20220114Comments.pdf

ldaho Public Utilities Commission
Office of the SecretarvRECEIVED
JAN I \ 2022
Boise, ldaho
BEFORE THE IDAHO PIJBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF TDAHO POWER
COMPA}.TY'S PETITION FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SURCHARGE Al.lD
MODIFIED LINE ROUTE
CONFICT JRATION FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF A NEW 13t KV TRANSMISSIONLINE
IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY
CaseNo. IPC-E-21-25
COMMENTS #I ON CASIE
Kiki Leslie A. Tidwell" lntevenor, hereby files comnrcnts on Case IPC-E-2145 pursualrt
to Rules of Procedure 7l thrcugb 75 of the Idalro Public Utilities Commissioq ID APA
3 1.01.01.071-.075 as follows:
l. The name srd ad&ess of this Intervcnor is:
Kiki Leslie A. Tidrryell
704N. RivoSt.#1
Hailey,ID 83333
Q08)578-7769
Ltigsr@cer,Dst
2. Idaho Power gives the Idatro Public Utilities Commission the net prasent valrrc
number of $9.8 million as the cost of undergrounding the distribution line betu,een the hospial
and the Wood River Substation Howwer, the Company fails to mention thst Blairc Couty
ratopayom wil be payi4g $13,2E1,197 in interest and fees on top of the $9.8 million on their
power bills for the next 20 years. This adds up to522,381200 in intcrcst and priacipal plus
Conmpnrs #l On Clss IPC-E-21-2*\
$700,000 in fees, so $23,081,200 million total. For $23 million, Blaire County ratepayers could
actually purclrase backup generators or disributed generatiodbatteries at most all of the
substations in the Comty srd have tnre resiliency improvements for all citizens ratherthan a
slighfly lower tznsmission line height withort the distibution line. $23,081,200 is a lot to pay
for non essential cosmctics. Carcy, Bellenrc, and Hailey residents don't receive any increased
resiliency to their homes; this $23 million does mt include beckup gcnerators or batteries at their
substations.
3. This plan behveen the County and Idatro Power is very financially lucrative for Idatro
Power, with S13, 281,197 bclng pard to them in interest and fees. I beliove thet this derl was
crerted in non-public moetings betweon Blaine County gnd Idrho Powen In his June 4,
2020 letter to Donovm Walker, Lead Counsel Idaho Pou,er Company, Blaine County's attorney
Ron Williams specifically noted that Blaine County met with ldaho Power without the public
present. "During the rccent conferrnce call involving rcpresentatives of Blaine County (BC),
Idaho Power Company (IPC) and tdaho PUC Statr(Statr), BC discussed scveral initial proposals
or ideas regarding trndergroundirrg [PC's tansmission facilities firom th Wmd River Substation
just north of Hailcy to Elkhorn Roa{ ju* south of Ketshurn (Transmission Line.)" Since seveml
specffic proposals with finarcial ramifications were discusse( the public strould have been
noticed about this meeting and allowed to participate. The Idaho PUC participated in this
meeting and Terri Carlock was cc'ed on Williarns' letter.
4. Therefore, the Idalro PUC have prejudiced themrselves in this matter. Commissioner
Greenberg also had non-public meetings with the Idaho PUC; Commissioner Crrcenbery
responded to my public comrnent at a Commissimers' meeting with the stat€Nnent that he had
had a conversation with an Idaho PUC r€,pres€ntdive regarding a potfntial ruliog outcome. He
Cornrpxrs #2 Or Cesr IPC-E-21-2S 2
r€ported to the public that the Idatp PUC has *already hsad and rejectod the argrunent abou
backup power." (Special Moeting ofthe Septembr}O20 Session ldaho Power Evening
Worksession September I 0, 2020).
5. At the Blaine County Commissioners regular meeting The Blaine County
Commissioncrs also met in otecutive session August ll,2ff20 uder IC soction 74-206 (1) (f) ,
agenda'ed as au Action Item on pending or imminent litigation - Idaho Power transmission line.
On August 7,2020,I submitted a Public R€cords Request and rcquested *Who is the peding
litigation from and what is the iszue thd would be litigated?'. I checked with any groups which
could possibly be ftreatening or undertaking litigation with Blaine County on the tansrnission
line, including Idaho Power. None were. This unas only a strbterfrrge for th€ Blain€ County
Commissioners to agrce on ortting the deal with ldah Power on tb tansmission line. huiqg
tbe timeframe in which Blaine County debated about the transmission line action Blaine Couty
Commissioner Dick Fosbury was hosted for a tour and adinner by his college co-alumnus, Idsho
Power CEO Darel T. Anderson.
6. Idaho Power dismissed the options of disribtrted g€neration/batteries as bcing too
expensive back fiftcen y€ars ago. A March 2O2l MIT rcport I has d*aircA that lithium battery
costs have dropped 97Vo from l99l to 2020 E d that future steep price declines are anticipated.
It is widely anticipaed that the average price per kilowatt-hour for barteries is expected to hit
$101 in 2023,. Solar gc,rreration costs have declined significantly as well. "A significant portion
of the ms declines over the past decade can be attributed to an 85% cost decline in module
price. A decade ago, the module alone cost around $2.50 per watt, and now an entire utility-scale
PV systern costs arotmd Sl per watt," said NREL Senior Financial Analyst David Feldman.
t Study revcaltpjungc in lilhium-itm trutler"* cqg5_i_l![]'Ner]s |..lUassachusctts lnstitute ol''l'echnolo&r
CouusNrs #2 Ox Cesr IPC-fr21-25- 3
"With similarreductions in hardware costs for storage systems, PV and storage have become
vastly more affordable energy resources across the nation."2 ehhoug5 Idaho Power has
contracted with Jackpot Solar at a $.02175 per klvh PPA rate for a2023 start date, it has not
built any of its own renewable generation facilitieq nor insalled botteries yet on its system.
7. Idatro Power, in its comments submitted on this case, implies that the ldaho Public
Utilities Commission alrcady has approved all aspecu of this tansmission line. However, in
Case IPC-E-16-28,the Idalro PUC specifically retained the ability to separatoly rule on the
approval of any cost of this line' "In $mlmary, haring considered the resord before us, we iszue
this Order granting Idalro Power the rquested CPCN for a second 138 kV transmission line as
requested in the ORDERNO,3387215 Company's Aprplication. This Order does not oonstihfi,e
approval of any cost ofthe line for raternaldng puposes. The Company will be rquired to apply
to the Commission for inclusion of the costs ofthe line in its ratcs at a later date.'3 However, I
believe that the Idaho PUC should now locuse themselves from the ratcrnaking desision on this
sase due to their prejudgmeirt of the outcome as relayed to Comrrissioner Greenberg in
Septeurber of 2020. The ratepayers of Blaine Coun$ who will be sddld with $23 million on
their utility bills for the next tweNrty years deserve bcfier than a deal tbat ulras hatchd in norr
public meetings.
l4th of 2022.
