20060403press release.htm

./040306_PACSchwend_files/filelist.xml IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
9.35 pt 2 IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Case No. PAC-E-05-09, Order No. 30000 April 3, 2006 Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339

Website:
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov

East Idaho wind project gets commission approval

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a 20-year, $72.7 million purchase power agreement between PacifiCorp (Utah Power) and developers of the Schwendiman Wind LLC wind project 11 miles northeast of Idaho Falls.

The sales agreement is amended from an earlier agreement rejected by the commission. The commission ruled the original agreement did not include performance provisions required in similar wind projects across the state to ensure that customers receive the electrical generation for which they are paying.

Performance provisions are included in the amended agreement. Utah Power will buy the net output of 7.15 average megawatts from the project's eight 2.5 MW wind generators. The agreement requires that output from the project fall within 10 percent of its forecasted monthly capacity. If output is less than 90 percent or more than 110 percent of projections, Schwendiman will be paid only an energy rate with the capacity component reduced. The capacity component accounts for about one-third the total energy rate. If the project generates more than 10 average megawatts on a monthly basis, PacifiCorp will accept the excess energy but will not pay for the surplus portion.

Commissioner Marsha Smith issued a separate concurring opinion, agreeing with the commission majority that the amended purchase power agreement is the result of negotiation and an amicable settlement. However, Commission Smith has consistently opposed the use of the 90 percent/110 percent performance band. “I believe the banding requirements operate as a penalty, not an incentive,” Smith said. “I would have approved the Schwendiman Agreement originally submitted in this case.”

The performance band provisions submitted by Schwendiman and PacifiCorp are different than provisions in other wind contracts with regulated utilities. Idaho Power submitted comments expressing concern the Schwendiman provisions could impact existing or future agreements between Idaho Power and its wind developers. The commission said that is not the case. “Our decision in this case sets no precedent for our future regulation of such agreements and is intended to provide no basis for the amending of existing contracts,” the commission said. 

The agreement also requires Schwendiman to reimburse Utah Power’s costs for replacement power for up to 120 days if it fails to meet is operation date of July 31, 2007 and for up to 12 months if Utah Power is forced to terminate the agreement in the event of a seller default.

Wind projects in Idaho are new to the mix of renewable projects that qualify for commission-set rates under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA. Because wind output is considered less predictable and intermittent than other energy sources, wind developers and the commission have been grappling with the value that should be attached to wind generation. Intermittent, or non-firm, wind can be more costly to ratepayers when the projected output falls short and the utility must find replacement or back-up power. Because the published rate utilities must pay small-power producers is recovered from ratepayers, the commission’s role is to ensure customers receive full value for their rates.

A full text of the commission’s order, along with other documents related to this case, are available on the commission’s Web site. Click on “File Room” and then on “Electric Cases” and scroll down to Case No. PAC-E-05-09.

Interested parties may petition the commission for reconsideration by no later than April 21. Petitions for reconsideration must set forth specifically why the petitioner contends that the order is unreasonable, unlawful or erroneous. Petitions should include a statement of the nature and quantity of evidence the petitioner will offer if reconsideration is granted.

Petitions can be delivered to the commission at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise, mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0074, or faxed to 208-334-3762.