20180308Comments (19).pdf

8-1'lar-2818 15:07 Docket I{o. IPC-E-17-13 unknoun p.1
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March 8,2018
ldaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, lD 83720-0074
FAX: [phone]
RE: Docket No. IPC-E-17-13
Opposition to the net-metering segregation plan proposed by ldaho Power
Dear Commission Members
I am writing to express the opposition by Blue Raven Solar, LLC ("Blue Raven") to the proposal
put forth by ldaho Power to relegate solar customers to a new rate class (the "Proposal"). We
believe the Proposal is premature, unsupported by fact-based evidence, and threatens to derail
ldaho's emerging solar power industry.
I am President of Blue Raven, a company selling and installing residential rooftop solar systems.
Headquartered in Utah, we operate in nine different states and have over 400 team members.
We have been operating in ldaho since last fall.
ln 2017, Blue Raven had front-row seats to the fight between Rocky lVlountain Power and solar
advocates in Utah concerning a net-metering segregation plan. This led to the erosion of public
interest in rooftop solar and removed (perceived or actual) the financial incentive used to justify
the up-front cost of solar energy. We saw a dramatic decrease in solar system bookings once the
deadline had expired to be grandfathered into net-metering program. As a result, we have been
forced to direct our resources and efforts to other states.
We see the sarne uncertainty and attack on residential solar happening in ldaho. lncreasingly,
our sales representatives tell stories of sales lost because of the uncertainty caused by the
Proposal and the apparent rate-reduction in net-metering. We hear the similar concems from
existing customer and the sentiment that they are being unfairly targeted by ldaho Power. We
anticipate that if the Proposal is enacted, we, along with other solar distributed generation
companies, will experience a destabilizing decrease in public interest in residential solar.
The Proposal suffers from its own prematurity and lack of supporting evidence. Before any action
be taken by the Commission to change net-metering, ldaho Power should provide a "cost of
service study" to support their position. Moreover, the Commission should perform a
comprehensive net-rnetering avoided costs analysis to deterrnine, among other things, the
consumption pattems of net-metered and non-net-metered costumers and whether net-metered
customers are actually being overcompensated.
Finally, rooftop solar should be recognized and treated as the valuable resource it is. We are
confident that a fair and balance analysis will show net-metered customers provide a value to the
utility separate and on top of avoided power generation, including: increased resiliency to the
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8-1'lar-2018 15:09 Docket J{o. IPC-E-17-13 unknoun
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utility grid; reduction in wear and tear on neighborhood transformers; lowered system-wide costs
for all customers; reduction to the exposure and reliance on fossil fuels; and reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions.
We appreciate the opportunity to offer this opposition to the Proposal.
Sincerely,
/s/ Ben Peterson
Ben Peterson
President I Blue Raven Solar, LLC
With my signature, lacknowledge that submitting a comment in an open case constitutes a public
record under ldaho Code S 74-101 (13)and all information provided by me in this letter is available
for public and media inspection. My cornment rnay be reviewed by the utility.
.i.l:iii S. i:sij i:... :-:ii:, r.l:lii, Aririllit:rlrr i:ii,"x, i.iT' .*,,i$il..\
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Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 10:39 AM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Kaz Thea
Name: Kaz Thea
Case Number:
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address: 1630 Heroic Rd
Hailey ldaho,83333
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: lnvesting in rooftop solar to control energy bills while supporting ldahos clean energy sector is important to
me. I have rooftop solar panels on my house in Hailey, lD and I am pleased with the reduction in carbon, cost savings,
and just the knowledge that I am helping in my own small way to reduce my carbon footprint. We must reduce
greenhouse gases now for a healthy planet. I sit on the Hailey City Council as an elected official. I am gravely concerned
about the fate of our mountain town as we rely on snow for tourism and to provide our water supply, since 80% of our
water supply comes from a snowpack in our mountains. Please maintain the net metering program as a simple and fair
means to enable ldahoans to meet their own energy needs and to participate in reducing our carbon footprint and
therefore, having an impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The PUC staff looked at the details and found no evidence to support ldaho Powers request to segregate solar
customers. I agree.
Because I cant choose my utility, I rely on the PUC to ensure fair programs. Again, please maintain the current net
metering program. lt is critical to have net metering for private and public customers to invest in solar rooftop panels.
