20231013Comments_23.pdf

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The following comments were submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Virgil Stucker
Submission Time: Oct 11 2023 6:30PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 8815 S Ten Mile Rd
Meridian, ID 83642

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "If everyone’s goal is to be using renewable energy, including Idaho Power wan�ng it by 2045
why would anyone want to penalize those of us who have invested in trying to make that happen and
discourage others from doing the same thing. Greed and control would be the only reason I can think of
for doing so.
The current process is encouraging the produc�on of renewable energy and is in fact saving Idaho Power
from having to build more infrastructure. For those of us producing solar renewable energy our peak
produc�on is when Idaho Power needs it most to keep them from having to implement rolling blackouts
as some power companies around the na�on have had to do.
I am asking you our PUC board to not approve the change to the Net Metering which is now being fairly
used, as it would have a nega�ve effect on needed renewable solar energy produc�on and penalize
those of us who have invested a lot of money into doing our part to accomplish what seems to be the
goal of everyone.
Virgil Stucker"
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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Jon Minkoff
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 10:11AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 11648 Eva Lane
Caldwell, ID 83607

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Please take a fresh and comprehensive look at residen�al solar produc�on in Idaho and
across the country. We do not exist in a vacuum, and a lot can be learned from the experience of others.
As I understand it, forty-one states currently have a state or u�lity governed net metering program. In
states where the compensa�on rate has been cut the pace of new solar installa�ons has naturally and
significantly declined.The mission of the IPUC includes: “Regulate the public u�li�es to secure and
promote the general safety, health and public welfare.” As the climate warms, fires rage and weather-
related disasters mul�ply, we need much more carbon-free electricity genera�on, not less.

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Concern about a cost shi� to non-generators is greatly overstated. Only about 3% of Idaho Power’s
customers are solar generators, and we made substan�al financial investments with very long payoff
periods. Any added cost for non-generators is rela�vely minor and can be seen as a small contribu�on
toward a healthy, renewable future.

California allowed 120 days AFTER its recent rate change for exis�ng systems to be grandfathered in.
Idaho should do the same if it happens here, especially since the dissemina�on of informa�on about a
poten�al change has been uneven and lacking, par�cularly for secondary buyers.

I urge you to keep the current, easy-to-calculate net metering program. The proposed micro-managed,
shi�ing rate structure will be difficult to implement and will draw costly, �me-consuming challenges."
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Name: Rick Davis
Submission Time: Oct 11 2023 10:30PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 415 Randolph
Pocatello, ID 83201

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Please take a cri�cal view of the VODER findings provided by Idaho Power Co. The five
requests detailed in the report collec�vely propose a diminished value for onsite power genera�on at a
�me when its benefits are increasing. The study places too high a value on company profits and neglects
to consider how its implementa�on will discourage further onsite power genera�on. "
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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Rosemary Smith
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 1:34PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1734 North Elk Road
POCATELLO, ID 83204

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission,

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I urge you to reject IPC-E-23-14 the proposed rate structure changes (export credit rates) for solar-
roo�op genera�on customers. There is a basic flaw in the premise of the proposal as no quan�fica�on of
the “subsidies” to other customers by solar-roo�op generators is provided, no indica�on of how the rate
changes will alter the unsubstan�ated subsidies, and several examples where the models use data that
directly conflict with other informa�on provided by Idaho Power.

First, in the mee�ng on September 7, 2023 I asked for informa�on on the size of the problem- that being
the “subsidy” that solar power customers receive from all other customers. The response was that this
informa�on was NOT AVAILABLE! And yet, this is the premise of the en�re rate restructuring proposal.
Un�l the supposed “problem” of subsidies can be quan�fied and clearly communicated to customers
and the IPUC then there is no mechanism to determine whether this rate restructuring will actually
accomplish its stated goals.

Secondly, the model itself had specific inconsistencies that specifically reduce the value of export credits.
First, the defini�on of “peak �mes” was subtly shi�ed from 1-9 pm to 3-11 pm; which of course
eliminates two of the hours of the day when solar is most produc�ve. This is WRONG and should be
addressed. The peak �mes should be 1-9 PM.

Thirdly, in a broader context, this proposed rate structure change is will likely require more �me and
effort than it gains. Many other states and PUC’s have conducted studies and found that net-metering is
cost-effec�ve and efficient. No fancy modeling or micro-management of real-�me usage, es�mated
annual rate changes, billing and transfer of credits are required. New solar customers can finance their
investments with known rates of return (if electric rates increase, so will their credits), and the u�lity has
a predictable energy stream produced by infrastructure that their customers paid for with their own
money!

In the spirit of mee�ng your mission of regula�ng u�li�es to secure and promote the general safety,
health, and public welfare of Idaho Power customers, I urge you to reject the proposal.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Smith
Idaho Power customer"
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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Joshua Hill
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 2:00PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1350 S. Five Mile Rd. #190744
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

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Comment: " IPC-E-23-14
Joshua S. Hill
President
Idaho Solar Owners Network
9/18/2023

Idaho Public U�li�es Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
RE: CASE NO. IPC-E-23-14 - Proposed Changes to Net Metering Program

Idaho Power is proposing changes which do not make sense to the average Idahoan. Even experts who
were hired by our members to review the proposed changes were le� wondering how to make sense of
all the proposed changes should they go into effect.

The primary reasons to deny changes to net metering in this case according to the Board of Directors to
the Idaho Solar Owners Network are the following:

1) The mechanisms, explana�ons and understanding of the changing net metering policy, the billing
interval and the export credit rate in case IPC-E-23-14 is confusing to the average customer. Such
important changes should not happen all at once and to only one small class of customer.

2) Amending the billing interval for only one class of customers is discriminatory.

3) There is not a proposed solu�on to the Export Credit Rate and billing interval which is easily explained
to customers AND allows them to project savings by inves�ng in on-site genera�on systems - including
storage. Uncertainty in rates and savings created with on-site genera�on and storage will destroy an
emerging market and create a monopoly.

4) The average customer affected by this new rate will only change $12 per bill, according to Idaho
Power - yet members of the Solar Owners Network with large Winter use will see a bill increase of $200
or more per month under the new 4.9 cent rate for power they over-produce in Spring and Fall.

The proposed change is discriminatory even within the thousands of Idaho Power customers who have
chosen to go solar, and signed a net metering agreement knowing the terms were subject to change.
None of them expected a new net metering policy to increase their bill so much that they would
poten�ally be unable to pay their higher bills, and might lose heat because their home is powered only
by electricity.
Moving to all electric homes is supposed to be something both the Federal and State governments are
incen�vizing ci�zens to do, not punishing them.

Our organiza�on exists to serve all customers who have made an investment in the grid, which has been
proven to benefit the grid with reduced demand, especially during peak hours. Idaho Power customers
did not expect such a policy as this cases changes to even be proposed - none of our members think that
the current changes are clear and fair.

We urge the commission to order Idaho Power to find a simpler policy, like those that exist in other
states, such as a �me of use rate schedule for all customers.
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Warm regards,
Joshua S. Hill"
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The following comments were submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Teri Otens
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:05PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 17949 Goodson
Caldwell, ID 83607

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the proposed changes to the net metering program
in Case No. IPC-E-23-14. I have been following this case from the beginning and atended all mee�ngs in
person and online, read the study and STILL cannot understand what this means to solar owners. What
mechanism will be used to do "instantaneous metering"? How will the export credit rate be figured out
and adjusted each year? If there is a maintenance cost solar owners are not paying what is the $5.19 fee
each month? And if that is not enough, what aren't all customers paying more? Too many ques�ons,
not enough clear answers.
The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair.
I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers."
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Name: Tyler Grange
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:05PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 866 N World Cup Lane
Eagle , ID 83616

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "RE: CASE NO. IPC-E-23-14 - Proposed Changes to Net Metering Program

I hope this leter finds you well. I am wri�ng to express my deep concerns and strong opposi�on to the
proposed changes to the Net Metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-14, currently under considera�on
by the Idaho Public U�li�es Commission. As the owner of a solar installa�on company with over five
years of experience in the field of alterna�ve energy in Boise, Idaho, I have witnessed firsthand the
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benefits that solar energy brings to our community, both in terms of environmental sustainability and
economic growth. However, the proposed changes to the Net Metering program are deeply troubling
and poten�ally harmful to our clients, the industry, and our local economy.

