20030421Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. PAC-03-
For Immediate Release / April 17, 2003
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
PacifiCorp proposes net metering program
BOISE - PacifiCorp customers who own a generation faciWy fueled by solar, wind, biomass or hydropower would be
able to measure how much power they consume and generate under a "net metering" proposal offered by the company.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has opened ap\jblic comment period on PacifiCorp s proposal, which includes
credits for customers when they generate more power than they consume.
In late February, the Northwest Energy Coalition petitioned the commission to initiate proceedings to establish a net
metering plan for PacifiCorp customers that was similar to plans already in place for Idaho Power Co. and Avista Utilities
customers. The coalition is made up of 12 member organizations including the Idaho Rural Council, Idaho Rivers United and
the Idaho Community Action Agency.
PacifiCorp responded by stating that it was in the process of developing a net metering schedule at the time the
coalition filed its petition.
Under PacifiCorp s proposal, residential and small-commercial customers can qualify small generators up to 25kW.
Irrigation and large commercial customers would have a capacity limit of 100 kW. Customers can interconnect their generators
on to the company s system, but mustpay interconnection and any additional metering costs that may be necessary. Residential
and small-commercial customers would be credited the current retail rate for excess energy they produce, while irrigation and
large commercial customers would be credited 85 percent of a Dow Jones index price for non-firm energy.
Customers will be allowed to participate on a first-come, first-served basis until the total rated generated capacity
reaches one-tenth of 1 percent of the company s Idaho retail peak demand in 2002.
The commission has decided to process the case under modified procedure using written comments instead of hearings.
The commission will not hold hearings unless it receives written comments or protests stating why a modified procedure should
not be used.
. Those wishing to comment on PacifiCorp s application can do so through May 2. Comments can be ~led electronically
by accessing the commission s Web site at www.puc.state.id.. Click on the "Comments and Questions" icon, complete the
comment form and include the case number, PAC-03-4. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ill
83720-0074~ or faxed to 208-334-3762.
Copies ofPacifiCorp s complete application, along with testimony and exhibits, are available on the commission s Web
site~ Click on "File Room " then on "Electric Cases." Scroll down to the PacifiCorp cases and click onCa~e No. PAC-03-
END