20000403.min.doc

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
April 3, 2000 - 1:30 p.m.

In attendance were Commissioners Dennis Hansen, Marsha H. Smith and Paul Kjellander.

Commissioner Hansen called the meeting to order.

First order of business was consideration of the Minutes of the March 13, 2000 Decision Meeting. The minutes had circulated to the Commissioners for review and corrections had been made.

Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve the minutes; vote taken; motion carried.

On the CONSENT AGENDA, was Item 2 - Grouse Point Water Company Tariff Advice.

Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve staff recommendation; vote taken; motion carried.

MATTERS IN PROGRESS

Don Howell's March 28, 2000 Decision Memorandum re: Order to Show
CauseWhy Transnational Communications, Group III Services, Western Telecommunications dba Peoplelink, and Call Plus Should Not Be Found To Be In Default For Not Paying Their 1999 Regulatory Fees; Case No. GNR-U-00-3; and

Don Howell's March 29, 2000 Decision Memorandum re: Order to Show Cause Why Dolphin USA, LTD Network Services, North American Communication Group, and Partners in Communication Should Not be Found to Have Failed to Report Their Gross Intrastate Revenues for 1998 and Pay Their 1999 Regulatory Fees; Case No. GNR-U-00-2.

Commissioner Hansen suggested discussing Items 3 and 4 together as they are similar maters, regarding Orders to Show Cause on 1999 Regulatory Fees, Cases GNR-U-00-2 and 3.

Don Howell reviewed both items.

Commissioner Hansen commented that it was no more than fair that all companies that are required under the Law to pay regulatory fees, do so.

Commissioner Smith made a motion that the Commission issue an order finding that the companies are in default for failure to pay their 1999 regulatory fees and that they cease operating in the state; and that their price lists be returned to them; and further order that the LECS not conduct business with them in the state.

Commissioner Kjellander added that the motion also include the request of Mr. Howell regarding the 25 days for one final shot at paying fees.

Commissioner Smith commented that she did not object to the addition to the motion but they have had ample time to pay.

Commissioner Hansen repeated the motion with the 25-day addition. There was no objection to including that in the motion. Vote taken: motion carried unanimously.

FULLY SUBMITTED MATTERS

In the Matter of the Application of Idaho Power Company for Authority to Fund Its Continuing Participation in the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Inc.; Case No. IPC-E-99-13.

Commissioner Hansen opened the matter up for discussion. Commented that he personally felt that after reviewing the testimony that has been written in this case, that continued participation in NEEA for Idaho Power for four more years is in the public interest. However, he was not for making it a blanket judgement. It has to be looked at. Have looked at it for 3 years and what they are trying to accomplish. Again in 5 years, the Commission has to look at their accomplishments and how it has benefited Idaho. Feel all customers do benefit from cost savings. Said he was sympathetic to the special contract customers and industrial customers and they do not enjoy the same degree of benefits that all the customer classes do. Efforts can be made to allocate that more fairly (the cost of NEEA). Those were his comments on NEEA. Asked if the other Commissioners had comments?

Commissioner Smith said she also supports Idaho Power's participation in NEEA and would approve the full amount. Understand the Industrial Customers' concern that they want a prudence review. Think at anytime we believe they are no longer on track, the Commission can take corrective action. Would support it and the use of revenue-sharing funds.

Commissioner Kjellander said he echoed what the other Commissioners had said and looking at it again in 5 years makes sense and we are keeping an eye on it. As far as the Industrial Customers, if Commissioner Hansen is moving away from usage by industrial customers that are revenue-based, think that is well worth proceeding down a path on. Industrials do have a position on the Board. Commented he would hate to see the commission go back to demand side management .

Commissioner Hansen commented he did feel participation in NEEA should be allocated to customers on revenue, not energy consumption. That is a more fair allocation. Think that makes a big difference in fairness. Asked for further discussion; hearing none, asked what the pleasure of the commission was? Said he was open to a motion.

Commissioner Smith said she would make a motion that we approve Idaho Power's application for participation in NEEA, at amounts requested and use revenue-sharing money and that the allocation be based on class revenues.

Vote taken on the motion; motion carried.

With that the agenda was concluded and the decision meeting was adjourned.

Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 11th day of May, 2000.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary