20150617Comments (2 Total).pdf

TWIN FALLS -,,-.10
;
UIU1 ;li]i
AREA CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
June 16,2015
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O.Box $3720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
RE:IPUC Case No.IPC-E-15-01
Dear Commissioners:
The Twin falls Area Chamber of Commerce represents 889 business and organization members
in South Central Idaho.We appreciate the opportunity to share our support for Idaho Power’s
request to reduce the length oftime of guaranteed contracts related to solar and wind energy
projects.
Low-cost energy is a key factor in the economic development success we’ve seen throughout
Idaho and particularly in the Twin falls area.Support for “green energy”sources is also an
important part of our sustainability initiatives in our region.While we support these clean
energy sources and their inclusion in Idaho Power’s portfolio,we agree that forcing this
electricity to be purchased even when it’s not needed to meet demand will drive up costs.
tdaho Power’s proposal for shorter terms on these contracts (two years)is more prudent than the
twenty-year terms.The two-year contracts allow greater predictability in planning and will help
to ensure quality,reliable sources for power to meet customer demands.
Again,on behalf of our 889 members in our Chamber and the communities which we serve,we
encourage your support of the Idaho Power petition to modify the terms and conditions of these
alternative energy source contracts.
Sincerely,
Shawn Barigar
President I CEO
2015 Neitsen Point Place,Suite 100 •Twin Fatts,idaho 83307 •[phone] •Fax [phone]
e-mail:[e-mail] •www.twin fallschamber.corn
.Twin Falls School District #411 P 208.733.6900
T 20!Main Ave.W F 208.733.6987
Twin Falls,ID 83301 www.tfsd.org
WILEY].DOBBS,PH.D.SUPER!NTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
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June16 2015
—1:1
Dear Commissioners:-
(i-i
As a tax-supported public entity,Idaho Power customer and employer,The Twin Falls Schoolistrict #411
supports Idaho Power’s petition to keep renewable energy/solar contracts to a period of two years.We
believe the two-year contracts are fair and provide a reasonable way for rates to be kept in check while
slowly growing and managing green energy opportunities.
The TFSD #411 operates more than 20 facilities in the Twin falls community and we play a major role in
the local economy.In addition,we are building two new elementary schools and a middle school all
scheduled to be open and operational within the next two years.We are the second largest employer in the
area and having access to reliable electricity at a fair price is essential to our school district’s operations.
If Idaho Power continues to be required to purchase additional energy even though it may not be needed
from young and less reliable energy sources under an agreement that locks them in for twenty years,this will
certainly result in a substantial increase in energy rates for our district and other businesses in the state.
The TFSD #411 supports Idaho Power’s responsible and balanced service and its tradition of providing
quality service at a low cost.This is one of the reasons why the Magic Valley region has been so
competitive within the economic development arena in recent years.We request that the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission grant Idaho Power’s petition to modify the terms and conditions of future PURPA
energy sales agreement (IPC-E-15-Ol).
Sincerely,
Dr.WileyDobbs,
Superintendent of Schools
WiIeyJ.Dobbs,Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools