HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140902Comments (2 Total).pdfJean Jewell
From:Jean Jewefl
Sent:Tuesday,September 02,2014 10:19 AM
To:Jean Jewell
Subject:Comment re:Case No.IPC-E-14-19
Honorable Paul Kjellander
Honorable Marsha Smith
Honorable Mack Redford
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
Boise,Idaho 83702
September 2,2014
Dear Commissioners,
I write today regarding Case IPC-E-14-19 to say a resounding “Yes!’
to the Grand View 80MW project.I’m the director of Idaho Climate Think
Tank,a small organization that is focused on carbon mitigation and
adaptation strategies for Idaho in the face of a warming climate.
It is critical that Grand View be given the green light as soon as possible
so that low-emissions sources of energy can start to replace high carbon
emitting sources of energy,especially coal,here in Idaho.
Climate change is a looming catastrophe which,if we do not aggressively
reduce emissions in the next 20 years,will impact Idaho’s farming
economy,our fish,forests,cities,and our water supply.I urge the
Commission to read BSU economist Scott Lowe et al’s upcoming paper on the
projected impacts of climate change on Idaho’s farming economy,available here:
http://oniinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/l 0.1002/201 3 WRO I 4696/abstract
The Commission may feel that it is not its mandate to address climate
change per se,as a matter of keeping costs low for ratepayers.However,
the costs of carbon emissions (Idaho Power being the major emitter of
carbon in our state).while not visible in utility bills,are costs nevertheless:
higher mortality and disease are proven effects of coal plant pollution:more
extreme hot weather events mean higher healthcare costs;water shortages mean
higher water prices and deeper aquifer drilling.Climate change —driven
significantly from utility coal around the world,including Idaho —is lowering
our quality of life.These are real costs that the Commission must
take into account.
Climate change has also had an impact on Idaho’s hydroelectric resources,
as you likely know.A warming climate has meant diminished westerly
winds,which bring water from the Pacific over the Cascades.Failing
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to address climate change has already meant that Idaho can generate less
renewable hydroelectric power.
PURPA laws require Idaho Power to accept these utility-scale resources,and
with integration costs negotiated,Idaho Power now has the opportunity
to join states like California,Connecticut.Oregon,and others,in the adoption
of serious solar resources.While it may not be in Idaho Powers short-term
financial interests to integrate these solar resources,it is certainly in the
interests of Idaho ratepayers,being a matter of Idaho ecology and economy.
The Commissions role,in spirit,is to balance interests of the people and the
environment,with corporate interests.
Grand View simply represents the future of energy in Idaho.Its time for
Idaho Power to embrace this cleaner future.
Sincerely.
Michael Richardson
director,Idaho Climate Think Tank
w\vw.idahoclimate.or
Boise
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Jean Jewell
From:js_weber@hotmail.com
Sent:Sunday,August31,2014 11:14AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:jsweber@hotmail.com
Subject:Case Comment Form:John Weber
Name:John Weber
Case Number:IPC-E-l4-19
Email:is weber(ahotmail.com
Telephone:
Address:7255 W Hummel Dr
Boise ID,837@9
Name of Utility Company:Idaho Power
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Dear Commissioners and staff,
1-Please approve under the modified procedure.
2-Please accept the ESA.
3-Please allow payments be allowed for ratemaking.
Additional comments:After reading the contact it appears the developer is taking all the
risk.Idaho Power Company and its customers take no risk and have the potential to receive
very cost effective peak power for the contract period.As long as the developer is ok with
this contract I see no reason for the commissioners not to approve it.
Thank you.
Unique Identifier:96.12.98.221
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