26365.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON WATER POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL OF A REVISION TO ITS ELECTRIC TARIFF SCHEDULE 67–ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS–IDAHO.
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CASE NO. WWP-E-96-1
ORDER NO.  26365
On January 19, 1996, The Washington Water Power Company (Water Power; Company) filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) requesting approval of a revision to its electric tariff Schedule 67—Energy Efficiency Service for New Residential Buildings—Idaho.  As proposed the revision would end direct grants for the installation of weatherization materials and energy efficiency measures in residential buildings, effective for buildings permitted on or after March 1, 1996.  Under the Company’s present tariff, grants are available for up to $720 for single-family houses and up to $255 for multi-family units.  There is no rate change or revenue impact associated with the Company’s filing.
The grant program, the Company states, was started in 1989 in an effort to move Pacific Northwest building standards to a greater energy efficiency level.  In support of its Application the Company maintains that current residential construction practices conform to the specifications for which the grants were intended to promote.  Homebuilders, the Company contends, now expect, and builders routinely provide as standard practice, such features as 2x6 exterior wall framing with R-19 insulation, increased roof insulation, double glazed windows, etc.  It is therefore not necessary, the Company contends, to continue the program.  Additionally, the Company states that almost all of the jurisdictions in Water Power’s service territory that originally supported the Northwest Energy Code (NWEC) plan to continue to support either the NWEC or the Model Energy Code (MEC) for residential construction.  The Company contends, that this continued support by building code officials is the most critical element in maintaining energy efficient building practices.
The Company in its filing requested an effective date of March 1, 1996, for the proposed tariff change.  By Order No. 26320 the Commission suspended the proposed effective date from March 1, 1996 to March 15, 1996.  The Commission also preliminarily determined that the public interest in this case may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented and that the issues raised by the Application could be appropriately processed under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing.  Reference Commission Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204.  The deadline for filing written comments or protests in Case No. WWP-E-96-1 was February 23, 1996.  
Although north Idaho homebuilder and contractor groups were provided with notice in this case, only the Commission Staff filed comments.  Staff contends that the Company’s assertion that incentives are no longer necessary is supported by discussions Staff has held with building code officials and others within the industry.  Staff recommends that the Commission approve the tariff revision as proposed.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
The Commission has reviewed the Application, filings of record and comments filed in Case No. WWP-E-96-1.  The Commission continues to find Modified Procedure to be appropriate in this case. Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204.  Based on the information provided we find it reasonable to conclude that current residential construction practices in north Idaho conform to the specifications for which the grants under electric tariff Schedule 67 were intended to promote, and that direct grants for new construction are no longer necessary.  We therefore find it reasonable to approve the Company’s proposed revision to electric tariff Schedule 67.
CONCLUSION OF LAW  
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over this matter and the Washington Water Power Company, a combination natural gas and electric utility, pursuant to the authority and power granted under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and the Commission Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
O R D E R
In consideration of the foregoing and as more particularly described above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED and the Commission does  hereby approve the proposed tariff revisions to Washington Water Power Company’s electric tariff  Schedule 67 for an effective date of March 15, 1996.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this                  day of March 1996.
                                                                                                                                   RALPH NELSON, PRESIDENT
                                                                                       MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
cm/O:WWP-E-96-1.sw2
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
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Service Date
March 15, 1996