20040305Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
For Immediate Release
Case No. PAC-):i:-04-
March 3, 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.state.id~us
PacifiCorp proposes to sell its interest in Washington hydro plant
Boise - PacifiCorp is seeking approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to sell its interest in the
Skookumchuck Hydroelectric Plant near Centralia, Wash.
PacifiCorp contends the I-megawatt plant does not produce enough energy to make it worth the costs of operating
and maintaining it. PacifiCorp s share of the approximate $7.57 million sale price of the plant is 47.5 percent.
PacifiCorp claims customers in its Idaho jurisdiction would benefit from a $700 000 reduction from the rate base
that's used to compute rates for customers.
The project is an earth-filled dam and hydroelectric generating plant built in 1973. The dam serves as a water storage
facility for the nearby Centralia Power Plant. PacifiCorp proposes to sell and transfer to Washington LLC the dam
powerhouse, water rights, land, easements and other assets of the project.
Other owners include A vista Corp., Public Utility District No.1 of Snohomish (W A) County, Puget Sound Energy,
City of Tacoma, City of Seattle and Public Utility District 1 of Grace Harbor County. Washington LLC plans to
continue operation of the project to provide cooling water supply to the Centralia Power Plant and to sell remaining
output on the wholesale market.
The commission will take written comment on the matter through March 11.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at
www.puc.state.id.and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (PAC-04-1) and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].
END