Leslie A
Pro Se
2 DtrcumentinB a l)ccade r.r-f Cp$t Declines t'or PV Sl'stcms lNews I NRljl.
3 Idabo PUC Cass IPGE-1628, Orrder 33t72, pg 16
Coumurrs #l Or CrsE, IPC-E 2l-25- 4
CERIIHCATE OF SERVICE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY thet on the 141h of January 2V221
served a tnre and correct copy of IDAHO POWER COMPAIIY'S PETffiON FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SURCHARGE A}.ID MODIFIED LINE ROUTE CONFIGI.'RATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW I38 KV TRA}.ISMSSION LINE IN THE WOOD RIVER
VALLEY upon thc following named parties by the method indicaled below, and addressed to the
following:
Donovan E. Walker, Idaho Porrrer Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise,ldaho 83707-0070
U.S. Mail
_Overnight Mail
_Hmd Delivery
--Fax_X_ Emsil dwulkeri4idahoBlw'cr.corn, [e-mail]
Timothy E. Tatun, Idaho Powcr Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise,ldaho 83701-0070
U.S. Mail
O'vcNroight Mail
Hand Delivery
_Fax_X_ Email [e-mail]
John Hammon4 Jr.
Deputy Attomey General
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
I1331 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg No. t Ste 201-A
Boiss lD 83720-4074
U.S.lvlail
Ovemight Mail
Iland Delivery
-Fax
_X_ Email [e-mail]
Blaine Cormty Board of Commissioncrs
Ronald L. William, Willians Bradbury, P.C.
PO Box 388
Couurrrs #2 Ox Cesr IPC-E 2l-25- 5
Boise,ID 83701
Email : [e-mail]
U.S. Mail
Overnight Mail
HandDelivery
_ Fax
_X_ Email ronl.a;rv i I I iamshrad hur]'.eou
Prcsecuting Attorney
219 FirstAve. Sorth Stc 201 Timothy Craves
Chief @uty
Hailey,ID 83333_U.S. ildail
_Overnight l\/Iail
_Hand Delivery
_For_X_ Email [e-mail]-rs
Brdley G. Mullins
MW Analytica, Energy & Utiltiies
_U.S. Mail
OvemightMail
_ Hard Delivery
_ Fax
,X_ Email [e-mail]
Cox Comrnrnications
C. Tom Artoosh Arkoosh Law Offices
PO Box 2900
Boise,ID 83701
_US. Mail
_Overnight Mail
HandDelivery
_ For
-X-
Ernail tom. arkoo sh/g)arkoo sh. conr
Eri n.ceci I (llarkoosh. com
Mark DiNuzio
-U.S.I{ail
Ovemight ttlail
Couurrrrs fl On Cesc IBC-D al.2* 6
_ IImd DclivGry
-Fax
X Email marli.Dil.iunziofriicox.com
\
t\
tr(ikiLalic
\
Comrrrm#2 (}tr CTSnIPGD-21-2$ ?
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF IDAIIO POWER
COMPA}.IY'S PETITION FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SURCHARGE A}.ID
MODIFIED LINE ROUTE
CONFIGI.JRATION FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF A NEW I38 KV TRA}.ISMSSION LINE
TN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY
CaseNo. IF.C-E-21-25
EVIDENCE SI'BMITTED TOR
CASE
Kiki Leslie A. Tidwell, lntervenor, hereby files comments on Case IPC-E-21-25 pursuant
to Rules of hocedure 7l thrcugh 75 of the Idaho Public Utilities Cornmission, ID APA
3 1.01.01.071-.075 as follows:
l. The narne and address of this Intervenor is:
Kiki Leslie A. Tidwell
704 N. River St. #1
Hailey,ID 83333
Q08',)578-7769
[e-mail]
Evidence submitted for this Case.
14th day of ,2022.
Leslie A.
Pro Se
EVIDENCE Ox C.lsr IPC.E.2|.Z|- 1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that on the l4s of January 20221
served a true and correct copy of IDAHO POWER COMPAI.IY'S PETITION FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SI.'RCHARGE AND MODIFIED LINE ROUTE CONFIGI.JRATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW T38 KV TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE WOOD RIVER
VALLEY upon the following named parties by the method indicated below, and addressed to the
following:
Donovan E. Walker,Idaho Power Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise, ldaho 83707-0070
U.S. Mail
Overnight Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Fa:r
_X_ Email [e-mail], [e-mail]
Timothy E. Tatum,Idatro Power Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise,ldaho 83701-0070
U.S. Mail
Overnight Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Far
_X [e-mail]
John Hammond, Jr.
Deputy Attorney General
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
I l33l W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg No. 8 Ste 201-,{
Boise, lD 83720-N74
U.S. Mail
Ovemight Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Fa"x
_X_ Email [e-mail]
Blaine County Board of Commissioners
Ronald L. Williams, Williarns Bradbury, P.C.
PO Box 388
Boise,ID 83701
Email: [e-mail]
EVIDENCE Ox Cesp IPC-EAL2$-2
U.S. Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Falr
_X_ Email [e-mail]
Prosecuting Attomey
219 First Ave. South Ste 201 Timothy Graves
ChiefDeputy
Hailey,ID 83333
U.S. Mail
Ov€might Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Fa:r
-X-
F-mai l [e-mail]. id.us
Bradley G. Mullins
MWAnalyticq Energy & Utiltiies
_U.S. Mail
Overnigbt Mail
Hand Delivery
_Fax_X_ Emsil [e-mail]
Cox Communications
C. Tom Arkoostu Arkoosh Law Offices
PO Box 2900
Boise,ID 83701
_U.S. Mail
Overnight lvlail
HandDelivery
-
Fa:t
_X_ Email [e-mail]
[e-mail]
lvlark DiNunzio
U.S, Meil
Ovemight Mail
Hand Delivery
Fa,x
EVIDENCE Ox Cesr IPC-E 21-2$3
.l:
-{-Fmril@
Kili fidtreIl
EVIItUttCE 0n Crsr IBC-E-2[-?,* 4
Frcm:
Sent:
To:
Cr:
Ron Williams
Thursday, June 4, 2020 10:15 AM
Walker, Donovan; Grlock, Terri
Allison Mark;'Bradley G. Mullins ([e-mail])'; Ron
Wlllams
Blaine CountySubiect:
June 4 2020
Donovan Walker
tead Counsel
ldaho Power Company
Donovan,
During the recent conference call involving representatives of Blaine County (BC), ldaho Power Company
(lPC) and ldaho PUC Staff (Staff), BC discussed several initial proposals or ideas regarding
undergrounding lPCs transmission facilities from the Wood Rlver Substation just north of Hailey to
Elkhom Road, just south of Ketchum (Transmission Line).