U nique ldentifier: 54.17 3.LLB.L28
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 10:38 AM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Al McGlinskySubject:
Name: Al McGlinsky
Case Number: ipc-E-17-13.
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: L27L3 Memory Lane
Nampa 1D,83685
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power Company
Comment: IPC has not conducted the cost-benefit studies that are needed to justify their proposed changes to the
existing net metering program, of which I am a contributing member. Wo such studies, there is no demonstration of
need for a special rate class for Solar or Wind installations.
The PUC should support and protect the members of the public who, through enormous personal investments, are
trying to do what they can to reduce dependence on harmful coal fired plants which are doing harm, world wide, to the
atmosphere, the climate, on which we are alldependent.
U nique ldentifier: 67 .4L.252.8L
2
Diane Holt
Subject:
Name: Courtney Hamilton
Case Number:
Email : chamilton@ ketchumida ho.org
Telephone:
Address: 130 Bird Dr
Ketchum ldaho,83340
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: lnvesting in rooftop solar to control energy bills while supporting ldahos clean energy sector is important to
me. Please maintain the net metering program as a simple and fair means to enable ldahoans to meet their own energy
needs.
The PUC staff looked at the details and found no evidence to support ldaho Powers request to segregate solar
customers. I agree.
Because I cant choose my utility, I rely on the PUC to ensure fair programs. Again, please maintain the current net
metering program.
Unique ldentifi er: 54.90. 107.81
chamilton@ ketchu midaho.org
Thursday, March 8, 20'18 4:11 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Courtney Hamilton
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Name: Victor Buckingham
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1426 N. Tasavol Ave
Kuna ldaho,83634
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Shame on ldaho Power and theirgreed. ln a world that needs alternative energy ldaho Power is trying to
stifle it's growth.
Maybe it is time to shake up the PUC, it seems that the PUC is in the pocket of the big money to even entertain such a
proposal.
Unique ldentifier: 168.103.137.140
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 9:04 AM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Victor Buckingham
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 6:43 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Paula JullSubject:
Name: Paula Jull
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:8912 W Barton Rd
Pocatello ldaho, 83204
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: I support solar net energy metering in ldaho. Studies by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs show that solar
net-metering may actually lower retail electric rates. ldaho Power should encourage, not discourage, solar and
distributed generation.
U niq ue ldentifier: 66.L6O.242.82
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
davesivertsen @ g mail.com
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 7 :02 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Dave SivertsenSubject:
Name: Dave Sivertsen
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Ema il : davesivertsen @gmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2292 W. Windchime Drive
Meridian ldaho,83645
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: I had solar panels installed on my house last year, because I didn't think my electricity should be coal
generated and transported from Wyoming.Any change to the net metering agreement harms me and to those who have
taken a stand against fossil fuels. Clean energy is the future.
U n iq ue ldentifier: 67 .6L.L95.99
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
ma i I @offs horeodysseys.com
Wednesday, March 7,2018 9:53 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Gavin McClurgSubject:
Name: Gavin McClurg
Case Number:
Email : mail @offsho reodysseys.com
Telephone:
Address: PO Box 2945
Ketchum ldaho,83340
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: ldaho Powers net metering program enables local citizens to support ldahos clean energy sector. Supporting
this growing sector of our economic reduces the current reliance on out-of-state fossil fuels for roughly 50% of our
electricity.
lnvesting in local solar power keeps more energy dollars in our communities and allows individuals to meet their own
energy needs. lndividual control and local economic growth are ldahoan values.
Please stand up for these values by maintaining the current net metering program
U niq ue ldentifier: 54.236.20O.206
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
[e-mail]
Wednesday, March 7,201811:18 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane HolU Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Judith Foster
Name: Judith Foster
Case Number:
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address: 2270 Winterhaven Dr
Hailey ldaho,83333
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: lnvesting in rooftop solar to control energy bills while supporting ldahos clean energy sector is important to
me. Please maintain the net metering program as a simple and fair means to enable ldahoans to meet their own energy
needs.
The PUC staff looked at the details and found no evidence to support ldaho Powers request to segregate solar
customers. I agree.
Because I cant choose my utility, I rely on the PUC to ensure fair programs. Again, please maintain the current net
metering program.
U niq ue ldentifier: 54.9L.245.47
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
b I ackrockforge @ ca b leo ne. net
Thursday, March B, 2018 3:1 1 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Margo & Dennis Proksa
Name: Margo & Dennis Proksa
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address:
Pocatello 1D,83204
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Hello,
Thank you for listening to the people served by ldaho Power!
