20130315press release.pdf

Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Case No. PAC-E-13-04, Order No. 32761
March 15, 2013
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone], 890-2712
Website: www.puc.idaho.gov

PUC opens case to consider options to possible rate case

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has agreed to open a case to allow interested
parties to engage in settlement discussions that may negate the need for a rate case
filing from Rocky Mountain Power or, if a case is filed, significantly narrow the issues.

Rocky Mountain Power serves about 70,000 customers in eastern Idaho. On March 1,
the utility filed an application requesting the settlement negotiations along with a 60-
day Notice of Intent to file a rate case. Commission rules require larger utilities to file a
Notice of Intent at least 60 days before filing. In Rocky Mountain’s case, the notice
means the utility cannot file before May 31, 2013, and that rates resulting from that
filing would not become effective until Jan. 1, 2014. Rocky Mountain indicated that a
rate case filing may be avoided, pending the outcome of settlement negotiations.

The commission set an intervention deadline of March 26 for parties who want to
participate in the proposed settlement discussions. The Idaho Irrigation Pumpers
Association, Monsanto Company and PacifiCorp Idaho Industrial Customers have
already been granted intervention because of their past participation in Rocky Mountain
Power rate cases.

Parties intervene in rate cases for the purpose of presenting evidence and testimony
and cross-examining witnesses. There are also opportunities for individual customers to
comment or participate in public hearings if a rate case is eventually filed.

###