20110307Comment.pdf

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1070 Riverwalk Drive . Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402. [phone] Phfr:!~~~~t~~ftPI1~fax
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March 2, 2011 ,p Æc--£ -/1-0 (p
Attention: Idaho Public Utilities Commission
It has been brought to our attention that Rocky Mountain Power is instigating a plan to substantially change
the Rocky Mountain Power Load Control Program. This is of great concern to our business. Our operating
budget has already been submitted and approved with our lender. The budget includes the credit from the
Load Control Program. We were told that this program and its benefits would be in place until the year 2012.
We are highly disappointed in the integrity being displayed by the Rocky Mountain Power staff concerning
this program.
It is my understanding that they wish to cut the credit from $30 to $25.30. Also, please note in their 2009
DSM Annual Report that this program has been described as the best green program available within the six
states that Rocky Mountain Power services. It is a program that is valued at $73.09 but only costs $43.02 to
run. If you do the math you wonder how such a program could be in jeapordy.
Our farming operation has upgraded our equipment to better handle this program. We have installed three
variable drives since 2009. Not to mention the invested man power it has taken to be part of this program.
When the Rocky Mountain Power representitives came to our business and asked our business to be the
"Guinee Pigs" for this project, we jumped on the boat. It was a program that was a winlwin for everyone
involved. This program drives the utility rates down throughout the 6 states, and provides the farmer the
incentive to take the risk with the crop.
Please make note that it is a risk that the farmer takes all on his own. If a pump goes down, or a motor goes
down during the on and off process there is no one from the power company helping restore the power.
Lowering the price may drive the farmer to not participate. The risk would out weigh the benefit. The
ramifications of that would be that the tax payers within the six states would be looking at paying for a new
generation plant. When putting that into perspective the paying for the program should become a priority for
all taxpayers. The commission should also consider that in 2009 the KW savings for the Idaho DSM
Program, the Agricultural Energy Services portion was 73% of the Northwest Energy Effciency Alliance.
Let's not forget that the Irrigators in Idaho have also took a huge loss with the the SPA credit being spread
amongst the 6 states. As farmers in Idaho our livelihood is at stake each time our power rates are increased.
Power is among the top 3 highest expenses a farmer has.
It is my hope that you w il take into consideration each of these points when handing down legislation for
this very important program.RrS, ¡J ÍI
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ikeith T. Walker ,=
~Iker Land & Cattle
Owner