20231128Comments_1.pdf

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From: Mark Huber <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 1:06 PM
To: Jolene Bossard
Subject: net metering comments
November 28, 2023 Jolene Bossard Utilities Compliance Investigator Idaho Public Utilities Commission My name is Mark S. Huber, 2058 Stadium Blvd., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. I have been
an Idaho Power customer since 1988 and a Net Metering customer since June of 2023;
account # 2200256903.

I attended the PUC hearing in Twin Falls November 27, 2023 thinking it was for how
Idaho Power was proposing changes to how they compensate net metering customers. I
appreciated the commissioners letting me comment despite it being the wrong rate
hearing. I was then asked to submit my comments to you in writing.

First, I am presently paying $5.31 a month to connect to the grid. My understanding is that this rate will be increased to $10 for year 1, then $15 year 2 and so up to $30. I can not verify if this rate increase is correct, so if I have been misinformed then I stand corrected. This amount of increase seems excessive to me. Are there really that many costs associated with being connected to the grid, or is this just a way for Idaho Power to increase their bottom financial line? Are all Idaho Power customers being charged this connection fee? If not, then what is the difference between net metering customers and all other customers in actual hardware, software, or personnel staff, to justify charging only net metering customers? Second, I agree with the concept of Idaho Power changing to a monetary credit system
for compensating solar net metering customers, based on “On Peak, Off Peak” demand
rather than just a credit system. My comments have to do with making sure we net
metering customers are treated fairly.

We, as net metering customers, have invested our money in solar panels, not just for our
own homes, but also so that Idaho Power customers and investors do not have to invest in
so many solar panels or other power generating systems. We are part of Idaho Power’s
investment team and as such need to be compensated accordingly and fairly as an
investor as well as a customer. I have also invested in a battery backup system. That
means that in the summertime I am sending electricity to the grid from 3 pm until dark
then using my own electricity until 11 pm rather than drawing from the grid, thus saving Idaho Power from paying the higher wholesale prices. Therefore, at the end of each year,
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I will probably have more credits/monetary credits than I can use during the winter months. I submit and request that Idaho Power write me a check each year for the extra electricity I contributed to the grid and base that compensation according to the “On Peak, Off Peak” formula. Finally, is 20.42 cents enough for “On Peak” and 4.91 cents
enough for “Off Peak” compensation? Only you have access to Idaho Power’s financial
statements. I trust that you of the Public Utilities Commission will see to it that we net
metering customers are compensated fairly for our investments.
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