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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:
Name: Kevin Viehweg
Submission Time: Aug 27 2023 12:41PM
Email: kvvieh@fron�ernet.net
Telephone: 208-462-1986
Address: 55 Anderson Creek Rd
Garden Valley, ID 83622
Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power
Case ID: IPC-E-23-14
Comment: "I strongly disagree with Idaho Powers applica�on that is seeking to make changes to the
u�lity’s on-site and self-genera�on tariffs for the following reasons.
I have 2 systems that cost approx. 80K. The first one provides power to my indoor equestrian riding
arena. This system also provides power to my irriga�on system for 8 acres of pasture for my horses and
steers. In an effort to be a good steward of our resources I only irrigate at night when the rates are lower
and there is less evapora�on and water loss. During the peak rate period of the day my system is
providing power to IP which is going across the street where my neighbors are being charged at peak
rates. In the evening I turn on my pump and recover the power that I sent to IP during the day at a lower
rate and irrigate all night. I will be forced to not be a good steward of our natural resources and will be
forced to irrigate during the day and not only waste our precious water but also use electricity that is
needed elsewhere.
My second system provides power to my home. My wife and I strive to be as energy conscious as
possible. We don't run the AC during day as we are mostly outside. We only wash and dry our laundry in
the evening when the rates are lower and there is less demand for electricity. So all day long my solar
generated power is going across the street to my neighbors where they are being charge peak rates. My
plan when I installed my panels was to bank my credits during the summer months and use them in the
winter months when I need to turn on my eve and valley heaters to keep ice dams from destroying my
roof. I will not sell IP my Peak KW produc�on for a mere couple of cents and then pay full price for power
in the winter. Instead, I will wash and dry my laundry and dishes during the, turn on my AC to 65 during
the day and super cool my house and use every KW that my panels are producing. Does that make
sense? It does not, but that is what IP is going to force every home owner with solar to consider. Waste
energy. The pay back for my solar system is almost the lifespan of my system. If IP gets their way, there is
no way any home owner could afford solar with the hope of some day coming out ahead.
I do agree that when I use power at night I am in fact bringing that power across the grid which IP
maintains. They do deserve some compensa�on, Even though during the day my niegbors power is only
coming 100yds.
Credit for peak power to IP and credit back for off peak power should remain in place.
I can't even begin to understand their new meter request. How can their new meter system record more
power in a month than the old meter that was read once a month? Is it because they record peak KW
every 15 minutes instead of actual watage used?
Thank you"