We are in favor of a future for ldaho that supports renewable energy rather then inhibits its development and
implementation.
We need to reduce air pollution to protect our health-especially children and the elderly who are most vulnerable to
poor air quality.
Climate change is real and the cost of doing nothing to limit carbon emissions from coal power plants and cars is beyond
measure. Encouraging renewable solar energy is common sensel There seems to be a shortage of common sense in this
day and age.
ldaho Power needs to promote solar everywhere in ldaho because we are a state blessed with more sunshine than
most. lt needs to be affordable for the middle class. lt's criminal to discourage and prevent more solar energy use. ldaho
Power is in business to take care of the citizens here-not act like the ruler of ldaho, dictating how we will live!
ldaho Power could be proud of promoting solar energy as a part of the mix! Be supportive of advanced technology.
We're all in this together and have a responsibility to take care of our future as we struggle to deal with extreme storms
and other weather caused by dependence on fossil fuels. Humans are all the same want to be happy and avoid suffering.
Let's make life happier and healthier and be a model of how to live right.
Thank you for listening. We have solar panels on our business Blackrock Forge and they heat hot water for the house
and for heating the floor of the shop. Not quite the same as voltaic, but important to us.
Have a nice day!
1
Unique ldentifier: 159.118.57.195
Margo & Dennis Proksa
Blackrock Forge INC/Pocatello
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 2:37 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Alan HausrathSubject:
Name:Alan Hausrath
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1820 N. 7th St.
Boise lD, 83702
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power Company
Comment: I am writing to comment on IPC-E-17-73; I write as an ldaho Power customer, current net metering
customer, ldaho Power shareholder who wants the company to succeed, and grandfather who wants a livable world for
his grandchildren.
I urge the Commission to deny ldaho Power's (IPCO's) request to create new rate class for new net metering customers
for the following reasons:
1. The request is premature in two ways.
First, the issue addressed is so small that the amount of time, effort, and paper spent by the company, the intervenors,
the Commission, and the public just don't make any sense. At the present time, approximately O.2-O.3% of IPCO's
customers are net metering customers and the company projects that that fraction could rise to approximately L.25%by
2022. Since reputable studies (Putting the Potential Rate lmpacts of Distributed Solar lnto Context, Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory,
https://emp.lbl.gov/publications/putting-potential- rate-impacts) show that rooftop solar's impact on rates is minimal
until penetration reaches at least 5%, let's wait until then before we think about this.
Or, looking at it another way, if we accept IPCO's claim that each net metering customer is "subsidized" at the rate of
$37 per month by the remaining customers, a little arithmetic shows that this means that each remaining customer
"subsidizes" the entire class of net metering customers at the rate of S0.t0 per month which could rise to $0.50 per
month by 2022. I don't believe that the S37 is correct but, even if it is, this is trivial. This is the same as forgetting to
turn off a few light bulbs for a few hours or putting food in the refrigerator while it is still hot. lt is not worth the effort
of creating a new rate class and designing a new tariff.
These effects on rates pale in comparison with the effect on rates of major capital expenses such as Boardman to
Hemingway, upgrading emissions controls at an existing coal fired plant, or a new gas plant. The Commission should
reserve its time and energy for big ticket capital expenses which genuinely affect our rates rather than for the dime store
issue of net metering.
Secondly, IPCO has never completed a proper cost benefit analysis of rooftop solar; they seem to know a lot about costs,
not so much about benefits. When we know the true value of the electricity provided to the company by net metering
customers, the benefits, then it might be appropriate to consider a new rate class and, potentially, new tariffs. Until
then, let's not waste everybody's time and effort.
2. No system of rate classes or tariffs can ever treat every customer "fairly."
1
Of necessity, rate classes lump together many customers with different circumstances and costs of service. lt is certainly
cheaper for the company to deliver electricity to dense urban areas which might have as many as 150 customers per
mile of distribution line, than it is for rural areas with, perhaps, only one customer per mile of distribution line. Or, for
another example, customers with air conditioning have driven the summer peak, which governs the company's
generating needs, far more than customers without air conditioning. Each of these examples involves tens of thousands
of people, far more than the number of net metering customers, and yet we don't create separate rate classes to reflect
all distinctions of this sort. I write this not to pit rural customers vs urban ones, or people with AC vs those without, but
simply to illustrate the point that any tariff treats different customers differently due to their circumstances, and is
"unfair" to some class of customers.
3. Rooftop solar uses ldaho resources to produce ldaho energy
By definition, net metering customers produce energy here in ldaho with no capital costs to IPCO. Each kWh produced
here generally replaces more than a kWh generated out of state (due to transmission loss) by burning coal and thus
keeps our ldaho dollars here in ldaho. lf this new rate class is introduced, it will create enough uncertainty about solar
energy that rooftop solar growth will slow to a crawl and we will continue to ship dollars out of state into the
foreseeable future. Moreover, ldaho solar panels are generally installed by ldaho residents, providing jobs here at
home. Why would we want to destroy good ldaho jobs for the sake of buying our energy from out of state? lt simply
makes no sense for our state to slow the growth of solar.
4. Rooftop solar, indeed all solar generation, produces no carbon dioxide.
Each kWh we produce at home using solar energy generally replaces a kWh generated by burning coal or gas and thus
reduces the CO2 footprint of the class of IPCO customers. lt also reduces SOx and NOx pollution and soot. As we have
seen from the hurricanes and fires of the last year, one of the most pressing threats facing humanity is climate change.
It is universally accepted by reputable scientists that climate change is driven by atmospheric concentration of CO2 and
that our concentration of CO2 is currently at dangerous levels. lt is ethically and morally irresponsible of ldaho Power
to do anything that retards the growth of solar energy in its service area and that seems to be what the creation of a
new rate class is designed to do.
I urge the Commission to reject the creation of a new rate class and to direct ldaho Power to do everything possible to
reduce its CO2 emissions.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment
U niq ue ldentifier: L7 4.27 .1O9.LgO
2
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8,2018 2:39 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane HolU Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Chris BrownSubject:
Name: Chris Brown
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13 83201,
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 13135 w scotfield st
Boise ldaho, 837L3
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Dear Respected Members of ldaho Public Utilities Commission:
ln reference to ldaho Powers Net metering request:
I would ask you to consider the following: A thorough study should be conducted that looks at all relevant information
regarding the costs and benefits of roof top solar installations for the near and far term.
Furthermore: That you consider the current situation where solar panels now have a 25 percent tariff and steel and
aluminum will also incur tariffs. This will drive up the construction costs for large and small power generators especially
large generators like ldaho Power ie there are many many tons of steel and aluminum that go into the construction of a
conventional power plan! I know I spent a good part of my career involved in the construction of power plants. As a
home owner who was considering a home solar install I have now delayed due to rising costs. I think ldaho power is
proposing a solution that is in need of problem.
U niq ue ldentifier: 67 .6O.32.2L5
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 12:25 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Martin MazinelliSubiect:
Name: Martin Marzinelli
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address: 1079 N Torrey Pines Ave
Eagle 1D,83515
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment:To: ldaho Public Utilities Commission (lPUc)
Subject: ldaho Power schedules for on-site generation by customers.
Date: 3/8/2OL8
Greetings,
I would like the IPUC to consider the following comments related to case #lPC-E-17-13).
My understanding is ldaho Power (lP) thinks people with roof top solar who supply generated power to the grid are not
paying their fair share and thus wish to establish the ability to create new rate schedules for that group.
lP should be required to prove this assumption with a detailed cost/benefit study before any options for different rate
schedules are allowed or granted.
The study should investigate the true comprehensive costs of their proposal. This should include a wide range of
economic impacts such as: the benefits to society for zero-emission energy generation, improvements to air quality and
individual's health, potential reduction in energy costs compared to current and future fossil/other fuels, less reliance on
non-local energy sources, and local economic development and job growth.
The study should also consider any benefits that might occur because roof top solar may eliminate or delay the need for
large infrastructure improvements to the grid as a whole (new power generation projects, new or upgraded
transmissions lines, etc.).
lP customers should have the right to generate their own power, and use the existing grid to accomplish that goal.
Eliminating customer choice and thwarting clean energy independence should not be allowed.
I am certain it is the IPUC's goal to effectively evaluate utility issues and make the best decisions possible for our future.
It seems unlikely the commission can accomplish that noble goal without first requiring lP to study this important issue
more thoroughly and report back to the commission. I hope the commission will make this a requirement for lP.
