MODPROC.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
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
NOTICE OF COMMENT/ PROTEST DEADLINE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that 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 has requested an effective date of March 1, 1996, for the proposed tariff change.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has reviewed the filings of record in Case No. WWP-E-96-1.  The Commission has preliminarily determined that the public interest may not require a hearing to consider the issues presented and that the issues raised by the  Application may be processed under Modified Procedure, i.e., by written submission rather than by hearing.  Reference Commission Rules of Procedures, IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through 204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that to facilitate the processing of the Company’s Application under Modified Procedure and to accommodate Commission scheduling constraints, the Commission in Order No.  26320 suspended the proposed effective date for the proposed tariff change from March 1, 1996 to March 15, 1996.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission will not hold a hearing in this proceeding unless it receives written protests or comments opposing the use of Modified Procedure and stating why Modified Procedure should not be used.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.203.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the deadline for filing written comments or protests with respect to the Application in Case No. WWP-E-96-1 is Friday, February 23, 1996.  Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written protests or comments.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received within the deadline, the Commission will consider the matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing.  If comments or protests are filed within the deadline, the Commission will consider them and in its discretion may set the matter for hearing or may decide the matter and issue its Order on the basis on the written positions before it.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that written comments concerning Case No. WWP-E-96-1 should be mailed to the Commission and the Company at the addresses reflected below:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
472 W Washington
Boise, ID 83702-5983
Bruce Folsom
Thomas D. Dukich
The Washington Water Power Company
PO Box 3727
Spokane, WA 99220
All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application in Case No. WWP-E-96-1 can be reviewed at the Commission’s office and at the Idaho offices of The Washington Water Power Company during regular business hours.
DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of February 1996.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/N:WWP-E-96-1.sw
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
Text Box 1:
TEXT BOXES
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
February 2, 1996