19970326_2.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
March 26, 1997 - 1:00 p.m.
In attendance at the meeting were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis Hansen as well as staff members Scott Woodbury, Brad Purdy, Don Oliason, Rick Sterling, Bob Smith, Keith Hessing and Myrna Walters. Also in attendance was Jeannette Bowman of Idaho Power Company.
Items from the March 26, 1997 Decision Meeting Agenda were discussed and acted upon as follows.
1. Regulated Carrier Division Agenda.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approved said RCD Agenda; Commissioner Smith seconded the motion; Commissioner Nelson concurred.
2. Scott Woodbury’s March 11, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. UPL-E-97-1 RAMPP-4 Update (UPL).   (Held from March 18, 1997 Decision Meeting)
Commissioner Nelson recommended putting it out on modified procedure. Commissioners Smith and Hansen concurred.
3. Scott Woodbury’s March 20, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. IPC-E-97-3 Firm Energy Sales Agreement--First Amendment IPCO/Snake River Pottery.
Approved with the one change.
4. Rick Sterling’s March 19, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Request by Idaho Power to Discontinue Filing with the Commission its Cogeneration and Small Power Production Status Report.
Rick Sterling explained that the company wants to discontinue this particular report but they will continue to file other reports that contain most of the information.
Commissioner Smith said it looked good to her. We should do away with all the reports we don’t need.
Okayed discontinuance of filing of report.
5. Brad Purdy’s March 20, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. IPC-E-96-25; Idaho Power’s Application for Approval of Tariff (Schedule 20) Providing for Optional Market-Based Service to Customers from 5 to 10 Megawatts.
Commissioner Nelson said he would recommend approval but would like a report in 6 months to see how it is going.
Commissioner Hansen said he would approve it. Industrial customers brought up some good points that they would like to see Idaho Power Company expand this test. However it being Idaho Power’s proposal in the first place and there was no problem with what they wanted to proceed on, but would hope that Idaho Power would look at ICIP’s suggestions.
Commissioner Smith spoke to the change that ICIP proposed that Idaho Power agreed to.
Commissioner Nelson commented it was difference because Idaho Power was going the buying.
**With the adjustment suggested by ICIP, the proposal was approved. Company will be asked for a report in 6 months.
6. Bob Smith’s March 21, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Staff Recommendation to Initiate a Formal Investigation of the Earnings and Rates of Hayden Pines Water Co.
Scott Woodbury said he got a call from Woody Richards and Mr. Richards suggested that this be handled informally. Said he discussed that with Stephanie Miller and Bob Smith and they are still of the opinion that it should be formal status given staff’s experience at working with the company and what needed, etc.
Commissioner Hansen commented he had talked to a legislator from the area. There are a lot of customers who are concerned about this company. Would like to see it go formal.
Don Oliason commented that the committee he worked with up there would appreciate the Commission making it a formal case.
**Decision was to go formal with an investigation of Hayden Pines.
***Commissioner Smith voted no.
Meeting adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 31st day of March, 1997.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary