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Case No. PAC-E-15-02, Order No. 33262
Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339, 890-2712
www.puc.idaho.gov
Commission approves changes to contract between
Rocky Mountain Power and St. Anthony Hydro
BOISE (April 10, 2015) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a Rocky Mountain
Power request to amend its contract with the developer of a small hydroelectric project in
downtown St. Anthony.
The amended contract between Rocky Mountain Power and St. Anthony Hydro states that icing
that accumulates within the immediate water source of the project is to be considered a “force
majeure” event, or outside the control of the owner. Such designation could prevent St.
Anthony Hydro from facing financial penalties due to a reduction in energy production.
The amendment also changes the project’s power delivery schedule to align with other hydro
projects.
Rocky Mountain Power formerly owned the project, but it ceased generating power in 2002
when the shaft that connects the two turbines failed. In 2012, Ted Sorensen of Idaho Falls
purchased the 700-kilowatt project, repaired it and entered into a 20-year agreement in mid-
2013 to sell the plant’s output to Rocky Mountain Power.
St. Anthony Hydro includes a one-unit powerhouse that contains two submerged turbines
originally commissioned in 1915. The plant is powered by diverting water from the Henry’s
Fork of the Snake River and delivering it to Egin Bench Canals, Inc.
The commission’s order is available at www.puc.idaho.gov. Select “Open Cases” under the
“Electric” heading and scroll down to Case No. PAC-E-15-02.
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