20170817press release.pdf

Case No. INT-G-17-03
Contact: Matt Evans
[phone] or [phone]
www.puc.idaho.gov

Comment deadline set for Intermountain Gas
proposal for new energy efficiency program
BOISE (Aug. 17, 2017) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has set a Sept. 15 deadline
for comments on Intermountain Gas’ proposal to fund a new program that would
encourage customers to save energy.
The company’s plan calls for the creation of a billing mechanism that would allow it to
recover costs associated with the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program from its residential
customers.
The program is expected to cost $770,000 in its first year, leading to a 22-cent increase on
the average residential customer’s monthly bill.
The majority of the expenses ($600,000 in the first year) would cover rebates issued to
customers who enact energy-efficiency measures. These measures include upgrades to
high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, new home construction with Energy Star
certification and installation of energy-efficient fireplace inserts.
In addition to helping customers save money through reduced energy use, conservation
programs reduce the need for a utility to generate energy or purchase it from more
expensive sources, and offset the need to build new generation facilities.
Under Intermountain’s proposal, the Commission would review the program annually to
determine whether it benefits all customers, not just those that directly participate. The
intent of the Commission’s review would be to establish that all costs are prudently
incurred and reasonable, and that all customer bills would be higher without the programs.
The utility has requested that the rate increase take effect Oct. 1, to coincide with the
effective date of a proposed decrease to the company’s Purchased Gas Cost Adjustment
(PGA).
Intermountain Gas provides natural gas service to approximately 335,000 customers in 75
communities throughout southern Idaho.
Its application for funding the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program and other case documents
are available for review on the Commission’s website, www.puc.idaho.gov. Once on the
website, click on “Open Cases” under the “Natural Gas” heading and scroll down to Case No.
INT-G-17-03. As the case progresses, testimony and exhibits from commission staff and
other parties as well as customer comments will be posted to the website.
Comments can be submitted via mail or online on the Commission’s website. To submit a
comment online, click on “Case Comment Form” under the “Natural Gas” heading and enter
the case number, INT-G-17-03. Or you can mail comments to the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0074.
The company’s PGA application is also available online. It is Case No. INT-G-17-05.