20230815Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSIONER HAMMOND
COMMISSIONER LODGE
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL

FROM: CHRIS BURDIN
DEPUTYS ATTORNEY GENERAL

DATE: AUGUST 15, 2023

SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER
COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS RATES AND
CHARGES FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE IN THE STATE OF IDAHO AND
FOR ASSOCIATED REGULATORY ACCOUNT TREATMENT; CASE
NO. IPC-E-23-11.

On June 1, 2023, Idaho Power Company (“Company”) filed an application (“Application”)
with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) requesting authority to increase its
rates and charges for electric service to its customers in the State of Idaho and for associated
regulatory accounting treatment. The Company requests a July 1, 2023, effective date.
On June 23, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Application, Notice of Suspension
of Proposed Effective Date, and Notice of Intervention Deadline. Order No. 35825. The
Commission granted intervention to: Clean Energy Opportunities for Idaho; Idaho Irrigation
Pumpers Association, Inc.; Industrial Customers of Idaho Power; Micron Technology, Inc.; the
city of Boise City; The United States Department of Energy on behalf of the Federal Executive
Agencies; Idaho Conservation League; Idaho Hydroelectric Power Producers Trust d/b/a
IdaHydro; and NW Energy Coalition. Order Nos. 35823; 35840; 35850; 35867. On July 27, 2023,
the Commission issued a Notice of Parties.
Walmart Inc.’s Petition for Intervention
On August 3, 2023, Walmart Inc. filed a Petition to Intervene. The Petition provides in
relevant part:
Walmart was not able to timely respond to Idaho Power’s Application due
to its internal review process. After thoroughly reviewing the application and the
potential impact on Walmart’s power costs, Walmart determined that it would be
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2
in its best interest to intervene in this case. Walmart believes that its intervention
will not prejudice any parties to this matter or otherwise delay this matter. Walmart
agrees to accept the record and the schedule for this case as it stands.
Walmart has a direct, immediate, diverse and substantial interest in the
outcome of this case, and the interests of Walmart will not be adequately
represented by any other party to this proceeding. A Commission decision in this
proceeding will have a direct, material impact on the electric rates and terms and
conditions of service Walmart will be subject to as a result of this case.
Walmart anticipates participating in this matter to the extent necessary to
ensure its interests in Idaho are protected, with full rights of a party to perform
discovery, submit testimony, examine witnesses, participate in hearings and present
evidence on any issues raised in this matter.
Walmart has not yet determined the extent of its participation or the precise
nature of the relief it will request but the interests of justice and the orderly and
prompt conduct of this proceeding will not be impaired by the granting of
Walmart’s petition to intervene. Neither will Walmart’s participation unnecessarily
broaden the issues or burden the record in this proceeding.
Petition at 2-3 (footnote omitted).
As of August 14, 2023, no party has objected to Walmart Inc.’s Petition to
Intervene.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to grant Walmart Inc.’s Petition to Intervene?

__________________________
Chris Burdin
Deputy Attorney General

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