20150309Comment.pdf

Great Rift
Business Development
8:2
ii
March 2,2o15
fl_I J
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
EQ.Box 83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
Idaho Public Utility Commissioners:
As an economic development non-profit organization and Idaho Power customer,the Great Rift
Business Development Organization supports Idaho Power’s request to shorten the length of
guaranteed contracts for large solar and wind generation projects.I believe Idaho Power’s request is in
the best interest of the Great Rift Business Development Organization,as well as other Idaho Power
customers.
Great Rift Business Development Organization director,KristenJensen,works to recruit new
business to our service area,as well as help existing businesses expand.Having access to reliable
electricity at a fair price is essential to business recruitment and retention.It plays a pivotal role in
the decision making process of individuals and companies who analyze and compare sites in Idaho to
sites in other states.We must stay competitive with our power rates,or we will lose much needed
businesses which employ our residents and provide a tax base for our cities and counties.
Mi ofus want clean energy and we are glad to know that a majority ofour electricity comes from the
region’s clean,renewable hydro resources.However,moving toward a clean energy future cannot
come at the expense of reliability and affordability We recognize the company’s efforts to keep power
costs in line with current market rates,which will benefit projects like Magnolia Nitrogen Idaho
(Magnida),a project which is currently being considered for a location in American Falls,Idaho.
We believe Idaho Power should not be required to buy electricity it does not need,especially from
sources that decrease the reliability of its service while pushing costs up.If Idaho Power continues to
be required to make such purchases,we agree that contracts should be limited to two years or less,
rather than locking in prices for 20 years.
Great Rift Business Development Organization supports Idaho Power’s environmentally responsible
and balanced service and for providing reliable service at a low cost.This is key to the businesses we
work with currently,and hope to attract in the future.On behalfof my board and director,I ask that
you grant Idaho Power’s petition to modify the terms and conditions of future PURPA energy sales
agreements (IPC-E-i5-oi).
Thank you,
Stuart Pankratz,Presiden
550 North Oregon Trail,American Falls,Idaho 83211