19981221_1.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
December 21, 1998 - 1:30 p.m.
In attendance were Commissioners Dennis Hansen, Ralph Nelson and Marsha H. Smith and Staff members Don Howell, Scott Woodbury, Rita Scott, Bill Eastlake, Tonya Clark, Rick Sterling and Myrna Walters. Also in attendance was Mike McGrath of Intermountain Gas Company.
Commissioner Hansen called the meeting to order. He stated that Item 5 on the Agenda,  under Matters in Progress,  was to be held until the December 30, 1998 Decision Meeting.
First items to be considered were Nos. 1 through 4 on the Consent Agenda.   Commissioner Hansen asked if there were questions or comments regarding any of the items on the Consent Agenda?
Commissioner Smith wanted to discuss Item 2 - Scott Woodbury’s December 17, 1998 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. UPL-E-98-4 Pacific Request to Postpone IRP Filing.
Said she thought it should at least be noted  in the order that has been drafted that the Commission has some concern for short term adequacy of power and although she doesn’t think we expect the electric companies to turn around and suddenly do full blown studies, we may be making inquiries about the adequacy of power. BPA has asked the Northwest Power Planning Council to look into that. The market is changing and when the region’s surplus is used up, will there be power available?
Commissioner Nelson said he thought it was a good idea.  
Commissioner Hansen commented  that in Idaho there has been a lot of population growth and one indication we see is increased demand for power in our state and in the NW as well; other  states are questioning the power supply for the future; and he agreed with making comments here. Think in 1999 we are going to ask our utilities to take a look at it.   Believe a lot of utilities think that they can buy excess power and said he questioned whether or not that will be effective.  Agree with the other commissioners that something should be put in the order.
Asked if there were other comments?
Hearing none, Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda items with the comments above to be noted in the order in UPL-E-98-4. Motion carried.
Meeting was then adjourned. Commissioner Hansen wished everyone a Merry Christmas and said there will be one more decision meeting before the end of the year.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 22nd day of December, 1998.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary