Boise-The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) on May 29 approved a 10.2 percent rate hike for this year, as well as three other rate adjustments, increasing overall rates by an average of 13.5 percent. The other three adjustments include an increase in an Energy Efficiency Rider (2.25 percent), money for the installation of automated meters (1.8 percent), and an annual Fixed Cost Adjustment (1.3 percent). The Industrial Users of Idaho Power, including the J.R. Simplot Co., earlier asked IPUC to defer or spread out a 10.2 percent increase in a Power Cost Adjustment over three years in equal annual installments. The commission said collecting the full amount in one year assures the financial community that Idaho Power is able to recover reasonably incurred power supply costs. The PCA increase is from 0.7864 cents per kWh to 1.4 cents per kWh. IPUC commissioners said that while they are reluctant to approve rate increases beyond what is needed, especially during tough economic times, they are convinced reduced energy use will result from the Energy Efficiency Rider, Fixed Cost Adjustment, and installation of automated meters, keeping customer rates lower than they otherwise would be in future years. In its order, the IPUC stated: “The commission must also keep an eye toward the future and maintain a proactive approach that will best serve long-term ratepayer interests.” Meanwhile, the IPUC also recently approved a five-year agreement between Idaho Power and Boston-based EnerNOC to reduce demand from commercial and industrial customers by at least two megawatts this year and by at least 50 megawatts in both 2012 and 2013. Commercial and industrial customers who volunteer to participate would be asked to reduce their energy loads for two to four hours during summer days when demand on Idaho Power’s generation system is at its peak. Participants would be compensated in exchange for reduced loads.
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