20060629notice_of_application_order_no_30080.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
June 29, 2006
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF P ACIFICORP FOR A DEFERRED
ACCOUNTING ORDER TO DEFER THE
COST OF LOANS MADE TO GRID WEST,
THE REGIONAL TRANSMISSION
ORGANIZATION
CASE NO. P AC-06-
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30080
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 31 , 2006, PacifiCorp dba Rocky
Mountain Power filed an Application requesting an accounting order from the Commission
authorizing the deferral of costs the Company incurred relating to the development of a regional
transmission organization (RTO). PacifiCorp alleges it participated in efforts to develop an
RTO, now called Grid West, pursuant to orders issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). The Application states that Pacific Northwest electric utilities have been
involved in the RTO development process since 2000, and that the costs incurred by the utilities
were to be repaid through surcharges on customers after the R TO became operational. It now
appears the development of Grid West is unlikely, and PacifiCorp requests authorization to defer
the amounts it loaned to Grid West, with interest, in the development process. An accounting
order authorizing deferral of costs does not establish reasonableness or the amount of the costs to
be recovered in rates.
PacifiCorp states it provided initial funding for the development of the RTO since
June 2000, and since that date PacifiCorp has loaned a total of $2.7 million to Grid West.
PacifiCorp estimates that the Idaho jurisdiction portion of the total deferred amount is
approximately $174 000.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the
public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified
Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission s Rules
of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and
written comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and
participation.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30080
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within
forty-five (45) days from the service date of this Notice. The comment must contain a statement
of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a
hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this Application may be
mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
Brian Dickman
Manager, Idaho Regulatory Affairs
PacifiCorp
One Utah Center, Suite 2300
201 S. Main
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
E-mail: brian.dickman~pacificorp.com
472 W. Washington Sreet
Boise, ID 83702-5983
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this
document.Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing the
Commission s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov.Click the "Comments and Questions
icon, and complete the comment form, using the case number as it appears on the front of this
document. These comments must also be sent to PacifiCorp at the e-mail address listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are
received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and
enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit
set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal
hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application and supporting workpapers
testimonies and exhibits have been filed with the Commission and are available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices or on the Commission
Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov under the "File Room" icon.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the
Commission may enter any final order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30080
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of PacifiCorp to defer the cost of
loans made to Grid West, a regional transmission organization be processed by Modified
Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. Persons interested in submitting written comments in this
matter must do so no later than 45 days from the service date of this Order.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this r2 9-fA
day of June 2006.
MARSHA . SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
D. Jewell
Commission Secretary
bls/O:PAC-O6-03 ws
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30080