20201113Notice_of_Application_Order_No_34832.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34832 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
November 13, 2020

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

On October 15, 2020, Idaho Power Company (“Idaho Power” or “Company”) filed an
Application requesting authorization to update the load forecast, natural gas forecast, and contracts
used as inputs to calculate its incremental cost Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”) avoided cost rates.
The Company must update these inputs by October 15 of each year. Order Nos. 32697 and 32802.
IRP avoided cost rates are available to qualifying facilities (“QFs”) able to generate above the
resource-specific project eligibility cap for published avoided cost rates under Idaho’s
implementation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (“PURPA”).
The Commission now sets deadlines for interested persons to comment on the
Application, and for Idaho Power to reply.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the load forecast included in this Application
predicts lower average loads than the load forecast approved in last year’s update. Application at
2-4.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Idaho Power proposes to update the natural gas
price forecast used in the model to reflect the most recent U.S. Energy Information Administration
Natural Gas Henry Hub Spot Price: High Oil and Gas Resource and Technology forecast published
on January 29, 2020. Id. at 4. This forecast would result in a decrease to the average annual natural
gas price forecast for each year in the planning horizon compared to last year’s update. Id. at 4-6.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Idaho Power states it has three non-PURPA
long-term power purchase agreements currently online for a total of 136 megawatts (“MW”) of
nameplate generating capacity: Elkhorn Valley Wind at 101 MW, Raft River Geothermal at 13
MW and Neal Hot Springs Geothermal at 22 MW. Id. at 6. Idaho Power also notes that it has
IN THE MATTER OF IDAHO POWER
COMPANY’S ANNUAL COMPLIANCE
FILING TO UPDATE THE LOAD AND GAS
FORECAST COMPONENTS OF THE
INCREMENTAL COST INTEGRATED
RESOURCE PLAN AVOIDED COST
METHODOLOGY
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CASE NO. IPC-E-20-35

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 34832
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34832 2

another 120 MW of solar under contract from Jackpot Holdings, LLC, scheduled to come online
in December 2022. Id. The Company states it has 134 PURPA contracts with a total nameplate
capacity of 1,148 MW. Id. at 7.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that for this update, the Company states it has
signed 14 replacement Energy Sales Agreements (“ESA”) totaling 18.98 MW, and one new hydro
ESA for 0.8 MW. Id. The Company states that one 4.5 MW biomass QF ESA was terminated.
Id. The Company states that ESA updates, including completed ESA applications, are included in
the IRP model on a continuous basis. Id.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application is available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission’s office. These documents are also
available on the Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “ELECTRIC” icon,
select “Open Cases,” and click on the case number as shown on the front of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission’s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically Idaho
Code §§ 61-501 to 61-503.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure
pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s Rules of Procedure,
IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through .204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written
comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application. Persons who would like a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written
comments. Persons shall have 21 days from the service date of this order to file written
comments. Comments must be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To comment by e-
mail, please access the Commission’s home page at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the “Case
Comment Form” and complete the form using the case number as it appears on the front of this
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34832 3

document. Comments filed by e-mail must also be e-mailed to Idaho Power at the e-mail addresses
listed below. If e-mail is unavailable, then comments may be mailed to the Commission and Idaho
Power at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, Idaho 83714

For Idaho Power:

Donovan E. Walker
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street 83702
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707-0070
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Idaho Power must file any reply comments
within 28 days of the service date of this order.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its order
without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the
Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Idaho Power’s Application be processed by Modified
Procedure, Rule 201-204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons interested in submitting written
comments must do so within 21 days of the service date of this order. Idaho Power must file any
reply comments within 28 days of the service date of this order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties should continue to comply with Order No.
34781, issued September 17, 2020. All pleadings should be filed with the Commission
electronically and shall be deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See
Rule 14.02. Service between parties should also be accomplished electronically. Voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34832 4

DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 13th
day of November 2020.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

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