As of August t5,2OL9,IPC estimated the total cost for an underground transmission project to be
567,991,516. Of that amount, IPC estimated the lncremental cost of undergrounding to be 532,889,228
("Cost Differential'). !n previous mnespondence with BC and Staff, tPC has requested BC pay a
Contribution in Aid of Construction ("CIAC") of 538,151,504 to finance the Cost Differential, including
55,262,276|n tax gross-up. IPC was willing to allow BC to pay the CIAC over time, wlth interest charged
to BC at lPCs pre,tax Rate of Return.
Since BC would not own the transmission line, BC cannot issue secured bonds to cover the proposed
538,151,504 CIAC payment. Further, BC has investigated revenue financing through the development of
a Local lmprovement District (LlD) and has found that such an option is also not feasible. A potentaal LID
would only include the propertles of unlncorporated lands, and by statute, must exclude all properties 5
acres or greater. Accordingly, the LID financing alternative would be too burdensome on too few
propertlet whose owners receive no greater benefft from the underground Transmission Line than any
other property excluded from the restrictive LID definition.
ldaho PUC Order No. 33872 dlrected parties to "contlnue to work togethe/' to resolve underground
Transmission Line funding issues and disputes, "as there may still be opportunities to find areas of
common interest and common ground." ln our May 28,z0tg meeting, we discussed the following straw
proposals, which reduce the 100% underground Cost Differentialassigned to BC customers, reduce the
interest carrying charge and spread the base of payors beyond the few property owners of an LlD.
These proposals were made by BC to IPC in an attempt to find that common ground.
1. Toriff Rider Surchorge: The Cost Differential will be recovered on a uniform cents-per-kWh basis
to Blaine County customers through an IPC tariff rider. The ffnal Cost Differentialamounts included in
the tariff rider will be reviewed in a subsequent IPC general rate case, when the Transmission Line costs
are known and approved in base rates. The tariff rider will be applied to all electric service customers
taking service within Blaine County, or to a speciftc geographic subset of BC as determined by the BC
Commission. The Cost Differential will become a regulatory asset of IPC and the amortization period of
the tariff surcharge wlll be negotiated and agreed to by BC, IPC and Staff. lnterest on the regulatory
asset will be at lPCs incrementa! cost of debt, estimated at3.7%.lPC would have avallable to it 10CI6
debt financing of the $Sg million line through the ldaho Energy Resources Authority (IERA) at an interest
rate expected to be at or close to lPCs cost of debt estlmate. Ahernatlvely, the parties would
investigate if it could debt finance through the IERA on a tax exempt interest basis, because of the
involvement of BC in the financing. Use of a tariff surcharge would avoid the 55 milllon tax gross-up
charged to BC through CIAC financing.
2. OATT Revenue Credit: When calculating its formula Open Access Transmission Tariff ('OATT")
rates, IPC will classifo the entirety of the Transmission Line costs, including the Cost Differential
amounts, as a network resource, not just the portion of the investment represented by the overhead
line option. Therefore, the Cost Differentlal assigned to BC customerc will also include a credit for the
incremental OATT wheeling revenues attributable to the Cost Differential amount and included in OATT
formula rates. The revenue credit will equal the percentage of the IPC transmission network used by
wholesale customers multiplied by the annual OATT revenue requirement attributable to the Cost
Differential.
While some may initially view the use of this particular transmission segment as not currently being
used as heavily as other portions of IPG transmission system for wholesale transactions - therefore
justlfylng 10096 situs asslgnment to BC - the same could be sald for other elements of lPCs cost of
service and the assignment of other 'uniform' costs to IPC customers in the Wood River Vatley. For
example, as pointed out by tPCs answerto BCs Data Request No. 5, BCs winter peak is more than twice
its summer peak, yet IPC's system peaks in the summer and mudr of lPCs costs are allocated or
weighted based on that summer peak, ln that regard, BC customerc of IPC are already significantly
subsidizing other IPC customers and customer classes wlth respect to the system cost of energy and
capacity. The point is that once we go down the road of assigning some costs on a system basis and
other costs on a situs basis, how far down that road do we go?
3. Wildftrc Mitlgotion Credit: The parties would investigate the potentialwlldftre cost savings
that would resuh in the Transmission Line being placed underground, taking into account wildfire cost
savings to lPC, BC, BC residents, BC businesses and other local, state and federal agencles and
landowners in BC. The expected wildfire cost savings agreed to by the parties will be present valued and
credited against the Cost Differential revenue requirement assigned to BC customers.
4. Ratebo*/Rotemoking Adjustments: ln the future rate case when the Transmission Line is
approved to be included in base rates, BC and Staff will review the actual Cost Differential amount,
including the methodology used to calculate the Cost Differential. This will include, among other things,
a review of the final incremental rate base balances assoclated with undergrounding appropriate
reserve balances for accumulated depreciation, and the rate base lmpacr of deferred lncome taxes.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide this straw proposal and look forward to future discussions
with lPC and Staff on this matter. The Blain County Commission has found that helping preserve the
scenic Wood River Valley, through the undergrounding of the Transmlsslon Llne, is necessary to
maintain the economy, well-being, and safety of lts BC resldents. We are hopefulto reach a oommon
ground that will allow BC to maintain these objectives.
P*Wrll;a1
Williams Bndbrry, P.C
P.O, Bor:l8t
8oba, lD E3701
Offioa: 263t1L66i}!l
liotth Z[.890.{680
SEeetldrers
fl12W. Bennoet3l
sdbr"P10
lol$,lD 88712
ce Terri Carlock, lPUCShff
7he+tadtnc$qg.figlirtrrbvfrta{t*/krtt&adct,P.Cbffior{yfuaotadn*htmr kert&turdqrmttualrtrrgttlruW M, iwru, w* ttgdrfi, * M c*llmt frun tfuc utdu W lor. lf ptt lw rcaftd tlt6 mrnqn foqtt oItc not o ttdrrd r*ot, c 6c rfi ttc m*ya * ogo* rW* fu tf,f,n,Itg ilib nqc u o nq,,d rr4,o* bc ffi Mq n*t, fugug* &anhoteq, tllrfttd*t o @ of ttdc W orfrroa:tcleroffiIntoffi, *e Nl w,au*efi e N,*m f yan tou roerfrrd t* qc h art, ud ffi tle atclvgc.
