19960805_1.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
August 5, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.
In attendance at this time were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis Hansen and staff members Scott Woodbury, Susan Hamlin, Ron Law, Madonna Faunce, Wayne Hart, Bill Eastlake, Randy Lobb, Brad Purdy, Stephanie Miller, Birdelle Brown and Myrna Walters. Also in attendance was Maggie Brilz of Idaho Power company.
Commission President Ralph Nelson called the meeting to order.
Items from the Published August 5, 1996 Agenda were discussed and acted upon as follows.
1. Susan Hamlin/Ron Law July 30, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: UP Notice of Intent to Abandon One-Half Mile of New Meadows Branch Near Weiser, UP-RR-96-1.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve staff recommendation in this matter. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion; adopted.
2.Susan Hamlin’s August 1, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: U S West Revenue Sharing Report Case No. USW-S-96-3.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to adopt Staff’s recommendation that the Revenue Sharing Report for 1995 be accepted as filed and issue a final Order. Commissioner Smith seconded that motion; adopted staff recommendation.
3. Scott Woodbury’s August 2, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. WWP-G-96-2 Natural Gas Transportation Agreement (IMSAMET).
Scott Woodbury reviewed the 1989 Commission Order in this regard. Had spoken to the company. They agreed to account for the purpose of depreciation as Madonna Faunce indicated and the facilities would be fully depreciated in just over three years.
Question of the Commissioners is: should the agreement be approved?
Commissioner Smith so moved; Commissioner Hansen seconded the motion, Commissioner Nelson concurred.
4. Case No. IPC-E-96-2 Idaho Power’s Year-Round Irrigation Proposal (Brad Purdy/Wayne Hart June 24, 1996 Decision Memo - held from June 26, 1996 Decision Meeting).
Commissioner Smith commented that it was probably her fault that this got held up. She was concerned about the customers who were objecting to the IPC proposal. This is what she has come up with: Company has a good idea in giving their customers a choice (to stay hooked up or disconnect). With regard to that, the rates they worked out would have 4-month irrigating season, pay $10 and $250 and unless they prepay, then they get a little discount. That works pretty good.  Those choosing to not have year-round, she was not at the point of imposing hook-up charge as long as they give the company the option of turning that on, gave current policy. If customer wants less than 10 days service for the turn-on, think the company should charge for that because they don’t have the ability to effectively schedule that. She would be inclined if they ask for less turn-on time than that, would approve a charge for that.
Commissioner Hansen asked Commissioner Smith if she had a figure she proposed?
Commissioner Smith said she didn’t have a rate in mind. Might just suggest customer charge for pro rate. That would recover a little more of the cost. Also give financial incentive to stay on year-round. That is where she is.
Commissioner Hansen asked Commissioner Smith if she addressed the full season advance for 2/3 late payments?
Commissioner smith said she thought what the company and staff worked out would be agreeable to her. Spoke to decision memo regarding that.
Commissioner Nelson commented that he thought that was as close as we were going to get.
Commissioner Smith said eventually more and more may choose to stay on. Think it is best to take incremental steps. Maybe over time, make it more financially attractive as you go along. Do think there will be a group of customers who will always want to be turned off and will have to maintain reasonable tariff rate for them.
Meeting adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 6th day of August, 1996.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary