19950501_3.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
May 1, 1995 - 10:00 a.m.
In attendance at this time were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis S. Hansen and staff members Don Howell, Scott Woodbury, Weldon Stutzman, Brad Purdy, Lori Mann, Rick Sterling, Dave Schunke, Gary Richardson, Madonna Faunce, Stephanie Miller, Treva Pline, Keith Hessing, Bev Barker, Marge Maxwell, Birdelle Brown, Belinda Anderson, Randy Lobb, Terri Carlock and Myrna Walters.  Also in attendance were Mike McGrath of Intermountain Gas Company and Greg Said of Idaho Power Company.
Commission President Ralph Nelson called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Items from the May 1, 1995 Agenda were considered and acted upon as follows.
Regulated Carrier Division:
Weldon Stutzman's April 28, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Motor Carrier Hearings--Carriers and Case Numbers - Phillip W. Martin Water Services, et al.
Commissioner Smith commented that although Weldon had missed the 24-hour rule, she would move approval of Item "1/2" on the agenda.
Other commissioners concurred.
1.  Brad Purdy's April 13, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Case No. WWP-E-93-10:  Washington Water Power Company's Avoided Cost Compliance Filing.  (Held from April 19, 1995 Decision Meeting)
Commissioner Hansen commented he didn't have a problem with the filing - should open a new case to resolve the issue of the first deficit year.  
Commissioner Nelson commented they will have a gas RMR.  could fold that part into the RMR hearing and do errata on balance.
Commissioner smith said she thought there should be modified procedure on the other three items - updating variables pertaining to the gas-fired CCCT, reduce availability of published rates and request to alter the indexing of gas prices.
Send comments if they have any.
2.  Scott Woodbury's April 26, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Case No. IPC-E-95-4 (TA 95-02) Extension of Interim Agreement--Micron Tariff Change--Schedule 26, Micron.
Commissioner Nelson said he would approve a two month extension and then take a look at the contract.
Scott Woodbury said the last time the Commission looked at the contract it went formal with modified procedure.  
Commissioners approved that procedure.
Scott Woodbury said there was also a tariff change proposed that increased the demand charge.  Requested May 1 on that.  
Tariff was approved.
3.  Scott Woodbury's April 27, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Case No. INT-G-95-1  PGA Tariff--Proposed Language Changes.
Madonna Faunce explained the "language changes".
Scott Woodbury reported that he talked to Mike McGrath about the case.  Scott is recommending a shortened comment period - until May 17.  Staff will be able to meet that deadline.  Could be on the agenda for the decision meeting on May 22 and provide the company with the order in the next day or two after that.
4.  Scott Woodbury's April 28, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Case No. INT-G-95-2  NWP Expansion II Deferral of Termination Costs and Demand Charge Credits.
Scott said staff is proposing the same procedure for this matter.
Commissioners approved staff proposal.
4A.  U S West's Motion for Continuance in Case No. GNR-T-93-13 - Statewide EAS.
Commissioner Nelson said he thought we should give some deference to the company since we set it without really conferencing with them.  Would suggest calling all parties and getting an agreeable date.
Lori Mann is to check with the parties - for possibly July 18 or 19 hearing date.  Asked if the prefile dates should also change?
Stephanie Miller said staff would like to request a delay in the prefiling if the hearing is being changed.
Commissioners concurred.
A notice of rescheduling will be issued with new hearing date and new prefile date.
5.  Rick Sterling's April 20, 1995 Decision Memorandum re:  Revisions to the Avoided Cost Model to Correct Computational Inconsistencies.
Commissioner Nelson asked if there was anyone that this would affect right now?
Commissioner Smith asked if Peter Richardson had been contacted?
Commissioner Nelson suggested putting it would on modified rather than just going ahead with an errata.
Rick Sterling said it doesn't affect anyone right now.  We have known about this for sometime.  Normal contract wouldn't be affected.  It would have to be a short term contract, less than 15 years in WWP's case.  There is a version of the model that calculates it this way.
Commissioner Smith said if it is an error we can deal with it this way.  Have it corrected before it causes problems.
Don Howell asked if everyone had a chance to comment?
Utilities have had chance.
Commissioner Nelson said it wouldn't hurt to let Peter Richardson know what we are going.
EXTRA ITEM:
Bev Barker and Marge Maxwell, Consumer Complaints Section, asked the commissioners to grant the oral request of Picabo Livestock Company to not change their April 1 irrigation rate - has been no need to water.  Commissioners agreed that since this was in essence a rate decrease - lower rates than tariffed for April, company should be told to go ahead and tell their customers.  They need not file a written request with the Commission - having it show in the Minutes is sufficient for the "waiver".
Meeting adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 2nd day of May, 1995.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
050195.min