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COM]SISSIONERS
OF BLAINE COUNW
SPECIAL ilEETING OF THE SEPTETBER 2O2O SESSION
IDAHO POWER EVENING WORKSESSION
Fourth Dav Thursdav. September {0.2020
Pursuant to Statutory Provisions, the Board of Blaine County Commissionerc (BCC) met this day at
6:00 p.m. Present were Chairman Jacob Greenberg, Mce€hair Angenie McCleary, and Gommissioner
Dick Fosbury: Blaine County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attomey Tim Graves; County Legal Consultant
Ron Wlliams; County Administrator Derek Voss; County Administrative Services Manager Mandy
Pomeroy; Administrative Services Support Specialist Kay Draper; Land Use and Building Servies
DirectorTom Bergin and Land Use PlannerAllison Marks; Recording Secretary Sunny Grant; Edison
Electric lnstitute State Energy & Regulatory Policy Director Alison Williams; ldaho Power Mce President
Regulatory Affairs Tim Tatum; lP Loca! Area (Blaine County) Energy Advisor Amber Lama; lP Counsel
Pat Hanington; lP Attomey Donovan Walkel, lP Project Manager Tom Barben ldaho Conservation
League Conservation Associate Ben Otto; Bruce McMahon; Valley Club Ovrners Association President
Steve Miner, and VCOA attorney FriE Haemmerle; Ginna Lagergren; Greg Adams, attomey
representing Rolling Rock Properties; Cox Gommunications Market Representative Guy Cherp; Jane H.
Mason; Jim Burdick; Jim Speck; John Dondero; John Milner; Jon Gilmour; Michelle Pabarcius;Jon
Walker; Julie Cord; Kim Seely; Kris Dondero; Larry lsham; Laura Midgley; Lawrence Schoen; Linda and
Bill Potter; Lisa Mayer; Marcia Hart; Mary Fauth; Matt Youdall; Ryan Eckert; Shirleen Coleman;
Stephen Romano; Sven Berg; Wendolyn Holland; Pat Murphy; KikiTidwell; Betn Chiodo; Bruce Norvell;
Cynthia Woolley; Dina Blackbum; and Eric Potter.
Due to the continuing COMD-19 pandemic, mos{ participants in this meting were by webconference or
teleconference.
Chairman Greenberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Greenberg said the focus of this evening's meeting is if the public is willing to pay for
undergrounding the proposed power lines, and what exactly they're willing to pay for- undergroundlng
transmission lines, undergrounding the distribution lines and a section of the tsansmission lines, and/or
undergrounding distribution lines and allowing certain Local lmprovement Districts to pay to
underground power lines in fiont of their subdivisions. He said some people may be willing to pay to
underground the lines if that's the only altemative, but want to look at other altematives. Greenberg
said the majority of public comments and petitions that he had seen favorcd paying for undergrounding
the lines or some other funding option.
Greenberg showed photos of the power poles with the redundant lines on one pole, which would be an
increase from the cunent four lines to seven to 10 lines on poles that will be eight to 't5 feet taller than
the cunent poles. There wil! be more poles to carry the added lines. The cunent proposal is 11 miles of
redundant overhead transmission lines. There would be large structures at locations where the power
lines go underground or come up aboveground. The County could underground just distribution lines at
a lesser cost of about $5.7 million.
Greenberg related the history of ldaho Powe/s proposed redundant lines since 1962. More recently,
the Public Utilities Commission ovemrled its own staffwho said the redundant line wasn't ne@ssary,
and gave ldaho Power a Certfficate of Public Convenience and Necessity--preliminary approvalto
installthe lines, with a mandate to negotiate with local ofiicials to put the lines in the Scenic Conidor. ln
May, 2019, Blaine County approved a Conditional Use Permit fur the redundant lines, with the condition
that the Iines be placed underground. But the PUC has primacy over local Land Use decisions. The
PUC decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court, and ldaho Power would have to get final
approvalfrom the PUC; and, after ldaho Power knows allthe costs, they have to get rate approvalfrom
IBI.AINE COUNW BOARD OF CO,,NTY @ililISSIOI{ERS SPEqAL IDAHO PryVER MEETING MINUIES - SEPIET{BER 10, 2O2()
the PUC
Citizens are concerned about he scenic impac't in a tourist-based e@nomy, firc hazards, and
electromagnetic fields. ldaho Transportation Department designates scenic conidors, but has no
authority over utilities.
The PUC determined that the redundant lines were, in their view, necessary, and appropriate in that
location, above ground. But Blaine County Planning and Zoning and the County Commissioners
determined that the line had to be underground to meet county zoning, which made paying for the
undergrounding Blaine County's responsibility. Graves said if the Blaine County community can't pay
for undergrounding the power line, ldaho Power has the right to ask the PUC to nulliff the County's
decision.
County consulting attomey Ron Williams said Blaine County attomeys had been in discussion wtth the
PUG and ldaho Power, and confirmed what Graves said. \Mlliams said any decision can be direc{ly
appealed to the ldaho Supreme Court. He was uncertain if there was case law.
Greenberg said ldaho Power's cost estimate to underground transmlssion lines was $38 million, or $21
million if the $10 million contingency isnt necessary, without any interest. A levy would require all
Blaine County taxpayers in atl jurisdictions to pay $56 per $100,000 assessed value per year for ten
years. A 3O-year levy would be $36 per $100,000 assessed value per year for 30 years.
Graves said ldaho Law allows County Gommissioners to establish a Local Improvement District (LlD)
for certain areas or subdivisions for undergrounding utility lines. lt doesn't require an elec'tion, but it
excludes agricultural parcels larger than five acres, and excludes cities, even though cities would
benefrt most ftom underground transmission lines. The Farm Bureau initially agreed to cfiange Statute
to include language parcels in excess of live acres, exoept for adive agriculture, but an ldaho legislator
defeated it before a floor vote. Subdivisions could offer to support a voluntary LlD.
Bonding is most likely not available, since the County does not own the power lines infrastructure.
ldaho Power can fund the project through a 1O-year levy ($Sg million) or 3O-year lery ($Sg million) at
9.5906 annual interest. The County tried to negotiate this interest rate, but PUC authorized this rate of
return.
