20200604Press Release.pdf

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Case No. PAC-E-I9-08
Order No. 34661
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
[e-mail]. gov
Rocky Mountain Power files application to change its net metering program
BOISE (June 412020) - On April 23,2020, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission received a
Supplemental Application from Rocky Mountain Power to change how its customers who
participate in its net metering program are compensated. The original application was filed June
14,2019.
In its Supplernental Application, Rocky Mountain Power is asking for permission to close its
current net metering program (Schedule 135) to new participants as of July 31,2020. Customers
on Schedule 135 would remain on that schedule, sometimes referred to as "grandfathering", until
July 31, 2030 and receive the retail rate for compensation. New customers who apply to
participate in the net metering program after July 31,2020, would do so under a new schedule,
Schedule 136. This schedule would compensate customers for exported energy at an export
credit rate, rather than the retail rate. Rocky Mountain Power estimates that the current retail rate
paid to Schedule 135 customers is about 12.5 cents per kilowatt-hour and the proposed export
credit rate for Schedule 136 is 2.4 cerfis per kilowatt-hour.
Rocky Mountain Power proposes to use three components to determine its export credit rate for
customers: an energy component, an avoided line losses component, and an integration cost
component. Rocky Mountain Power proposes to use the surrogate avoided resource (SAR)
method, with on-peak and off-peak pricing, to determine the energy value in the export credit
rate. The method is used by the public utilities commission to calculate published avoided cost
prices under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. This 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 on2019 data and the proposed surrogate avoided resource rates set to
take effect on June 1,2020, Rocky Mountain Power calculates the average value of the SAR-
based energy component at$22.34 per MWh. Rocky Mountain Power calculates the avoided line
losses to be $3.36 per MWh and integration costs to be $0.25 per MWh.
Rocky Mountain Power also proposes to charge customers a one-time, non-refundable
application fee of $85 that would be submitted with customers' applications for on-site
generation.
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The changes to the net metering program, including the proposed export credit rate, will be
analyzedby the company in a comprehensive study that examines the costs and benefits of net
metering. The study process will be conducted in two steps: a study design phase and 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 methods of the comprehensive study. Following the study design phase, the
commission will issue an order establishing the scope, and methods of the study. Rocky
Mountain Power will then conduct the comprehensive study and file it with the commission.
After Rocky Mountain 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 comment on 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 program.
A workshop on the proposed changes to the net metering program will be held Thursday, June
18, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (MDT).
Those interested in participating can access the virtual public workshop by going to:
https://adamrush.my.webex.com/adamrush.my/j.php?MTlD:m2c84d845d6d2185fc8fla8530455ad90 and
entering Meeting Ntrmber 126 921 8458 and password nRcKSZZw688.
Alternatively, customers can join by phone by dialing l-404-418-9388 and entering access code 126 921
84s8.
The public workshop is intended to allow Commission Staff to discuss its preliminary views of the
Supplemental Application, as reflected in StafPs preliminary comments filed on May 26,2020, and to
receive feedback from the public. See Order No. 34661.
Staff and other parties in this case filed preliminary comments in the study design phase and
grandfathering on May 26,2020. Revised comments are due July l6 and are intended to reflect
public input gathered at the public workshop.
A telephonic public customer hearing will be held on Monday, Jlur:re22, at 3:00 p.m. (MDT).
Those wishing to offer verbal comments or listen can dial 1-800-920-7487, and enter passcode
6674832#.
Those interested in submitting written comments on the study design or grandfathering have
until July 16,2020, to do so. Written comments must contain a staternent of reasons supporting
than, and those who would like a technical hearing on the study design phase must specifically
request a technical hearing in their written comments.
Comments must contain the case number (PAC-E-19-08). Those wishing to submit comments
electronically may do so by visiting the Commission's home page at www.puc.idaho.qov. Click
on the "Case Comment Form" under "Consumers" and complete the form using the case
number, PAC-E-19-08.
Comments also can be mailed to:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, lD 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
11331W. ChindenBlvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, lD 83714
E-mail : [e-mail]. gov
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 : ted.weston@pacifi corp.com
Emily L. Wegener
Rocky Mountain Power
1407 West North Ternple, Suite 320
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
E-mail : emily.weg ener @pacifi corp. com
Rocky Mountain Power requests that parties send all data requests regarding this application in
Microsoft Word to the following addresses:
By e-mail (preferred):
datareques t@p acificorp. com
By regular mail:
Data Request Response Center
PacifiCorp
825 Multnomah, Suite 2000
Portland, OR 97232