26475.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO DISCONTINUE ITS HOME CEILING INSULATION FINANCING PROGRAM.
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CASE NO. IPC-E-96-4
ORDER NO.  26475
On April 10, 1996, Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power; Company) filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for authority to discontinue its Home Ceiling Insulation Financing Program (Ceiling Insulation Program).  Reference Program approval—Order No.  13651, January 5, 1978.
Idaho Power reports that in recent years activity under the Ceiling Insulation Program has become minimal.  In the year 1995, the Company financed $16,453 for 24 projects.  The financing ranges from $1,250 to $308.  The Company has been notified that the bank that purchased the ceiling insulation financing contracts no longer desires to purchase those contracts.  The Company states that it is faced with either financing and administering the program internally or finding another lender that will purchase the contracts.
As a result of the low participation, and because the bank that purchased the contracts in the past will no longer do so, the Company requests that the Ceiling Insulation Program be terminated.  The Company has requested that the Application be processed under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing.  Reference Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204.  The Company has proposed a discontinuance date of May 31, 1996, to permit home insulation contractors that may utilize the ceiling insulation program to be advised in advance that the program will be discontinued.
On April 26, 1996, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Modified Procedure in Case No. IPC-E-96-4.  The deadline for filing written comments with respect to the Application and/or the use of Modified Procedure was May 20, 1996.  
Timely comments in Case No. IPC-E-96-4 were filed by Commission Staff .  Staff notes that other alternatives exist to meet the need to which the program was targeted, and recommends that the Application be approved.  No other comments were received.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
The Commission finds that it has authority and jurisdiction over Idaho Power Company, an electric utility, and over the subject matter of the Application in Case No. IPC-E-96-4, pursuant to Idaho Code Title 61 and the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.  
The Commission continues to find Modified Procedure to be an appropriate method for processing the Application and related issues in Case No. IPC-E-96-4.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204.
The Commission has reviewed and duly considered the filings of record in Case No. IPC-E-96-4 and related comments.  The Commission finds it reasonable to authorize Idaho Power Company to discontinue its Ceiling Insulation Program.
O R D E R
In consideration of the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED and Idaho Power is hereby authorized to discontinue its Home Ceiling Insulation Financing Program.
THIS IS A FINAL ORDER.  Any person interested in this Order may petition for reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the service date of this Order.  Within seven (7) days after any person has petitioned for reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for reconsideration.  See Idaho Code § 61-626.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this                  day of May 1996.
                                                                                                                                      RALPH NELSON, PRESIDENT
                                                                                           MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/O:IPC-E-96-4.sw
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
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Service Date
May 31, 1996