Another option is for ldaho Porerto apply a 3% ($3.77 residential or $8.43 commercial) monthly
surcharge to Blaine County residents'electric bills for 20 years, wtrich would provide $9.1 million to
fund undergrounding distribution lines, plus 1.1 mile of transmission lines north of the hospital. This
would keep power poles the same heightthey are now.
ldaho Power V.P. Regulatory Afiairs Tim Tatum and Transmission and Distribution Senior Manager
Eric Hackett presented a short PorverPoint of the redundant power lines and surcharge details.
Chairman Greenberg said everyone wants the porer lines underground, so the public comment should
focus on if and how the community is willing to pay for it.
Publlc Gomment. Linda Potter and Bil! Potter, 95 Greenhom Road, asked the BCC to preserve our unique
environment and provide safe and secure power delivery. She felt everyone would be willing to pay
some part for urdergrounding. She added that if one line goes down, the redundant will as well.. Michelle Pabarcius said redundant lines is not the solution to community health and safety.. Valley Club Owners Association president Steve Miner said the HOA had elected to hire attomey
Fritr Haemmerle as their spokesman.
2Bllll{E COUNTY BOARO OF COlJilrY @iliilSSOl{ERS SPECIIAL IDAHO POVYER llEETlilG Mlt{lrIES - SEPIEIDER ,l0, 2020
Attorney Fritr Haemmerle, representing Valley Club OA attended all P&Z hearings regarding the
redundant lines, and the only option under the approved Conditional Use Permit is for ldaho Power
to bury the transmission line. lf other o$ions are being considered, the community should be given
necessary information to make a decision.. Cox Communications Market Mce President \rt/RV Guy Cherp said Cox owns existing inftastructure
on the power poles. lf the power lines are undergrounded, Cox would expect its wires to be
underground and paid for in a manner similar to power lines.. Wendolyn Holland asked if Blaine County had considered hiring a state lobbyist to challenge the
ldaho Porer high interest rate and perhaps municipal ownership of inftastructure. Holland disdosed
that she works with lobbyists, but is not one herself.. Laura Midgley asked why northem segments are a priority for undergrounding when the southem
'redundant" lines are together and most at risk of wildfire from the east orwest.. Larry Schoen opposed asking pourcr ctrstomers outside the project service area to pay for
undergrounding the entire line. He said a reasonable surcharge for 20 years will at least maintain
status quo in the scenic conidor.. John Milner said the County should tneat everyone fairly and bury the whole line or don't bury any of
it. He said overhead lines create enormous risk and are an eyesore. He said 9.1% interest rate in
today's eoonomy is ridiqlous. Milner is willing to pay a 3% surcharge on his electicalbill.. Dina Blackbum said the power line from the hospitalto Elkhom Road is not very visible ftom the
highway, but the line in the south valley is very visible and no extra heaEnent is being discussed.. Kiki Tdwell said Ron \Mlliams was the former senior counselorfor ldaho Power, but has afuay
recollection of the Eagle case, the only precedent case that would pertain to underyrounding lines in
Blaine County. Tidwellsaid redundant lines do not provide real back-up power. She said the County
needs to contract with energy service providers to install backup batteries and generators throughort
the county for 0 down, then revisit the need for redundant lines wtth the PUC.. Julie Cord favors burying the entire line, and the BCC should look for funding options for that. She
said P&Z held several meetings over e period of time and their decision was to bury the whole line.. Pat Murphy was a P&Z Commissioner for the entire ldaho Power proposed projec't. P&Z decided the
lines should be buried al! the way, in accordance with County Comprehensive Plan. Murphy said
state ratepayers are financing undergrounding lines a portion of the route, and felt all of Blaine
County should be treated the same way. He asked if Gox and other utilities lines will be on the
distribution lines if they are buried.
Murphy said the County should take note of fires all overthe west this summer, many of which were
started by downed power lines. Steel poles will not solve that problem.. Greg Adams said they support undergrounding the line.
Fosbury is intrigued by the possibility of altemative power generation, but doubted it could be done in
two or three months, and someone has to come up with the money and location, etc. He wanted to see
if a Iobbyist were available to support the County if the BCC revisited the PUC to see if they would
cpnsider another payment schedule or altemative. Fosbury said an LID puts too much burden on too
few of the benefttting residents.
Greenberg said $38 million is only to underground transmission lines. The distribution (eyesore) lines
would remain. lf al! poutor lines are underground, it would cost a lot more money. lf the existing lines
are removed, the new line wouldn't be redundant. Greenberg said the PUC has already heard and
rejec.ted the argument about backup power. Blaine County's legal advice is that the BCC doesn't have
many options, but he would like to hear from intervenors and stakeholders.
The BCC will schedule a follow-up meeting.
ADJOURN
At the hour of 8:23 p.m., with no morc business beforc thom, the County Commissioners
3BTINE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COT4MISSIOiERS SPECIAT IDAHO POI/ER i'EETING MINI,IES - SEPTEI'BER t(}, OA
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aqFumod.
Attest:Apprwed
Jolynn DragB
Gourily Glcrk
JacobGreenbeq
Chairman
4H.TfrE OflSTff BOIRD GCOT{TY OOI|SSOENS SPEg^tBH'FOTBIEITGffi'IES.sEIffi O, M
BEFORE THE IDATIO PTJBLIC UilLITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF IDAIIO POWER
COMPA}.TY'S PETMON FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SLTRCHARGE Al.lD
MODIFIED LINE ROUTE
CONFIGI.JRATION FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF A NEW 138 KV TRANSMSSION LINE
IN THE WOOD RTVER VALLEY
Case No. WC-E-21-25
EVIDENCE SUBIUITTEIT FOR
CASE
Kiki Leslie A. Tidwell,Intervenor, hereby files comments on Case IPC-E-21-25 ptusuant
to Rules of Procedure 7l thorryh 75 of the ldatro Public Utilities Cornmission, ID APA
3 1.01.01.071-.075 as follows:
1. The name and address ef this Intervenor is:
Ifiki LeslieA. Tidwell
704 N. River St. #l
Hailey,ID 83333
Q08)s78-7769
[e-mail]
Evidence submittd forthis Case.
14th day of ,2022.
Leslie A.
Pro Se
EVIIIENCE On ClsB IPC-E 21-Zt- 1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that on the l4m of January 20221
served a tnre and correct copy of IDAHO POWER COMPAIIY'S PETITION FOR APPROVAL
OF A CUSTOMER SURCHARGE AND MODIFIED LINE ROUTE CONFIGURATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 138 KV TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE WOOD RIVER
VALLEY upon the following named parties by the method indicated below, and addressed to the
following:
Donovan E. Walker,Idaho Power Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise, ldaho 83707-0070
U.S. Mail
Ovenright Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Fa:r
_X_ Email [e-mail], [e-mail]
Timothy E. Tatum,Idaho Power Company
P.O. Box 70 Boise,ldaho 83701-0070
U.S. Mail
Overnight Mail
Hand Delivery
_ Fax
_X_ Email ttatum@idahopower. com
John Hammond, Jr.
Deputy Attomey General
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg No. 8 Ste 201-A
Boise,lD 83720.o074
U.S. Mail
Overnight Mail
Hand Delivery
-
Fax
_X_ Email [e-mail]
Blaine County Board of Commissioners
Ronald L. Williams, Williams Bradbury, P.C
PO Box 388
Boise,ID 83701
Email : [e-mail]
EVIDENCE Ox CasB IPC-E-21-2*2
U.S. Mail
OvernightMail
HandDelivery
_ Fax
_X_ Email ron@williamsbradbu4v. com
Prosecuting Attorney
219 First Ave. Sotrth Ste 201 Timothy Crraves
ChiefDeputy
Hailey,ID 83333
U.S. Mail
Oventight Mail
Hand Delivery
_Fax_X_ F.mail [e-mail]
Bradley G. Mullins
MWAnalyticq Energy & Utiltiies
_U.S. Mail
OvernightMail
Handflelivery
_Fax_X_ Email brmullins@mwanalytics.@m
Cox Cmmrmications
C. Tom A*ooslu Arkoosh Law Offices
PO Box 2900
Boise,ID 83701
-U.S.
Mail
Ov€rnightMail
Hand Delivery
_Fax_X_ Email [e-mail]
Erin.ceci [e-mail]
Mark DiNrmzio
U.S. Mail
Ov€rnight Mail
Iland Delivery
Fa,x
EVIDENCT Ox Crsr IPC-E-?LA*3
.G
_X_ Fmril marlcDiNunzio@eoxcom
Kiki Tidrycll
EVIDENCD 0n Cesn IPC-E-21-2,*4
Sent:
To:
Cc:
From:Ron Wllliams
Thursday, June 4, 2020 10:15 AM
Walker, Donoran; Grlock, Terri
Allison Mark;'Bradley G. Mullins ([e-mail])'; Ron
Williams
Blaine CountySubject:
June 4 2020
Donovan Walker
Lead Counsel
ldaho Power Company
Donovan,
During the recent conference call involving representatives of Blaine County (BC), ldaho Power Company
(lPC) and ldaho PUC Staff (Staff), BC discussed several lnitia! proposals or ideas regarding
undergrounding lPCs transmission facllities from the Wood Rlver Substation just north of Hailey to
Elkhorn Road, just south of Ketchum flransmission Line).
Asof August t5,1OL9,|PCestimatedthetotalcostforan undergroundtransmission projectto be
s67,991,516. Of that amount IPC estimated the incremental cost of undergrounding to be s32,889,228
("Cost Differential'). In previous correspondence with BC and Staff, IPC has requested BC pay a
Contrlbution in Aid of Construction ("C|AC") of 538,151,504 to finance the Cost Differential, including
55,262,276 in tax gross-up. IPC was willing to allow BC to pay the CIAC over time, with interest charged
to BC at lPCs pre.tax Rate of Return.
Since BC would not own the transmission line, BC cannot issue securcd bonds to cover the proposed
$q$1,504 CIAC payment. Further, BC has investagated revenue financing through the development of
a Local lmprovement Districl (LlD) and has found that such an option is also not feasible. A potential LID
would only include the propertles of unlncorporated lands, and by statute, must exclude all properties 5
acres or greater. Accordingl% the LID financing alternative would be too burdensome on too few
propertles, whose owners receive no greater benefit from the underground Transmission Line than any
other property excluded from the restrictive LID definition.
ldaho PUC Order No. 33872 dlrected parties to "contlnue to work togethe/'to resolve underground
Transmission Line funding issues and disputes, "as there may still be opportunities to find areas of
common interest and common ground." tn our May 28,2019 meeting, we discussed the following straw
proposals, which reduce the 10096 underground Cost Differentialassigned to BC customers, reduce the
interest carrying charge and spread the base of payors beyond the few property owners of an LlD.
These proposals were made by BC to IPC in an attempt to find that common ground.
1. Toiff Rider Surchorge: The Cost Differentialwill be recovered on a uniform cents-per-kwh basis
to Blalne County customers through an IPC tariff rlder. The final Cost Differential amounts included in
the tariff rider will be reviewed in a subsequent IPC general rate case, when the Transmission Line costs
are known and approved in base rates. The tariff rider will be applied to all electric service customers
taking service wtthin Blaine County, or to a speciflc geographic subset of BC as determined by the BC
Commission. The Cost Differentialwill become a regulatory asset of IPC and the amortization period of
the tariff surcharge will be negotiated and agreed to by BC, IPC and Staff. lnterest on the regulatory
asset will be at lPCs incremental cost of debt, estimated at3.7%.IPC would have avallable to it 10096
debt financing of the SSg million line through the ldaho Energy Resources Authority {!ERA) at an interest
rate expected to be at or close to lPcs cost of debt estimate. Alternatively, the parties would
investigate if it could debt finance through the IERA on a tax exempt interest basis, because of the
involvement of BC in the financing. Use of a tariff surcharge would avoid the 55 mallion tax gross-up
charged to BC through CIAC flnancing.
2. OAfi Revenue Credit: When calculating its formula Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT")
rates, IPC will classifu the entirety of the Transmission Line costs, including the Cost Differential
amounts, as a network resource, not just the portaon of the investment represented by the overhead
line option. Therefore, the Cost Differential assigned to BC customers will also include a credit Sor the
incremental OATT wheeling revenues attributable to the Cost Differential amount and included in OATT
formula rates. The revenue credit will equal the percentaBe of the IPC transmission network used by
wholesale customers multiplied by the annual OATT revenue requirement attributable to the Cost
Differential.
