20200506Notice_of_Supplemental_Application_Order_No_34661.pdf

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 1
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
May 6, 2020
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER TO
CLOSE THE NET METERING PROGRAM
TO NEW SERVICE & IMPLEMENT A NET
BILLING PROGRAM TO COMPENSATE
CUSTOMER GENERATORS FOR
EXPORTED GENERATION
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CASE NO. PAC-E-19-08

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL
APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF COMMENT
DEADLINES

ORDER NO. 34661

On June 14, 2019, Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp (“Rocky Mountain
Power” or “Company”) filed an application requesting the Commission close Electric Service
Schedule 135 – Net Metering Service (“Schedule 135” or “Net Metering Program”) to new
customer participation as of December 31, 2019, and open Electric Service Schedule 136 – Net
Billing Service (“Schedule 136” or “Net Billing Program”) to new customer participation as of
February 1, 2020.
On July 18, 2019, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Notice of
Intervention Deadline. Order No. 34379. Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association, Inc., Idaho
Conservation League, and Idaho Clean Energy Association, Inc. intervened.
On December 20, 2019, the Commission issued a final order in IPC-E-18-15 rejecting
a proposed Settlement Agreement for Idaho Power’s net metering program. Order No. 34509.
On February 5, 2020, the Commission issued a final order on reconsideration in IPC-
E-18-15 upholding its decision to reject the proposed Settlement Agreement. Order No. 34546.
On March 10, 2020, the Parties met to discuss how to proceed with Rocky Mountain
Power’s Application in light of the Commission’s directives in Order Nos. 34509 and 34546 issued
in IPC-E-18-15.
On April 23, 2020, Rocky Mountain Power submitted a supplemental application
(“Supplemental Application”) with updated inputs to the proposed export credit rate and an
updated proposal regarding grandfathering treatment for existing customers.
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 2
On April 28, 2020, Commission Staff presented a Decision Memorandum at the
Commission’s regularly scheduled Decision Meeting outlining the proposed procedure and
schedule agreed to by the parties.
We now issue this Notice of Supplemental Application, Notice of Public Hearing, and
Notice of Comment Deadlines establishing the procedure and schedule for the study design phase
of the Company’s Supplemental Application.
BACKGROUND
Rocky Mountain Power and Commission Staff indicate that the parties to this docket
met and agreed to follow the “two-phase” approach the Commission ordered for Idaho Power in
Order No. 34509. The two-phase approach consists of a study design phase and a study review
phase, with opportunities for public input during both phases. The study design phase provides
the parties and the public the opportunity to comment on the scope and parameters of the study.
Following the study design phase, the Commission will issue an order establishing the scope and
parameters of the study. The Company then will conduct the study and file it with the Commission.
After the Company files the study, the Commission will issue an order establishing the procedure
and schedule for the study review phase. The study review phase will allow parties and the public
to state whether the study was conducted in a credible and fair manner and whether the study is
sufficiently comprehensive to support a well-informed decision regarding Rocky Mountain
Power’s net metering service offerings.
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Rocky Mountain Power submitted a
Supplemental Application in this docket, which supersedes the Company’s original application.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes to close its current Net
Metering Program to new participants as of July 31, 2020. The Company proposes that Schedule
135 customers remain on Schedule 135 until July 31, 2030, grandfathering existing customers to
the terms of Schedule 135 for ten years.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that arguments pertaining to the Company’s
proposed grandfathering treatment for existing customers will be considered in the study design
phase.
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 3
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company requests the Commission
establish Schedule 136 – Net Billing Program effective September 1, 2020. The Company
proposes that customers who apply to interconnect an onsite generation system after July 31, 2020
take service under Schedule 136.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company states the only difference
between its current Schedule 135 and its proposed Schedule 136 is that under Schedule 136, energy
exported to the grid by a customer generator would be compensated at an export credit rate
(“Export Credit Rate”).
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company requests the Commission open
Schedule 136 for new customers as of September 1, 2020, but initially set the Export Credit Rate
equivalent to retail energy charges until the Commission approves an Export Credit Rate.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes three components to
determine the Export Credit Rate: an energy component, an avoided line losses component, and
an integration cost component.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes using the Surrogate
Avoided Resource (“SAR”) method, with on-peak and off-peak pricing, to determine the energy
value in the Export Credit Rate. The SAR method is used by the Commission to calculate
published avoided cost prices under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The SAR
method reflects the costs the utility would incur if it were to build, operate, and maintain a natural
gas fired combined cycle combustion turbine. Based on 2019 data and the proposed SAR rates set
to take effect on June 1, 2020, the Company calculates the average value of the SAR-based energy
component at $22.34 per MWh.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that for the value of avoided line losses, the
Company proposes a value of $3.36 per MWh.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company states it must maintain reserve
resources to integrate variable resources. The Company calculates its integration costs, based on
its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan, as $0.25 per MWh.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company and Commission Staff have
committed to holding public workshops after preliminary comments are filed and before revised
comments are filed. The Company states it will notify all customers when the times, dates, and
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 4
locations of the workshops are finalized. Due to COVID-19, these public workshops will include
a telephonic option.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes to recover exported
energy credits for Schedule 135 and Schedule 136 through the Company’s Energy Cost
Adjustment Mechanism (“ECAM”).
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company reports about 1,262 customers
with a total of 9.3 megawatts installed capacity participate under Schedule 135 as of the end of
March 2020.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes a one-time non-
refundable application fee of $85 be submitted with the customer’s application for on-site
generation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes no changes to retail
consumption rates in this docket. On March 26, 2020, Rocky Mountain Power filed a Notice of
Intent to File a General Rate case. In its Supplemental Application, the Company states it intends
to file a general rate case on June 1, 2020. Rate design and cost of service issues for consumption
will be addressed in that docket.
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC PUBLIC HEARING
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that, after public workshops have been held, the
Commission will conduct a telephonic public customer hearing on MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020 at
3:00 p.m. (MST). Persons wishing to offer their testimony telephonically or listen to the
proceedings may dial 1-800-920-7487 at the designated time and enter the passcode 6674832#
when prompted.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the purpose of this telephonic public hearing
is to provide customers with an opportunity to make statements on the record about the study
design phase, including statements about what should be studied and how the study should be
conducted. Additionally, the telephonic public hearing will provide customers the opportunity to
comment on the Company’s proposal to grandfather existing customers with on-site generation for
10 years.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings in this matter will be held in
facilities meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 5
Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance in order to participate
in or to understand testimony and argument at a telephonic public hearing may ask the Commission
to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance at the hearing. The request for assistance
must be received at least five (5) working days before the hearing by contacting the Commission
Secretary at:
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
[phone] (Telephone)
[phone] (FAX)
E-Mail: [e-mail]

NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that parties have until May 26, 2020 to file
preliminary comments, until July 2, 2020 to file revised comments, and until July 16, 2020 to
file reply comments. These comments should be limited to the study design phase and the
Company’s proposal to grandfather existing customers, and be in response to the Company’s
Supplemental Application. Establishing a preliminary comment deadline and a revised comment
deadline is intended to give the parties the opportunity to incorporate public feedback regarding
their preliminary comments into their revised comments. Public workshops and public hearings
will take place between the preliminary comment deadline and the revised comment deadline.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that supporting documents are available on the
Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov by clicking “Electric” then “Open Cases” then
selecting the case number at the top of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person not a party to this case, who desires
to state a position on study design or grandfathering, must file a written comment with the
Commission by July 16, 2020. The written comment must contain a statement of reasons
supporting it. Persons desiring a technical hearing on the study design phase must specifically
request a technical hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this docket
should be mailed electronically, unless e-mail is unavailable, to the Commission and the Company
at the addresses reflected below:

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 6
For the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.,
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

E-Mail: [e-mail]

For Rocky Mountain Power:

Ted Weston
Idaho Regulatory Affairs Manager
Rocky Mountain Power
1407 West North Temple, Suite 330
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

E-mail: [e-mail]

Emily L. Wegener
Rocky Mountain Power
1407 West North Temple, Suite 320
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

E-mail: [e-mail]

Rocky Mountain Power requests that parties send all data requests regarding this Application in
Microsoft Word to the following addresses:
By e-mail (preferred): [e-mail]

By regular mail:
Data Request Response Center
PacifiCorp
825 Multnomah, Suite 2000
Portland, Oregon 97232

Comments must contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this
document. Persons desiring to submit comments electronically may do so by accessing the
Commission’s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the “Case Comment Form” under
“Consumers” and complete the form using the case number as it appears on the front of this
document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a technical hearing in the study design phase of this matter.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order
on the study design phase without a technical hearing. If written comments are received within
NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 7
the time limit set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for
a technical hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically Idaho
Code §§ 61-501, 61-502 and 61-503.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that a telephonic public customer hearing be held on
Monday, June 22, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. (MDT) to obtain public input on the study design phase and
the Company’s proposal to grandfather existing customers for 10 years. Persons wishing to offer
their testimony telephonically or listen to the proceedings may dial 1-800-920-7487 at the
designated time and enter the passcode 6674832# when prompted.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties have until May 26, 2020 to file preliminary
comments, until July 2, 2020 to file revised comments, and until July 16, 2020 to file reply
comments on the study design phase and the Company’s proposal to grandfather existing
customers for 10 years.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that persons besides parties who are interested in
submitting written comments on the study design phase and the Company’s proposal to
grandfather existing customers for 10 years must do so by July 16, 2020.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties continue to comply with Order No. 34602,
issued March 17, 2020. All pleadings should be filed with the Commission electronically and shall
be deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See Rule 14.02. Service
between parties should also be accomplished electronically. Voluminous discovery-related
documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF COMMENT DEADLINES
ORDER NO. 34661 8
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 6th day
of May 2020.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Diane M. Hanian
Commission Secretary

I:\Legal\ELECTRIC\PAC-E-19-08\orders\PACE1908_ntc supp app_ej.docx