20150519Comment.pdf

Southwest Idaho Rural Development
(SWIRD)
P.O.Box 10,Glenns Ferry,1083623 Phone:208,724.2624
Co-Chairs:David Payne &Connie Wills Executive Director:Bonnie Ha’per ,
Mayl 2015 F’f
To whom it may concern:—C,,;,
Southwest Idaho Rural Development (SWIRD)is an organization made up of variousbusine and
community leaders in Glenns Ferry and Elmore County.As a board our main objective is to support
economic growth and development in out area and,in a larger context,throughout the region and our
state.The SWIRD board is aware of many renewable energy projects being developed and proposed in
Elmore County along with those already in place,and know that the trend to develop these projects could
continue for some time in the foreseeable future.
Furthermore,we understand that there are benefits and potential drawbacks or costs associated with the
development of these projects and bringing the power produced to the marketplace.With that in mind,we
support Idaho Power’s request to shorten the length of guaranteed contracts for large solar and wind
generation projects from a contract review timeline of every 5 years,to a timeline of every 2 years.We
believe this timeframe to be fair and in the best interests of Idahoans,as so many variables go into the
price and production of power.
Having access to reliable electricity at a fair price is essential to the growth and development of businesses
in our community.It’s also essential to the financial health of our residents,who range from individuals
living on fixed incomes to major industrial and agricultural businesses,
We don’t just work here.We live here.Our residents love and respect the environment that’s essential to
our way of life in Idaho and the Northwest.All of us want clean energy,and we are glad to know that a
majority of the electricity we use comes from the region’s clean,renewable hydro resources.
Moving toward an even cleaner energy future should move forward with caution and prudent
consideration as it relates to expense,reliability,and affordability of power.Idaho Power recognizes that,
and we recognize the company’s attempt to keep power costs in line with current market rates,which will
benefit residents and companies in our community.
Please support Idaho Power’s petition to modify the terms and conditions of future PURPA energy sales
agreements (IPC-E-15-01).
Thnk you,
Connie Wills David Payne
Co-Chair Co-Chair