20170720-Comment.PDF

ELKHORN
IN SUN VALLEY
July 18,2017
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P0 Box 83720
Boise,Idaho 83702
Dear Commissioners:
On February 9,2017 the Sun Valley Elkhorn Association submitted a letter of support
for the Wood River Electrical Plan and redundant power line for the Wood River Valley.
It has come to our attention that Idaho Power will once again be accepting public
comment in a hearing scheduled for Wednesday July 26th.The Sun Valley Elkhorn
Association Board representing 1630 property owners in the Sun Valley area would like
to reiterate their support for this project.
The SVEA Board is concerned that an incident similar to that experienced by Jackson
Hole Teton Village this past winter season would have catastrophic results in Sun
Valley.Approximately seventy-five percent of our Elkhorn homeowners are part time
residents.If a long term power outage occurs during the winter months at a time when
a majority of the owners are not in residence the property damage could be in the
millions.Local business activity reliant on winter trade to sustain their business
throughout the year may also be in jeopardy.
Our directors continue to support Wood River Valley residents in their efforts for any
proposal which may include undergrounding transmission lines along the Highway 75
scenic corridor from Halley to Ketchum.We hope you would agree maintaining and
enhancing the scenic beauty of the Wood River Valley is of enormous benefit not only to
residents but Idaho tourism as well.
Thank you for efforts on behalf of Sun Valley Elkhorn Community and your
consideration for approving the Wood River Electrical Plan.
Respectfully,
Ira Shepard
President
P0 Box 1708 Sun Valley,ID 83353
Phone:[phone] fax:[phone]
www.elkhorninsunvalley.com