20021209Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTn..ITIES COMMISSION
Case No. PAC~E-02-, Order No. 29167
For Immediate Release / December 9 2002
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Commission denies deferral for PacifiCorp light bulb program
BOISE - Citing customer opposition and questions about cost, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission today denied
PacifiCorp s request to later seek cost recovery for a compact fluorescent light bulb program.
PacifiCorp wanted to provide each of its 44 000 Idaho residential customers with two compact fluorescent light bulbs to
familiarize them with the energy savings that can be realized with CFL bulbs. PacifiCorp asked the commission for authority to
establish a deferred account for the approximate $456,000 in program costs, which the company would seek to recover in a
future rate case.
While we are generally supportive of conservation and demand-side management programs, we question the costs of
the proposed CFL program " the commission said. "Those costs will ultimately be recovered in customer rates.
In comments filed with the commission, customers contended they could purchase the bulbs at lower costs themselves
and objected to the involuntary nature of the program. The commission encouraged the company to look at other CFL program
options, including a coupon program that would allow customers the option to purchase the bulbs at a discount.
PacifiCorp estimated the program would have saved 5.7 million kWh annually, 50 percent of which would occur during
peak load periods.
A copy of the commission s order can be accessed on the commission Web site at www.puc.state.id.. Click on "File
Room " and then "Recent Orders and Notices " and scroll to Order No. 29167. Petitions for reconsideration must be filed by no
later than Dec. 30, 2002.
END