19960116_1.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
January 16, 1996 - 1:30 P.M.
In attendance at this time were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis Hansen.  Also in attendance were Don Howell, Brad Purdy, Tonya Clark, Ron Law, Randy Lobb, Gary Richardson, Don Oliason, Bev Barker, Stephanie Miller and Myrna Walters.  Also in attendance were Conley Ward, Attorney at Law and Jeanette Bowman of Idaho Power Company.
Commission President Ralph Nelson called the decision meeting to order.
Items from the January 16, 1996 Agenda were discussed and acted upon as follows.
1.  Regulated Carrier Division Agenda dated January 16, 1996.
Commissioner Hansen moved approval of the agenda; commissioner Smith seconded the motion and commissioner Nelson concurred.
2.  Discussion on whether or not to issue a Notice of Inquiry in Generic Electric Case re:  Restructuring of the Electric Utility Industry.
Commissioner Smith said staff has done a good job of doing an initial cut at a notice of inquiry in this matter.  Suggestion for the proposed order was that the "principles" be called "issues".  Will set out to have a series of discussions to get through all the issues and not request written comment but have open discussions at time we can schedule to have people discuss items with commission.  Could have dialog with those interested in the outcome and not just read a bunch of papers.  Think staff has identified some good issues - listed some of those - including whether there is anything to be done about spreading the effects among the customer classes; what is going to happen to the distribution system, etc.  Think staff has outlined some good issues and we should now invite the world to come.  Come up with statement of principles similar to what all other states have done.  
Commissioner Hansen agreed it was a good idea to have "discussions".
Commissioner Nelson said he liked Commissioner Smith's proposal.  
Will send out an order based on those principles.
Brad Purdy asked how many workshops, where, etc.?
Commissioner Smith said she wondered about the scheduling - didn't have it straight in her mind when, where, etc.
Brad Purdy's recommendation was that the issues not be split.  Suggested at least two blocks of time.  May have further thoughts after the first discussion.  
Decision was to get the word out. - suggested meeting in February and one in March.
3.  Randy Lobb's January 12, 1996 Decision Memorandum re:  Protest of Water Permit 65-12779.
Question is:  does Commission want to withdraw their earlier protest?
Commissioner Nelson said he would like to see the project proposal before we withdraw our protest.
Randy Lobb will get more information.
Commissioner Smith said her concern was that the PUC should respond in some manner, rather than not respond at all.
Randy Lobb suggested a letter indicating the Commission's position.
Commissioner Smith agreed a letter should be written - say the Commission doesn't see a need to participate.  Say while we are not supporting the project, our prior protest is no longer appropriate.
Commission President will sign the letter.
Meeting was then adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 17th day of January, 1996.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
19950116.min