and how we can mitigate the detrimental effects of
warmer water temperatures and drought on our streams in the west.We love clean air out here
in the west.Please no more coal fired power plants!
Respectfully,
Carmen Northen
Carmen Northen
340 Cedar Street
PC Box3603
Hailey,ID 83333
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