20000606.min.doc

Minutes of Decision Meeting
June 6, 2000 - 1:30 p.m.

In attendance were Commissioners Dennis S. Hansen, Marsha H. Smith and Paul Kjellander. Commission President Dennis Hansen called the meeting to order.

First item - Approval of the April 24, 2000 Decision Meeting Minutes - was held since the Minutes had not circulated to all the Commissioners.

CONSENT AGENDA

Items 1 through 7A were considered on the Consent Agenda.

Commissioner Kjellander had a question of No. 6 - Scott Woodbury's June 2, 2000 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. AVU-E-00-05 (Avista) Extension of Filing Date.

Commissioner Kjellander said the last time the Commission had an extension like this, we had all the utilities file at the same time. If we do move forward on this one, we should put in an opportunity for all the electrics to file September 1 if they so choose. Also questioned the value of the report itself. Wondered if Scott Woodbury or Keith Hessing could address the question of them filing every year, what is the real value of this? How do we as a Commission take advantage of this report?

Scott replied that it was originally compiled as a result of a legislative requirement in 1997. Gave the history of the report filing.

Commissioner Kjellander commented that perhaps the question would be better addressed at another time. Asked if it was appropriate to allow the other utilities to file on the September 1 date?

Commissioner Smith said she had no objection to the utilities filing on the same date and September 1 would be fine. Spoke to the costs being used for restructuring. Think there is probably value in understanding how those costs work. Probably in the next year will be separating out transmission costs. If the utility or staff feels there is a more useful way to look at this, Commission should be open to that. But think it is important that we pay attention to this.

Commissioner Hansen made a correction to the agenda - the Consent Items are 2 - 7, not 2 through 7A. He then made a motion to approve those items with staff recommendation and also with regard to Commissioner Kjellander's recommendation to offer 9-1 filing date for all utilities, include that in the motion. vote taken: motion carried.

MATTERS IN PROGRESS
7A. Doug Cooley and Don Howell's June 5, 2000 Decision Memorandum re: Reconstituting the TRS Advisory committee.

Don reviewed the matter. Staff is recommending issuing an order with updated names for the Committee. Names were set out on Page 2 of the Decision Memorandum.
Said in 1992 the seventh position on the committee had not been filled. Staff now recommends appointment of NextLink.

Commissioner Hansen called for questions.

Commissioner Smith made a motion that the Commission approve staff recommendation to fill the vacant seat with Mr. Hyer and approve the remaining people listed with the understanding that AT&T and MCI will not participate in the RFP process.

Vote taken; motion carried.

FULLY SUBMITTED MATTERS

Scott Woodbury's June 2, 2000 Decision Memorandum re: PAC-E-00-1 (Pacificorp) Petition for Reconsideration.

Scott had nothing further to add to the details set out in the decision memo.

Commissioner Hansen called for questions. Commented he did not think this program is primed for Idaho. The company asks for reconsideration because some federal tax credits may expire, but don't think we need to worry about this right now. Twenty year history shows credits have been offered in other forms. Said he was basically concerned that Idaho customers would benefit with the price set as it is and it would be an extremely small number of those who would get involved with it. If they work on it and get a good program, it would be agreeable to customers in Idaho. Hope they come back with a program that has more meaning to the Idaho customer. Think it has potential but as it is filed right now, would still feel it is not an appropriate time to adopt it in Idaho.

Commissioner Smith said she would just comment that she would voice support for reasonable options. But don't think this proposal is one that makes the grade. Know it is approved in Washington; think they should work with it there, fine tune it and bring it back in a new and improved form.

Commissioner Kjellander commented if it is put together and operated well in the other states, it would be easier for the company to prove it being prudent and reasonable in this state. Hope the Ccompany doesn't think this means we would never approve a green tariff.

Commissioner Hansen then made a motion to deny the company's petition for reconsideration. Vote taken: motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned.

Dated at Boise, Idaho, this ___ day of August, 2000.

Myrna J. Walters

Commission Secretary