20190621Comment.pdf

Diane Holt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Name: Mike Sheeley
Case Number: IPC-E-18-15
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:
Address:
Boise ldaho,83703
Name of Utility Company: ldaho Power
Comment: We had a small (7.5kw) residential solar panel system installed in 20L4. When deciding to install that system
we considered a number of matters as follows: the initial cost outlay; the federal tax credi! the effect of net metering;
and, of equal importance, the benefit to the environment. We made our decision to install the system based, in no
small part, on the details of net metering as they then existed. Since that point in time, it appears to me that ldaho
Power has, contrary to its espoused adoption of "green philosophies" engaged in an ongoing and systematic effort to
undercut the production of alternative energy in ldaho. lt seems patently unfair to allow people to expend significant
amounts of money on solar panels in reliance based upon existing net metering standards and thereafter endeavor to
change the rules of the game. That conduct not only devalues our existing solar panel system but also has a chilling
effect on future alternative energy projects in the state.
I think the following matters are also worthy of consideration. First, our solar panel system sends energy to the gird
during periods of high demand which directly benefits ldaho Power. Secondly, the energy our system sends to the gird
only travels short distances to our neighbors which minimizes any loss in transmission. Thirdly, ldaho Power receives
amounts of energy produced by our system without having had to make any capital investment in hardware.
It should also be noted in the context of possible fixed ratesfees that solar panels decrease in efficiency over time,
which could result in a situation where rates remain fixed while a system's production declines.
I sincerely hope that the members of PUC consider the value to all ldaho Power customers of the lack of harmful
emissions avoided by alternative energy production. ln light of its continued reliance upon coal fired power plants, ldaho
Power should be undertaking every possible effort to promote the installation of solar panels on its customers' homes
rather than attempting to discourage such efforts.
I request that the PUC retain net metering with all its current rules and standards.
Thank you.
Uniq ue ldentifier: 7 5.L7 4.LL2.227
[e-mail]
Friday, June 21, 20191:47 PM
Beverly Barker; Diane Holt Erik Jorgensen; Matthew Evans
Case Comment Form: Mike Sheeley
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