To provide a comprehensive assessment of the issues at hand, I would like to highlight several key points:

Incalculable Future Savings: The proposed changes make it virtually impossible to calculate the future
savings for our clients. The data presented by Idaho Power is overly complex and lacks transparency.
Even with our best efforts to understand it, we found it to be highly convoluted and imprac�cal for our
clients to navigate. Moreover, we have engaged the services of a third-party consultant from California, a
recognized expert in the field of net metering, who was also unable to decipher how to calculate
poten�al savings for our customers. This only underscores the deeply flawed and convoluted nature of
the proposed changes.

Unfair and Discriminatory: The proposed changes are inherently unfair and discriminatory to our clients.
They undermine the very essence of the net metering program, which was designed to encourage the
adop�on of solar energy and promote clean energy prac�ces. The proposed revisions effec�vely
undermine the incen�ve to invest in solar energy by diminishing the value of excess solar credits, thus
discouraging poten�al solar customers from par�cipa�ng in the program.

Economic Implica�ons: These changes have far-reaching economic implica�ons. Passing such changes
would lead to the loss of numerous jobs in the solar industry, both in terms of installa�on and
maintenance. Furthermore, it would nega�vely impact many local families who depend on this industry
for their livelihoods. These changes come at a �me when our economy is already under strain due to
various challenges, and we simply cannot afford any addi�onal job losses. If this gets passed, people will
lose jobs!

In conclusion, I implore the Idaho Public U�li�es Commission to reconsider the proposed changes to the
Net Metering program. The current proposal is deeply problema�c, discriminatory, and ul�mately
detrimental to our clients, the renewable energy industry, and the local economy.

I kindly request a public hearing to discuss these concerns and provide a pla�orm for open dialogue on
this cri�cal mater. It is essen�al that we work together to find a solu�on that encourages the growth of
solar energy, ensures fair compensa�on for excess energy genera�on, and preserves jobs in our
community.

Thank you for your aten�on to this mater. I am confident that, by working collabora�vely, we can find a
solu�on that benefits our community, our economy, and our environment.

Sincerely,

Tyler Grange
Owner
Idahome Solar"
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Name: Steve Purcell
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:24PM
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Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1650 N Interlachen Way
Meridian, ID 83646

Name of U�lity Company: Our Home

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "In 2020 we thought we made a good financial investment by purchasing $25,000 in solar
panels. We had six reasons we made the investment. One, we can contribute extra energy to the power
grid during peak hours to help our neighbors. Two, receive back the energy during less than peak hours
when the sun goes down. Three, to reduce our “carbon footprint” which helps our environment. Four,
we would be saving money by producing our own “green energy.” Five, we installed larger Solar panels
than necessary to produce more power so that we could recharge the electric and hybrid vehicles we
would be purchasing and save more money. And six, we calculated our investment would be paid off in
10-12 years.

We know of five different families who have invested in Solar Panels. Every one of us pays Idaho Power a
minimum of $5.21 a month. All of us have not received a penny back from Idaho Power at the end of the
year because we have not produced more energy than we have used. According to my Solar edge app,
our Solar Panels have produced 9 megawat hours (Mwh) in 2020, 15 Mwh in 2021, 14 Mwh in 2022,
and almost 13 Mwh this year and yet we have not received a penny from Idaho Power. All five families
installed enough Solar Panels to be producing more power than what we should be using. Each of us is
paying Idaho Power more than $62.50 a year. This means Idaho Power is making a profit on our
investments, equipment, and “green energy” produc�on.

With the proposed “net billing” everyone who invested in Solar Panels would have their rate of
compensa�on lowered from 6-7 cents to around 5 cents per kilowat hour (Kwh). This would kill our
power savings and our investments. Currently our 10–12-year investment would finally pay for itself by
the �me our solar panels would reach the end of their life. For anyone to invest in Solar Panels there
must be an economical benefit and perhaps an environmental one. Who in their right mind would invest
in solar panels with the proposed “net billing?”

We installed Solar Panels without help from Idaho Power. Idaho Power didn’t have to increase its
infrastructure, modify the power grid, invest in more energy produc�on, hire more employees, and build
new power or relay sta�ons. The only thing Idaho Power did was to pay for a new “Power Meter.”
Because of individuals like us who invested in Solar Panels Idaho Power is the main beneficiary of our
investment. We provide more peak power into the grid which reduces Idaho Power’s costs to develop
new power produc�on and Idaho Power gets paid for our peak power produc�on. No mater what
power we produce we con�nue to pay Idaho Power at least $5.21 a month. Idaho Power is receiving all
the benefits of everyone’s private Solar Panel investments and yet they want more profits.