While some may initially view the use of this particular transmission segment as not currently being
used as heavily as other portions of IPCs transmission system for wholesale transactions - therefore
justlfyine 10096 situs asslgnment to BC .. the same could be said for other elements of lPCs cost of
service and the assignment of other 'uniform' costs to lPC customers in the Wood River Valley. For
example, as pointed out by lPCs answerto BCs Data Request No. 5, BCs winter peak is more than twice
its summer peak, yet lPCs system peaks in the summer and much of lPCs costs are allocated or
weighted based on that summer peak. ln that regard, BC customers of lPC are already significantly
subsidizing other tPC customers and customer classes wath respect to the rystem cost of energy and
capacity. The point is that once we go down the road of assigning some costs on a system basis and
other costs on a situs basis, how far down that road do we go?
3. Wildflre Mltlgatlon Credtt; The parties would investigate the potentialwlldffre oost savings
that would resuh in the Transmission Line being placed underground, taking into account wildfire cost
savings to lPC, Bg BC residents, BC businesses and other local, state and federal agencies and
landowners in BC. The expected wildfire cost savings agreed to by the parties will be present valued and
credited against the Cost Differential revenue requirement assigned to BC customers.
4. Rotebo*/Ratemoking AdjustmenB: ln the future rate case when the Transmission Une is
approved to be included in base rates, BC and Staff will review the actual Cost Differential amount,
including the methodology used to calculate the Cost Differential. This will include, among other things,
a review of the final incrementa! rate base balances associated with undergrounding appropriate
reserve balances for accumulated depreciation, and the rate base impacts of deferred income taxes.
We appreciate dre opportunity to provide this straw proposal and look forward to future discussions
with IPC and Staff on this matter. The Blain County Commission has found that helping preserve the
scenic Wood River Valley, through the undergrounding of the Transmisslon Llne, ls necessary to
maintain the economy, well-being; and safety of lts BC resldents. We are hopefulto reach a common
ground that will allow BC to maintain these objectives.
?*Will:*4
Willlams Bndhry, P.C
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OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COUTIISSIONERS
OF BI.AINE COUNTY
SPECIAL TEETING OF THE SEPTETBER 2O2O SESSION
IDAHO POWER EVENING WORKSESSION
Fourth Dav Thursdav. Seotember 10. 2020
Pursuant to Statutory Provisions, the Board of Blaine County Commissioners (BCC) metthis day at
6:00 p.m. Present were Chairman Jacob Greenberg, Mce€hair Angenie McCleary, and Commissioner
Dick Fosbury; Blaine County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attomey Tim Graves; County LegalConsultant
Ron \Mlliams; County Administrator Derek Voss; County Administrative Services Manager Mandy
Pomeroy;Administrative Services Support Specialist Kay Draper; Land Use and Building Services
Director Tom Bergin and Land Use Planner Allison Marks; Recording Secretary Sunny Grant; Edison
Electric lnstitute State Energy & Regulatory Policy DirectorAlison Williams; ldaho PowerMce President
Regulatory Affairs Tim Tatum; lP Local Area (Blaine County) Energy Advisor Amber Lama; lP Counsel
Pat Hanington; lP Attomey Donovan Walker; lP Project ManagerTom Barber; ldaho Conservation
League Conservation Associate Ben Otto; Bruce McMahon;Valley Club Owners Association President
Steve Miner, and VCOA attorney Fritz Haemmerle;Ginna Lagergren; Greg Adams, attomey
representing Rolling Rock Properties; Cox Communications Market Representative Guy Cherp; Jane H.
Mason; Jim Burdick; Jim Speck;John Dondero; John Milner; Jon Gilmour; Michelle Pabarcius;Jon
Walker; Julie Cord; Kim Seely; Kris Dondero; Larry lsham; Laura Midgley; Lawrence Schoen; Linda and
Bill Potter; Lisa Mayer Marcia Hart; Mary Fauth; Matt Youdall; Ryan Eckert; Shirleen Coleman;
Stephen Romano; Sven Berg; Wendolyn Holland; Pat Murphy; KikiTidwell; getn Chiodo; Bruce Norvell;
Gynthia Woolley; Dina Blackbum; and Eric Potter.
Due to the continuing GOMD-19 pandemic, most participants in this meeting were by webconference or
teleconference.
Chairman Greenberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Greenberg said the focus of this evening's meeting is if the public is willing to pay for
undergrounding the proposed power lines, and what exactly they're willing to pay for- undergrounding
transmission lines, undergrounding the distribution lines and a section of the Eansmission lines, and/or
undergrounding distribution lines and allowing ertain Loca! lmprovement Districts to pay to
underground power lines in fiont of their subdivisions. He said some people may be willing to pay to
underground the lines if that's the only altemative, but want to look at other altematives. Greenberg
said the majority of public comments and petitions that he had seen favored paying for undergrounding
the lines or some other funding option.
Greenbery showed photos of the power poles with the redundant lines on one pole, which would be an
increase from the cunent four lines to seven to 10 lines on poles that will be eight to 15 feet taller than
the cunent poles. There will be moe poles to carry the added Iines. The cunent proposal is 11 miles of
redundant overhead transmission lines. There would be large structures at locations where the power
lines go underground or come up aboveground. The County could underground just distribution lines at
a lesser cost of about $5.7 million.
Greenberg related the history of ldaho Powe/s proposed redundant lines since 1962. More recently,
the Public Utilities Commission ovemrled its own staffwho said the redundant line wasn't ne@ssary,
and gave ldaho Power a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessitynreliminary approvalto
install the lines, with a mandate to negotiate with local officials to put the lines in the Scenic Conidor. ln
May, 2019, Blaine County approved a Conditional Use Permit br the redundant lines, with the condition
that the lines be placed underground. But the PUC has primacy over local Land Use decisions. The
PUC decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court, and ldaho Power would have to get final
approvalfrom the PUC; and, after ldaho Power knows allthe costs, they have to get rate approvalfrom
1
BIAINE Cq,,NTY BOARD OF COUNTY @IIiTilSSIOIIERS SPECIAT IDAHO POYYER TEETIiG UINTIIES - SEPI TEER 10, 2(l2O
the PUC.
Citizens are concemed about he scenic impac't in a tourist-based e@nomy, fire hazards, and
electromagnetic fields. ldaho Transportation Department designates scenic conidors, but has no
authority over utilities.
The PUG determined that the redundant lines were, in their view, necessary, and appropriate in that
location, above ground. But Blaine County Planning and Zoning and the County Commissioners
determined that the line had to be underground to meet county zoning, ufiich made paying for the
undergrounding Blaine County's responsibili$. Graves said if the Blaine County community can't pay
for undergrounding the power line, ldaho Power has the right to ask the PUC to nullify the County's
decision.