Sincerely,
Martin Marzinelli
U niq ue ldentifier: L84.L55.232.795
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
ljo h nso n @ ida hoco nservatio n.org
Thursday, March 8,2018 12:56 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Joshua JohnsonSubiect:
Name: Joshua Johnson
Case Number:
Ema i I : jjoh nson @ ida hoconservation.org
Telephone:
Address: 110 Flower Dr
Ketchum ldaho,83340
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: ldaho should be growing clean energy options to reduce our reliance on out-of-state fossil fuels. The net
metering program is the only means for individual ldahoans to invest money in their own locally generated clean energy.
The ldaho PUC staff looked at ldaho Powers documents and found no reason to segregate solar customers. lnstead, I ask
the PUC to direct ldaho Power to consider the full range of costs and benefits that arise when customers avoid utility
power and meet their own needs with local clean energy.
Because I cant choose my utility, I rely on the PUC to ensure fair programs. Please maintain the current net metering
program.
U niq ue ldentifier: 52.87 .2L5.L39
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March B, 2018 1:00 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Michael Stambulis
Name: Michael Stambulis
Case Numbe r: IPC-E-L7 -L3
Email : [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address:
Boise lD, 83702
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Dear Commissioners,
I appreciate the opportunity to submit my testimony in response to Case Number IPC-E-17-13 (ldaho Powe/s
application to establish new schedules for residential and small general service customers with on-site generation).
My name is Michael Stambulis, and I am an engineer with the ldaho Department of Environmental Quality. I am also a
solar user - my wife and I had a 6.38kWp solar array installed on our Boise North End home in March 2018.
I understand ldaho Power is not asking for a rate hike at this time. I believe approval of this application would allow
them to create uncertainty around current and future solar installations. lt also appears approval of this application
would allow ldaho Power to raise rates whenever they desire. Such uncertainty coupled with a future cost increase
(which will happen if they are given the power) will undermine ldaho's solar industry, and the result will be to torpedo
the solar industry similar to what happened in Nevada.
I do not believe ldaho Power has provided you, as commissioners, with a cost-benefit analysis to justify this request.
Their own studies have shown that rooftop solar would only cost shift less than .O2% of its annual revenues within our
customer class.
ldaho Power states on its own website that: (1) "there's potential for customer-owned power generation systems to
become sufficiently cost-effective and efficient. With that in mind, an increasing number of our customers may choose
to install such systems on their homes or businesses," (2l "climate change is a significant policy issue that will have
major implications for ldaho Power", and (3) "renewable generation resources have little if any greenhouse gas
emissions."
With these points in mind, ldaho Power and our state should be promoting policies which expand renewable energy
generation. As you well know, ldaho's population is expanding rapidly, and our state should meet increasing energy
demand with renewable generation resources versus expanded fossil fuel capacity. Rooftop solar projects are one
important component of expanding non-carbon emitting generation.
ln addition, there are numerous studies demonstrating the potentialjobs associated with renewable energy industries
such as solar.
As consumers, we are stuck with an energy monopoly whose proposed action is punitive to those of us who are leading
the way by becoming more self-sufficient and producing cleaner energy. We should be encouraged to conserve and
generate our own energy, thereby reducing ldaho Power's dependency on 'dirty' fossil fuel sources from their seven
1
different coal, natural gas & diesel power plants. ldaho is fortunate to have fairly 'clean' hydroelectricity but that market
is totally'saturated' and the future is undeniably in alternative energy sources.
Thank you for your leadership in regulating our utilities in order to protect us, the consumers, safeguard our
environment and assure our access to safe, sustainable and reliable energy. I am optimistic that you will make the right
decision in denying this request based on the lack of evidence from ldaho Power and the preponderance of evidence &
logic on the people's side.
Uniq ue ldentifier: L64.L65.L7 3.24O
2
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 1:35 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Anne HausrathSubject:
Name:Anne Hausrath
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: aha [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1820 N 7th St
Boise lD, 83702-3717
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Please deny ldaho Power's request to create a separate rate class for net metering customers.
Urge ldaho Power to embrace renewables! They should buy solar panels, install them on residential and commercial
roofs. They would then own the means of generation and customers,stock holders, rate payers and the community
would benefit from solar production--a real boon during peak times in summer
U n iq ue lde ntifie r: L7 4.27 .LOg.LgO
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
lo:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8, 2018 11:51 AM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Margery Kuehn-TaborSubject:
Name: Margery Kuehn-Tabor
Case Number: IPC-E-17-13
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address:
Cambridge 1D,83610
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: Dear Commissioners,
As a net metering customer of ldaho Power, I strongly oppose the request for ldaho Power to increase the rate paid by
net metering customers. IPC-E-17-13
There is no factual basis to support their claim that there is a "wealth transfer from lower-income customers to higher-
income customers". We saved money for a long time to build an energy-efficient home and install a small solar array.
And where does ldaho Power get their figures in the ldaho Statesman's guest opinion by Adam Richins, August tt,2077 ,
stating that my system cost shifts 560 per month from my electric bill to someone else's? lf a S50 fee is tacked to my
electric bill every month, I will end up paying more in electric bills than if I had no solar system at all. I paid ldaho Power
over 57,000 to install the electric line to my house. I think l've paid a fair share of the infrastructure.
ldaho Power should step out of the dark age of fossil fuels and habitat altering hydro power and encourage home solar
and wind power generation. ldaho Power has a monopoly that discourages forward thinking and wants to penalize
ldahoans for trying to do their part to reduce greenhouse gases.
Thank you,
Margery Kuehn-Tabor
Cambridge,lD
U niq ue ldentifier: 2O8.98.L77 .158
1
Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
[e-mail]
Thursday, March 8,2018 '10:38 AM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form:Al McGlinskySubject:
Name: Al McGlinsky
Case Number: ipc-E-17-13.
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: L27L3 Memory Lane
Nampa |D,83686
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power Company
Comment: IPC has not conducted the cost-benefit studies that are needed to justify their proposed changes to the
existing net metering program, of which I am a contributing member. Wo such studies, there is no demonstration of
need for a special rate class for Solar or Wind installations.
The PUC should support and protect the members of the public who, through enormous personal investments, are
trying to do what they can to reduce dependence on harmful coal fired plants which are doing harm, world wide, to the
atmosphere, the climate, on which we are alldependent.
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March 6,2018
RECEIVED
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-007 4
Greetings;
I'm writing about (Case # IPC-EW-I7-13 83201), the Idaho Power
request for a new classification for customers with on-site generation and
interconnect to Idaho Power's system. Idaho Power claims that such
customers are not adequately supporting the system. There is little or no
doubt that Idaho Power wants to increase charges to these customers.
I have 28 solar panels on my roof, installed nearly three years ago. I
purchased them because I could afford to, and because it was the right thing
to do. I'm a retired respiratory therapist and am aware that dirty air
compromises the health of every one exposed to it. Solar generated
electricity should be replacing coal-generated electricity since coal is a
serious pollutant. Solar should also be replacing hydro since dams make it
difficult for fish to migrate and survive.
I did not purchase solar panels because I expected to make money from
them. I did it because I want my children and grandchildren and others in
the younger generations to have cleaner air to breathe. I also drive an
electric car and charge it with my solar panels.
Citizens'who generate their own electricity and feed the surplus into the
Idaho Power grid are helping to reduce the cost of electricity for everyone.
The more people who do that, the less likely that Idaho Power will have to
invest in new expensive sources of electricity.
Cleaner air also benefits the health of all our citizens. Now we pour
pollutants into our air and breathe it, pollutants that would make any food or
drink inedible, even though we only eat and drink a few times each day, but
breathe into our lungs 10-40 times a minute depending on age or activity,
and we do it around the clock, not just when we're awake. If any thing our
air should be cleaner than our food and water. But clean air had never been
seen as the necessity that it is, compared to food and water, even though we
use much more of it.
The Idaho Power request takes away the ability of citizens to be independent
and self-sufficient. It's a request indicating that Idaho Power simply wants
to have control of all the sources of energy and doesn't want the average
citizens or customer to have any say in the process of selecting energy
sources. In that sense their request infringes on our democracy.
Dirty oil and coal, especially coal, are dying as sources of electricity. We
should be doing everything we can to speed up their demise. Everyone will
benefits with a cleaner environment and fewer health problems. Citizens
who generate their own electricity with roof top solar or wind energy should
be rewarded for doing so, not punished as Idaho Power advocates.
Sincerely;
)44n
Leonard Nolt
5763 W. Filly St.
Boise,Idaho 83703