It looks to me that the “net billing” proposal will slash the credits we receive from producing more
power than we use.
Idaho Power con�nues to promote private Solar produc�on while also wan�ng to destroy everyone’s
personal investment in Solar. From what I can tell Idaho Power seems to think individual personal Solar
Panel investors are compe�tors and are a burden to the power grid and are not partners with Idaho
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Power. Are we not in this together? If so, the en�re system needs to be fair to everyone. We strongly
suggest that the move to “net billing” be abandoned and keep the current metering program in place or
create an en�rely new system to be fair for everyone."
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Name: Marshall Childers
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:47PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 728 E Whiskey Flats St
Meridian, ID 83642

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "I think this rate change is biased from a monopoly, a publicly traded but public u�lity
company, serving their share holder interests before the public.

I don’t think it should be approved. Solar isn’t the issue, Idaho power’s greed is. "
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Name: Mark Smith
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:53PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1908 N 29th St
Boise, ID 83703

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission,

I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No.
IPC-E-23-14.

The proposed changes are confusing, to say the least. I have studied the proposal and the suppor�ng
document and cannot decipher whether or not they are discriminatory or unfair. Nowhere in the
execu�ve summaries is there a clear comparison of IP's own genera�on rate, in order to compare it to
their proposed customer export rate. Nowhere in the 300+ page VODER study is there a clear summary
that jus�fies the proposed rate. It is filled with technical jargon that, while important perhaps to
understand the underlying methodology and assump�ons, only serves to obfuscate the conclusions.

I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and more
transparent policy that will be fair for all customers as well to the u�lity.

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Thank you for your �me and considera�on."
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Name: Bethany Miki�sh
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:54PM
Email: bethany.miki�[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: Los Flores Dr.
Meridian, ID 83646

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Hey Idaho Public U�li�es Commission,

I wanted to chat about the recent changes suggested for the net metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-
14. Honestly, they feel a bit complicated and not really fair to everyone. Why tweak the billing interval
just for this? If we're considering changes, shouldn't it be consistent across all rates? I really think it
would be best for everyone if these proposals were rethought. Maybe there's a more straigh�orward
and even-handed approach? It seems like Idaho Power should have the responsibility to find a beter
solu�on. Thanks for listening and taking the �me. I appreciate it!"
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Name: Philip Beaudreau
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 3:58PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 28760 Farmway RD
Caldwell, ID 83607

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission, I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the
proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-14.
The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is not
needed in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered at all.
I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.
Thank you for your �me and considera�on."
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The following comments were submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Marcia Brinton
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Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 4:43PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 7294 S. Shadow Moss Ave
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission, I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the
proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-14.
The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is
unnecessary in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered. Solar is
expensive and prohibi�ve for most people and while I think Idaho Power is doing an excellent job using
solar for their overall system, I feel bullied by this u�lity when they ask for these pety individual changes
instead of figh�ng for everyone to be able to afford and have access to solar power. It is unavoidable
and necessary that we all move to renewable energy and this type of change makes it impossible for the
average customer.
I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.
Thank you for your �me and considera�on.
Sincerely, Marcia Brinton"
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Name: Pat Feuerborn
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 4:56PM
Email: pa�[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 415 Randolph
Pocatello, ID 83201

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "The IPUC and Idaho Power should be encouraging more home owners and businesses in
Idaho to install solar energy panels rather than discouraging them with proposed increases in cost. All of
us will only benefit from increased use of renewable energy in the future. For the sake of our children,
our state and our na�on please don't put Idaho Power in charge of determining the cost for all of us. As
a business they want to increase profits, no mater the actual, long-term cost to all of us. Your job is to
protect the future for all of us. Thank you for doing it."
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Name: Lou Evans
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 4:58PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
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Address: 6043 South Rising Sun Way
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission, I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the
proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-14.
The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is not
needed in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered at all.
I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.
Thank you for your �me and considera�on."
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The following comments were submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Larry Sundberg
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 5:01PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 10150 Vistair PL
Payete, ID 83661

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Idaho Public U�li�es Commission, I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the proposed
changes to the net metering program in IPC-E-23-14. The proposed changes are confusing and don't
make my grid �ed panels worth wile to maintain.
I think that the exis�ng customers should be grandfathered in.
I plan to change my panels for my own use and go off grid �e if this goes thru.
Thank you "
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Name: Phillip Pickman
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 5:06PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 5542 W Durning Drive
Eagle, ID 83616

