20050701Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. P AC-05-
July 1, 2005
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.idaho.2ov
Commission taking comments on PacifiCorp long-range plan
Boise - PacifiCorp plans to meet projected electrical demands in the next ten years by adding
three natural gas power plants and two coal plants in its six-state territory and increasing its
capacity through conservation programs.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is seeking comment on PacifiCorp s Integrated Resource
Plan (IRP), which it is required to file every two years with the commission. The document
provides a framework for future actions required to ensure that PacifiCorp s customers receive
reliable service at the most reasonable cost available. PacifiCorp, which operates as Utah Power
to its 60 000 customers in southeastern Idaho, sought input on the plan from customer interest
groups, regulators and other stakeholders.
In addition to the new coal and natural gas plants, PacifiCorp is continuing to pursue a
commitment it made two years ago to procure 1 400 megawatts in renewable resources, such as
wind. (A megawatt is one million watts, enough electricity to light 10 000 100-watt light bulbs or
to energize approximately 750 homes.
PacifiCorp projects an annual growth in electrical demand of 3.8 percent in its three eastern
states (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and 1.5 percent in its western states (Oregon, Washington and
California). Without the development of further resources, the utility would face a shortfall in
electric supply by 2009 and be 2800 MW short by 2015.
The company is proposing to add 2 629 MW from two coal and two natural gas plants in its
eastern territory and one natural gas plant in its western territory. Specific sites for all the plants
have not yet been determined and none are proposed for construction in Idaho. These plants will
be in addition to two natural gas plants already approved, one a 525-MW plant near Mona, Utah
that will begin operating this year and the other a 534-MW plant near Lakeside in northern Utah
scheduled to be on-line in 2007.
PacifiCorp also proposes to add 1 200 MW in purchased power from other suppliers and 100
MW in contracts from small-power producers through federal PURP A requirements. It also
proposes the addition of 177 MW from load-control programs involving residential and
commercial air conditioners, irrigation and commercial and industrial lighting. PacifiCorp hopes
to produce 250 average megawatts in energy and capacity savings achieved through
technological improvements in appliances, equipment and buildings.
Two major issues impacting PacifiCorp s resource choices are the future costs of natural gas and
the future cost of or constraints on air emissions - carbon dioxide emissions in particular - that
may be imposed on the company by government regulation.
As of March 31 2004 , PacifiCorp, with 1.6 million customers, generated from 54 hydroelectric
plants producing 1 164 MW; 11 coal plants (6 107 MW), five natural gas plants (683 MW) and a
wind plant, generating 32.6 megawatts.
Acceptance of the plan does not mean the commission will approve all the projects proposed in
the plan.
Those wanting to comment on PacifiCorp s plan can do so through July 29. Comments are
accepted via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and
clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (PAC-05-2) and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ill 83720-0074 or faxed to
[phone].