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Case No. PAC-E-19-08
OrderNo.3466l
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
[e-mail]. gov
Rocky Mountain Power files application to change its net metering program
BOISE (June 12,2020) - On April 23,2020, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission received a
Supplonental 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 Supplemental Application, Rocky Mountain Power is asking for permission to close its
current net metering progam (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 cents 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 on 2019 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 at522.34 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
analyzed, by 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 progrirm.
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. The Commission updated its platform subscription to allow more
participants and updated log-in and dial-in credentials to be more user friendly.
Those interested in participating can access the virtual public workshop two ways:
l) Online: go to idahogov.webex.com and enter the number I33 265 3962.
At the next window, enter your name, e-mail address, and the password ThursdayMeeting
2) By phone: dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 133 265 3962
The public workshop is intended to allow Commission Staffto discuss its preliminary views of
the Supplemental Application, as reflected in Staff s preliminary comments filed on May 26,
2020, and to receive feedback from the public. See Order No. 34661.
Staffand other parties in this case filed preliminary comments in the study design phase and
grandfathering on May 26,2020. Revised comments are due July 16 and are intended to reflect
public input gathered at the public workshop.
A telephonic public customer hearing will be held on Monday, June2Z, at 3:00 p.m. (MDT).
Those wishing to offer verbal comments or listen can dial l -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 statement of reasons supporting
them, 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 accessing the Commission's home page located at
www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the "Case Comment Form" under "Consumers" and complete the
form using the case number, PAC-E-19-08.
Written comments can be sent 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
I l33l 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 : ted.weston@pacifi corp.com
Emily L. Wegener
Rocky Mountain Power
1407 West North Ternple, Suite 320
Salt Lake City, Utah 841l6
E-mail : emily.weg ercr @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):
datarequest@pacifi corp. com
By regular mail:
Data Request Response Center
PacifiCorp
825 Multnomah, Suite 2000
Portland, OR 97232