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14
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Comment: "Homeowners invested in solar systems in good faith, Cost and pay back for power put into
the grid were important considera�ons. The proposal to cut back reimbursement is unfair to all of us
who have an exis�ng investment in solar systems.
If the payback has to be changed, then make it for all future home solar systems so that homeowners
can consider a reduced rate of credit for future investments. Don't penalize exis�ng solar system
owners."
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Name: Zachary Trussell
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 5:35PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 6342 N Park Meadow Way
Boise, ID 83713

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the proposed changes to the net metering program
in Case No. IPC-E-23-14.

The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is not
needed in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered at all. The Duck Curve
has been an example used in other areas of the country for a jus�fica�on for net metering rate changes,
but that curve here is Idaho has not goten to an unreasonable level. There is very minimal amount of
onsite genera�on customers in rela�on to the standard schedule 1 customers with Idaho Power. With
that being said, these rate changes seem to be backed not by third party studies, and purely backed by
the self interest of Idaho Power/ IdaCorp Stock holders. Idaho Power has its own renewable energy
goals, yet these rate changes seem to only allow for renewable energy programs that are owned by
them.
At the very least if changes do need to be made to the net metering program, and rate structure, there
should be a grandfathering for anyone that was granted PTO of their onsite genera�on system pre-
change, instead of having hundreds if not thousands of homeowners from 2019 to the present being
changed to any new rate structure.

I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.

Thank you for your �me and considera�on."
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Name: Skyler Newby
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 7:38PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3200 n Mountain View dr
13

Boise, ID 83704

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "We want to go Solar !! Net metering should be a real thing in Idaho like it is and almost every
state one for one that metering should be allowed. Those who take the ability to be free to own, are
tyrants.. "
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Name: Chris�an Blaser
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 7:56PM
Email: chris�[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3350 W Americana Terr
Boise, ID 83706

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission,

I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No.
IPC-E-23-14.

The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is not
needed in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered at all.

I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.

Thank you for your �me and considera�on."
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Name: John Bilderback
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 10:46PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 7174 S Colwood Pl
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "Dear PUC Commissioners,
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I have been wai�ng to respond, so I could read all the comments submited to date, further evaluate this
complicated topic, and propose a few things for the PUC to consider. (I just read Luis Jordao’s comment
leter that was submited yesterday, October 11th, and we have some similar comments, but he makes a
lot of other good points too; well done.)
• Please consider the impact this decision will have for those that did not receive disclosure from
their solar salesperson that Idaho Power can change their rate structure at any �me (with PUC approval)
or, for that mater, from the Idaho Power Company.
Solu�on: Extend a new, grandfathering period for these individuals and any new systems that come
online before August 1, 2024. There are many people that have invested in engineering plans and are
prepared to move forward, but are on pause un�l this decision is made. They too have made an
investment (not as much), but are awai�ng this decision.
Idaho Power receives every applica�on to connect to the grid. Idaho Power can easily be very involved to
help ensure that homeowners understand that the compensa�on structure can change in the future.
Idaho Power could have returned this informa�on in Plain English (or Plain Spanish), to each applica�on
submited, so the homeowner would be aware of the possibility of a future change in the compensa�on
structure. To date, Idaho Power has simply used their website, but they could have taken a much more
proac�ve approach to engage with the homeowners that submited applica�ons to add solar to their
homes. Idaho Power could have easily sent a no�fica�on upon plan approval that said, “Did you know,
this might be a TERRIBLE investment, because we are going to request the PUC to change the
compensa�on structure” and “[your investment] may not pay back over the life of the system.”
In my humble opinion, Idaho Power could have been more vocal and forthright with homeowners about
this poten�al change to the compensa�on structure.
It is likely that if the PUC accepts Idaho Power’s compensa�on plan change, many homeowners will only
know about this once their rates change. At that point, it will be too late for them to comment on this
case. That will result in many more not so happy Idahoans. I do find it hard to believe that there are so
few comments for 13,000 solar installa�ons in Idaho Power’s jurisdic�on. I would most definitely submit
a response to this case, if I knew my system that was going to go from a “simple payback period of 13-17
years” to, a “may not pay back over the life of the system”. This is a complicated proposal, and as several
have commented, this is not a proposal that is easily understood (nor is the VODER study for that
mater). I hope that Idaho Power has sent an individual analysis to each Idahoan that this decision affects
personally so they can evaluate their specific situa�on. If this has not been done, I would encourage the
PUC to ensure that before a decision is made, Idaho Power is required to send an individual analysis
comparing the current compensa�on plan to the proposed plan and allow �me for these Idahoans to
respond.
Per Idaho Power, with this new compensa�on structure, “it [a photovoltaic solar system] may not pay
back over the life of the system regardless of whether it is financed or paid for in cash.” (Link provided
below from Idaho Power’s website.)
• If the rate system is changed, it will hurt Idahoans. Idahoans will miss out on receiving Federal tax
credits that other residents of other states will get. Idahoans won’t get these Federal tax credits if the
rates change, because there will be very few people that move forward with residen�al solar if their
systems “may never pay back over the life of the system”. These tax credits have been used to promote
solar throughout the country and have had bipar�san support. It’s the Federal Tax Credit coupled with
the net billing system that incen�vizes the homeowner to go solar (note: Idaho Tax Credits are
insignificant; let’s leave this discussion for another day; it will be mute anyway if the PUC accepts this
proposal).
• With this proposal, Idahoans who work in Idaho’s solar industry as installers, electricians, business
owners, and solar suppliers will be nega�vely impacted.
15

