27995.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON WATER POWER COMPANY (NOW AVISTA CORPORATION DBA AVISTA UTILITIES—WASHINGTON WATER POWER DIVISION) FOR AN ORDER APPROVING INCREASED RATES AND CHARGES FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE IN THE STATE OF IDAHO.
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CASE NO. WWP-E-98-11
ORDER NO. 27995
On December 18, 1998, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) received an application from The Washington Water Power Company (now Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities – Washington Water Power Division; Avista; Company) in Case No. WWP-E-98-11 requesting approval of increased rates and charges for electric service in the state of Idaho.
On December 30, 1998, the Commission issued Notices of Application and Intervention Deadline in Case No. WWP-E-98-11.  The established deadline for filing a petition to intervene for the purpose of becoming a party, i.e., to present evidence, to acquire rights of cross-examination, to participate in settlement or negotiation conferences, and to make and argue motions was Friday, January 22, 1999.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.072 and -.073.
On March 30, 1999, a late filed Petition for Intervention was filed on behalf of Hecla Mining Company (Hecla), Silver Valley Resources Corp. (Silver Valley) and Sunshine Mining and Refining Company (Sunshine).  Reference Rules 71-75 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.071-075.  
The petitioners represent that they comprise some of the largest single electric customers of Avista and as such have a direct and substantial interest in these proceedings because the Commission’s decision may directly or indirectly affect the rates or service quality of electricity delivered to them.  Petitioners acknowledge that their Petition is not timely filed.  Petitioners commit that their participation will not unduly broaden the issues or otherwise delay these proceedings.  To that end, they specifically aver that they will not directly or indirectly seek to affect the schedule in place for resolution and disposition of issues.
FINDINGS OF FACT
The Commission is informed and finds that no party opposes the late filed Petition for Intervention.
We further find that based on the pleadings and other documents filed in this case, intervention by this party would serve the purposes of intervention as described by Rule 74 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure.  In light of petitioners’ representations, we also find that granting this late intervention will not prejudice any party and that late intervention should be granted.
O R D E R
In consideration of the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Petition to Intervene filed by Hecla Mining Company, Silver Valley Resources Corp and Sunshine Mining and Refining Company is hereby granted.  
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all parties in this proceeding serve all papers hereafter filed in this matter on all parties of record.  This intervenor is represented by the following for purposes of service:
M.  Karl ShurtliffGeorge R. Johnson
Pike & ShurtliffManager of Metal Mines, US
800 W State, Ste 200Hecla Mining Company
PO Box 1652PO Box C-800
Boise, ID 83701-16526500 Mineral Drive
[phone]Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814-1913
[phone] (FAX)[phone]
[phone] (FAX)
Michael G. LeeRobert Peterson
General ManagerSenior Vice President--Marketing
Silver Valley Resources Corp.Sunshine Mining & Refining Company
PO Box 440877 W Main Street, Ste 600
Wallace, ID 83873-0440Boise, ID 83706
[phone](208) 345-0660
[phone] (FAX)[phone] (FAX)
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this                  day of April 1999.
                                                                                                                                      DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT
                                                                                           MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/O:WWP-E-98-11.sw2
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Service Date
April 8, 1999