MODPROC.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE UPDATING OF THE COMPANY’S GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PRAIRIE SERVICE AREA.
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CASE NO. IPC-E-98-3
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
On February 5, 1998, Idaho Power filed an Application to update its general rules and regulations pertaining to the Company’s Prairie Service Area.  Idaho Power acquired the assets of Prairie Power Cooperative, Inc., in 1992.  The Commission approved the Company’s proposed accounting for the purchase as well as a tariff setting forth rates and conditions for service to customers in the Prairie service area on June 30, 1992, in Order No. 24398, issued in Case No. IPC-E-92-11.
In its Application in this case, Idaho Power notes that the Prairie service area tariffs were patterned after the Company’s general rules and regulations pertaining to its general service territory in the state of Idaho.  The Prairie service tariffs setting forth the rates for electric service, however, were unique and, under Order No. 24398, were allowed to remain in existence for 10 years.  Consequently, when Idaho Power filed for general rate relief on June 30, 1994, in Case No. IPC-E-94-5, the Company’s Prairie service area was omitted and its tariffs were not revised.
Moreover, when the tariff provisions relating to new service attachments and distribution line installments or alterations for Idaho Power’s general service territory were revised, the separate Prairie service area tariffs were not changed.  Consequently, the Company’s line extension tariffs in the Prairie service area, although originally duplicating the Company’s general line extension provisions, were not updated and still reflect the pre-February 6, 1997 tariffs.
Through its Application in this case, Idaho Power proposes to adopt the same general rules and regulations that are currently applicable to its general service territory for the Prairie service area.  The Company does not propose to change the tariff rates for electric service for the Prairie service area.  Assuming approval by the Commission of the Company’s Application in this case, Idaho Power states that it will include the Prairie service area in any future applications to change the Company’s general rules and regulations.
On February 12, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Application/Notice of Intervention Deadline requiring Petitions be filed no later than March 4, 1998.  Idaho Power requests that the Commission process its Application under Modified Procedure.  The Company has proposed an effective date of April 15, 1998, for its proposed, updated tariffs.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through -.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this Notice.  The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment.  Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments.  Written comments concerning this application shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:
COMMISSION SECRETARYIDAHO POWER COMPANY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONLARRY D. RIPLEY
PO BOX 83720JOHN R. GALE
BOISE, IDAHO  83720-0074PO BOX 70
BOISE, ID 83707
Street Address for Express Mail:
472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, IDAHO  83702-5983
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing.  If written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of March 1998.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/N:IPC-E-98-3.bp2
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
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Service Date
March 3, 1998