Greg Said director of State Regulation, said: “Idaho Power is asking the OPUC for authorization to raise the base rates it charges Oregon retail customers for the first time in five years. The company has increased rates related to power supply expenses during these years; however, over that period we made significant investments that are not reflected in rates. These infrastructure investments ensure we can provide reliable power on-demand to our current and future customers. This request seeks to recover those investments.”
From 2003 to 2008, the company’s electric plant investment increased approximately $800million, including: two simple-cycle gas-fired peaking plants, new construction at 21 substation sites, addition of 1,975 pole-miles of distribution line; and capacity expansion or new construction affecting 95 pole-miles of transmission line.
Following the filing of Idaho Power’s proposed rate change, the OPUC would commence a comprehensive review of the application and would look for a public input on the filing. The process ensures that customers and regulators have the opportunity to review Idaho Power’s costs.