• This proposal will hurt the environment we live in. Solar panels are not the perfect, silver bullet to
solve all environmental problems, but solar is a much more renewable resource than using fossil fuels.
Solar also helps reduce the United States’ dependence on foreign fuel sources.
What else can we do? Idaho Power could provide incen�ves for homeowners to s�ll go solar, such as
adding an incen�ve to add a batery backup as well to help beter regulate Idaho Power’s concern with
“over produc�on” during the peak summer hours.

con�nued...."
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Name: John Bilderback
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 10:47PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 7174 S Colwood Pl
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "CONTINUED ...

I am sure there are many op�ons available to the PUC to consider beyond these; let’s not just setle on
what Idaho Power wants.
As a society, we need to change our energy sources to more renewable solu�ons. The world thrives and
needs energy, let’s find a way to make this work for Idaho so that everyone, can win with solar. Idaho
Power seems to be quite excited about mega solar farms, but sour on residen�al applica�ons. Why so?
Let the homeowners have an opportunity to invest, while also making a reasonable return on their
investment to them personally and to our society.
There must be a way for us all to move towards a renewable energy future without sacrificing residen�al
solar, and that won’t happen if the PUC allows Idaho Power to change its rate structure as proposed in
this case: IPC-E-23-14.

Sincerely,

John P. Bilderback"
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Name: John Bilderback
Submission Time: Oct 12 2023 10:49PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 7174 S Colwood Pl
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho Power

16

Case ID: IPC-E-23-14

Comment: "i forgot to add the link to the Idaho Power website referenced:

htps://www.idahopower.com/energy-environment/green-choices/solar-power-op�ons-customer-
genera�on/inves�ng-solar/

Inves�ng in Solar - Idaho Power
Curious to know what an investment in solar looks like? Customers invest in solar for a variety of
reasons, but ...

The example below shows a customer who uses an average amount of energy per year and installs a
standard system with a life of 30 years. This customer would see a simple payback period of 13-17 years
under the current compensa�on structure if they pay cash for the system. However, that payback period
increases to 19-24 years for that same customer with net billing and a lower excess energy credit rate. If
the system is financed, the simple payback period extends further. If the investment is evaluated using a
discounted payback method, which is more accurate for evalua�ng the financial value of a project, it may
not pay back over the life of the system regardless of whether it is financed or paid for in cash."
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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Hunter Floyd
Submission Time: Oct 13 2023 10:24AM
Email: huntersfl[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 4260 W Franklin Rd
Meridian, ID 83642

Name of U�lity Company: Idaho power

Case ID: IPC-E-22-22

Comment: "Dear Idaho Public U�li�es Commission, I am wri�ng to express my opposi�on to the
proposed changes to the net metering program in Case No. IPC-E-23-14.
The proposed changes are confusing, discriminatory, and unfair. Changing the billing interval is not
needed in this case, and should be done for all rate schedules if it is to be altered at all.
I urge the commission to deny the proposed changes and order Idaho Power to find a simpler and fairer
policy for all customers.
Thank you for your �me and considera�on"
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