19990421Notice of Modified Procedure.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF IDAHO POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT THE POWER COST ADJUSTMENT RATE FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF IDAHO FOR THE PERIOD MAY 16, 1999, THROUGH MAY 15, 2000.
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CASE NO. IPC-E-99-3

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 15, 1999, the Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power; Company) filed an Application for approval of Tariff Schedule 55 implementing a power cost adjustment (PCA) of a –0.2143 cents per kWh and related tariffs incorporating the PCA adjustment for the period May 16, 1999 through May 15, 2000.
Idaho Power’s Application states that, in compliance with Commission Order No. 24806 approving a PCA mechanism for Idaho Power in Case No. IPC-E-92-25, the Company’s PCA for the period May 16, 1999 through May 15, 2000 consists of: 1) 90% of the difference between the projected power cost and the Commission’s approved base power cost and 2) the true-up of the 1998/1999 power costs. The projected power cost was computed in compliance with Commission Order No. 24806 by inserting the National Weather Service Northwest River Forecast Center’s projection of 7.36 million acre feet of April through July Brownlee streamflow run off into the Commission adopted equation for projecting PCA expenses. According to the Company, the resulting projected power cost of $61,812,157 equates to a cost of 0.4430 cents per kWh. This 0.4430 cents per kWh is 0.0808 cents per kWh lower than the Commission’s approved base of 0.5238 cents per kWh. The Company contends that, by virtue of Order No. 25880, Idaho Power is authorized to adjust rates by 90% of the –0.0808 cents per kWh difference or a –0.0727 cents per kWh.
Idaho Power states that the true-up component of the PCA is a –0.1416 cents per kWh resulting entirely from increased expenses associated with QF purchases. The difference between the projected power cost and the base power cost (a -0.0727) and the true-up (a -0.1416) combine to produce a PCA for the period of May 16, 1999 through May 15, 2000 of –0.2143 cents per kWh.
Idaho Power concludes that the change in the PCA to a –0.2143 cents per kWh from the existing 0.1598 cents per kWh currently in effect, results in a decrease to existing rates of –0.3741 cents per kWh.
Idaho Power further contends that this Application is not subject to Rule 122 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure (IDAPA 31.01.01.122) because this filing does not constitute a general rate increase.
Idaho Power requests that the tariff filing implementing the PCA rate of –0.2143 cents per kWh become effective May 16, 1999.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has reviewed the filings of record in Case No. IPC-E-99-3. The Commission has preliminarily determined that the public interest may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented and that the issues raised by the Application may be processed under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing. Reference Commission Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission may not hold a hearing in this proceeding unless it receives written protests or comments opposing the use of Modified Procedure and stating why Modified Procedure should not be used. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.203.
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 on or before May 7, 1999. The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received within the deadline, the Commission will consider the matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing. If comments or protests are filed within the deadline, the Commission will consider them and in its discretion may set the matter for hearing or may decide the matter and issue its Order on the basis of the written positions before it. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that written comments concerning Case No. IPC-E-99-3 should be mailed to the Commission and the Company at the addresses reflected below:

COMMISSION SECRETARY LARRY D. RIPLEY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION GREGORY W. SAID
PO BOX 83720 IDAHO POWER COMPANY
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074 PO BOX 70
BOISE, IDAHO 83707-0070
Street Address for Express Mail:

472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, IDAHO 83702-5983

All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application in Case No. IPC-E-99-3 can be reviewed at the Commission’s office and Idaho Power Company’s office during regular business hours.
DONE by Notice of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
day of April 1999.

DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

BLS/N:ipce993_bp.doc

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
-1-

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 21, 1999