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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140124press release.pdfIdaho Public Utilities Commission Case No. PAC-E-13-15, Order No. 32967 January 24, 2014 Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339 Website: www.puc.idaho.gov Rocky Mountain customers to get one-time credit from efficiency service over-collection State regulators have approved a Rocky Mountain Power application to issue a one-time credit to customers of the eastern Idaho utility due to an over-collection in an account that pays for energy efficiency programs. Customers pay a “Customer Efficiency Services” charge of 2.1 percent of their total billed amount every month. Heavy summer loads during 2012 and 2013 resulted in higher than forecasted revenues in that account. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission granted the utility’s request to issue a one-time refund to customers that will be about $8.32 for the average residential customer. The amount of the credit will vary depending on the amount of energy use. The credit will be applied against either the February or March bill depending on each customer’s billing cycle. The money collected in the rider account can go only toward funding cost-effective programs that increase energy efficiency. If the account collects significantly more than the company anticipated, it must either reduce the rider or refund customers. The rider has already been reduced from a high of 4.72 percent in 2010 to 2.1 percent today. The one-time credit will not impact Rocky Mountain’s future expenditures in efficiency programs. Rocky Mountain anticipates that efficiency expenses will be remain constant this year with a forecasted increase in 2015. The programs funded by the rider are designed to delay or eliminate the need for the utility to build new generation. All of the programs funded by the Customer Efficiency Services rider must pass cost-effectiveness tests that show customers would be paying more for electricity if the programs were not in place. Rocky Mountain Power is surpassing its goals for energy efficiency. In 2012, the goal was to reach 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of savings and the company attained 10.54 million kWhs. As of September 30, 2013, the company had achieved 11.47 million kWhs of savings, already surpassing 2012 totals. A copy of the commission’s order and other documents related to this case are available on the commission’s Website at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on open cases under the “Electric” heading and scroll down to Case No. PAC-E-13-15.