20200108Petition to Reconsider by Students.pdf

ldaho Public Utiliti06 Commlssion
Ofrlce o, tho SocrotarvRECEIVED
JAN 0I 2020
lannary 7. 2020
Boise, ldaho
Petition to Reconsider:
Reference: Case # tPC-E-18-15
Order no. 34509
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Dear PUC Commissioners :
We are students concerned with lhe future ofldaho who want to do our part to sustain our future and the
future ofall Idahoans. We have read the Commission order and think that it accurately reflects our
concems as expressed in written and public testimony heard on December 3, 2019, with a few exceptions.
l) We would like the Commission to reconsider the distinction made between n€t metering customers
before Dccembcr 20, 2019 and potential net metering customers aftcr that date. We request that the
Commission allow all new net met€ring customers who sign up during the period preceding any
approved change to the reimbursement formula to use and be grandfathered under the current
compensation formula.
2) We would like the Commission to provide assurance to all curent and future Idahoans who are
considering in investing in rooftop solar energy. We feel that the proclamation as written does not provide
any certainty in rates for future rooftop solar investors leaving them at risk ofunexpected change (as we
have seen in this exact recent situation). We recognize that Idaho Power has the right to change their rates
according to the market, however, Idaho Power's customers also have the right to assurance and clarity on
where their future with energy lies especially because Idaho Power is the main, and biggest provider in
southem ldaho.
4) We would like the Commission to consider the market of on-site solar generation. The effect of
changing the net metering system would be catastrophic fbr the growing solar indust4r in southem ldaho.
A halt in new solar installation during the period ofthe cost/benefit study would drastically impact the
profitability of solar companies. Solar installation companies may choose to relocate to neighboring
states. hurting our economy and also causing many difficulties to all current customers looking for repair
or maintenance on their systems.
5) In addition to the economy, we would like the Commission to seriously consider the future of Idaho. If
Idaho Power's changes to net metering are made, we fear that future customers will be reasonable and
defer any decision to invest in on-site solar generation. Or in other terms, we, the young generation of
Idaho, fear that we will be unable to invest in on-site generation solar energy, regardless ofour desires to
3) We also would like the Commission to require Idaho Power to be fully transparent in all affairs,
especially with their currenl execution ofa cost-benefit analysis ofthe net metering process. We hope that
throughout this analysis, Idaho Power is unbiased and clear. We expect ldaho Power to carefully gather
data fiom various situations that use net-metering, not simply one focused area./situation. We expect the
results to be shared and created to be comprehensive to the general public. We also tnrst that the
Commission will appoint other third parties to gather and collect data and consider reviewing all data
fiom all parties.
do so. We the children of Idaho are simply seeking and fighting for a clean, sustainable t'uturc for Idaho
and ALL its people.
As students and advocates for renewable energy, we understand thc critical importance ofrooftop solar as
a way to assure ldaho's sustainable, clean future. The current threats to solar are a deep concem for
those ofus who deserve a clean futurc to live in and hope to move towards clean energy ils soon as
possible.
We very much appreciatc the direction in order to allow for multiple opportunities for public input in thc
development ofa cost/benefit study. We believe that such a study will provide important information to
inform any future changes to the reimbursement formula. In the meantime and until any such changes are
approved, we ask that the Commission allow any ltture on-site generating customers to continue and be
grandfathered under the current formula, recognize our request for transparency in future proceedings,
and appropriately value rooftop solar as a means ofpower supply. We sincerely hope that ldaho Power
and the Public Utilities Commission will continue to work with Idahoans to make rooftop solar and net
metering a sustainable and reasonable process for firture generations to move Idaho closer towards 1000/o
clean energy by 2045.
Thank you for your consideration
Sincerely,
Zoe Ziegler
Boise High School
[e-mail]
Cheyon Sheen
Boise State University
[e-mail] sestate.edu
Lindsey Kim
Boise High School
[e-mail]
And Positive Change Idaho members.
Neekey Habibi
Boise High School
22neekey.habibi@boiseschools.
net
Emily Mynar
Boise High School
20em i ly.mynar@boiseschools.n
et
Heaven Lee Rose Wilson
Boise High School
2 I heavenlee.wilson@boisescho
ols.net
Harriet Parkinson
Boise High Schools
20harriet.park inson[@boiseschoo
ls.net
Veronica Richmond
Boise High School
[e-mail]
Hallie Hinchman
Boise High School
20hallie.hinchman@boiseschool
s.net
Ripley Orr
Boise High School
[e-mail]
Izzy Ojukwu
Boise High School
20isabella.ojukwu@boiscschool
s.net
Wilson Aitken
Boise High School
[e-mail]