20081024order_no_30661.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
October 24, 2008
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMMISSION'
INQUIRY ABOUT ENERGY
AFFORDABILITY ISSUES AND
WORKSHOPS ORDER NO. 30661
CASE NO. GNR-08-
On September 29, 2008, the Commission issued a "Notice of Public Workshops
which initiated a public forum to explore "issues related to the affordability of energy in our
state.Order No. 30644 at 1. On October 3 , 2008, the Community Action Partnership
Association of Idaho (CAP AI) filed a Petition to Intervene. In its Petition, CAP AI indicated its
desire to "participate in this proceeding as a party and introduce testimony and exhibits, cross-
examine other witnesses, engage in oral argument, file comments, and otherwise fully participate
as a party.
The purpose of our public forum is to examIne Issues surrounding energy
affordability. In particular, the Commission noted that energy affordability has become an
important issue for many Idaho households and businesses as energy rates increase. The Notice
of Public Workshops directed our energy utilities to take part in the workshops. Besides the
utilities, all other "interested customers and organizations are also encouraged to participate.Id.
The Notice also set out a proposed list of topics, a workshop schedule, and provided an
opportunity for further public comment. Because the workshops are open to all participants, our
Notice did not set a deadline for intervention.
FINDINGS OF FACT
After reviewing CAP AI's Petition to Intervene , we decline to grant intervention status
because participation in our public workshops is open to all. The workshop format was chosen
for this initial stage to allow any and all persons/parties to participate. The Commission
anticipates that these informal workshops may lead to the filing of formal cases or further
interest in more formal proceedings. At that time, any interested potential parties will have an
opportunity to intervene.
We find that intervention, for purposes of participating in a multi-utility case limited
to workshops and comments, is unnecessary and contrary to the intended objective. This
ORDER NO. 30661
proceeding is an open group effort in which participants gather to discuss a variety of issues
involving energy affordability. It is not yet the typical Commission proceeding where parties
petition for intervenor status and present evidence through formal testimony and/or exhibits.
We further find that any benefit provided as a right of intervention, i., entering
exhibits, cross-examining witnesses, engaging in oral argument, etc., is moot based on the
chosen format for this. case. Finally, we find that open workshops soliciting any and all
participation is consistent with Title 61 of the Idaho Code "to encourage participation at all
stages of all proceedings before the commission so that all affected customers receive full and
fair representation in those proceedings.Idaho Code ~ 61-617 A.
ORDER
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Petition to Intervene filed by CAP AI is
hereby denied.
DONE by Order ofthe Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho, this ;l. 'ITA
day of October 2008.
RSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
.. D. Jewell
ission Secretary
O:GNR-08-01 ks2
ORDER NO. 30661