County consulting attomey Ron Williams said Blaine County attonreys had been in discuqsion with the
PUC and ldaho Power, and confirmed what Graves said. Wlliams said any decision can be directly
appealed to the ldaho Supreme Court. He was uncertain if there was case law.
Greenberg said ldaho Powe/s cost estimate to urderground transmission lines was $38 million, or $21
million if the $10 million contingency isn't necessary, without any interest. A levy would require all
Blaine County taxpayers in alljurisdictions to pay $56 per $100,q)0 assessed value per yearforten
years. A 3Gyear lery would be $36 per $100,000 assessed value per year for 30 years.
Graves said ldaho Law allows County Commissioners to estaUish a Local lmprovement District (LlD)
for certain areas or subdivisions br undergrounding utility lines. lt doesn't require an election, but it
excludes agricultura! parcels larger than five acres, and excludes cities, even though cities would
beneftt most from underground transmission lines. The Farm Bureau initially agreed to change Statute
to include language parels in excess of five acf,es, except for adive agriculture, but an ldaho legislator
defeated it before a floor vote. Subdivisions could offer to support a voluntary LlD.
Bonding is most likely not available, since the Coun$ does not own the power lines infrastruclure.
ldaho Power can tund the projectthrough a lGyear lery ($S8 million) or 3Gyear levy ($Sg million) at
9.59% annual interest. The County tried to negotiate this interest rate, but PUC authorized this rate of
retum.
Another option is for ldaho Power to apply a 3% ($3.77 residential or $8.43 commercial) monthly
surcharge to Blaine County residents'electric bills for 20 years, u/hich would provide $9.1 million to
fund undergrounding distribution lines, plus 1.1 mile of transmission lines north of the hospttal. This
would keep power poles the same height they are now.
ldaho Power V.P. Regulatory Afiairs Tim Tatum and Transmission and Distribution Senior Manager
Eric Hackett presented a short PouerPoint of the redundant power lines and surcharge details.
Chairman Greenberg said everyone wants the povver lines underground, so the public comment should
focus on if and how the community is willing to pay for it.
Publlc Comment. Linda Potter and Bilt Potter, 95 Greenhom Road, asked the BCC to preserve our unique
environment and provide safe and secure power delivery. She felt everyone would be willing to pay
some part for undergrounding. She added that if one line goes dorn, the redundant will as well.. Michelle Pabarcius said redundant lines is not the solution to community health and safety.. Valley Club Orners Association president Steve Miner said the HOA had elected to hire attomey
Fritz Haemmerle as their spokesman.
BU|NE CO{rNTy BOARDOFCOJI{ry @ilms$oltERs SPECTAUT]A,HOPOTJER [mErNG UNrmS-SEPTEIfER 10, Zno 2
Attomey Fritz Haemmerle, representing Valley Club OA attended all P&Z hearings regarding the
redundant lines, and the only ofiion under the approved Conditiona! Use Permit is for ldaho Power
to bury the transmission line. !f other options are being considered, the community should be given
necessary information to make a decision.. Cox Communications Market Mce President WRV Guy Cherp said Cox ouvns existing inftastructure
on the power poles. lf the power lines are undergrounded, Cox would expect its wires to be
underground and paid for in a manner similar to power lines.. Wendolyn Holland asked if Blaine County had considered hiring a state lobbyist to challenge the
ldaho Power high interest rate and perhaps municipal ownerchip of infrastructure. Holland disclosed
that she works with lobbyists, but is not one herself.. Laura Midgley asked why northem segments are a priority for undergrounding when the southem
"redundant' lines are together and most at risk of wildfire from the east orwest.. Larry Schoen opposed asking power customers outside the project service area to pay for
undergrounding the entire !ine. He said a reasonable surcharge tor 20 years will at least maintain
status quo in the scenic conidor.. John Milner said the County should treat everyone fairly and bury the whole line or don't bury any of
it. He said overhead lines create enormous risk and are an eyesore. He said 9.1% interest rate in
today's economy is ridiculous. Milner is willing to pay a 3olo surcharge on his electical bill.. Dina Blackbum said the power line from the hospital to Elkhom Road is not very visible from the
highway, but the line in the south valley is very visible and no extra treatnent is being discussed.. KikiTidwellsaid Ron Williams was the former senior counselorfor ldaho Porver, but has afiizy
recollection of the Eagle case, the only precedent case that would pertain to undergrounding lines in
Blaine County. Tidwellsaid redundant lines do not provide real back-up power. She said the County
needs to contract with energy service providers to install backup batteries and generators throughout
the county for 0 down, then revisit the need for redundant lines wtth the PUC.. Julie Gold favors burying the entire line, and the BCC should look forfunding options forthat. She
said P&Z held several meetings over a period of time and their decision was to bury the whole line.' Pat Murphy was a P&Z Commissionerforthe entire ldaho Power proposed project. P&Z decided the
lines should be buried all the way, in accordance with County Comprehensive Plan. Murphy said
state ratepayers are financing undergrounding lines a portion of the route, and felt all of Blaine
County should be treated the same way. He asked if Gox and other utilities lines will be on the
distribution lines if they are buried.
Murphy said the County should take note of ftres all over the west this summer, many of which were
started by downed power lines. Steel poles will not solve that problem.. Greg Adams said they support undergrounding the line.
Fosbury is intrigued by the possibility of altemative power generation, but doubted it could be done in
two or three months, and someone has to come up with the money and location, etc. He wanted to see
if a lobbyist were available to support the County if the BCC revisited the PUC to see if they would
consider another payment schedule or altemative. Fosbury said an LID puts too much burden on too
few of the benefitting residents.
Greenberg said $38 million is only to underground transmission lines. The distribution (eyesore) lines
would remain. lf all power lines are underground, it would cost a lot more money. lf the existing lines
are removed, the new line wouldn't be redundant. Greenberg said the PUC has already heard and
rejected the argument about backup power. Blaine County's legal advice is that the BCC doesn't have
many options, but he would like to hear from intervenors and stakeholders.
The BCC will schedule a follow-up meeting
ADJOURN
At the hour of 8:23 p.m., with no more bueiness before them, the County Commissionerc
3BI.AINE COUNIY BOARD OF COUNTY COT'ilISSIONERS SPECIAL IDAIIO POWER MEETING MINLTIES - SEPTEITBER I(l, 2O2()
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adroumed,
Atteet:Apgoved
JoLynn Dr4e
Courfi Clerk
JacobGnenberg
Chairman
4E
^nc
cclfffy BoAR0 tr flrrnr 6m8$0iEF8 SPECUL luHO F0iER tErilC ffiUIE8 - sP]rffi m. Aao