Idaho Power braces for long summer

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Idaho Power braces for long summer 03/15/01

By Ken Dey Utility wants to add 25 temporary generators By Ken Dey Idaho Press-Tribune BOISE — As signs of a severe energy crunch worsen, Idaho Power is making plans to install 25 temporary mobile generators across the state to boost supplies in the critical summer months. The generators are among a host of preparations the state’s largest electric utility is taking to combat high prices and high power usage when hot weather arrives. A horribly low snowpack has sparked grave concerns about Idaho Power’s ability to provide low-cost hydroelectric power, which gives Idahoans among the cheapest power in the nation. Idaho Power spokesman Dennis Lopez said this year is expected to be the second-worst water year since 1929. “It’s a crisis,” Lopez said. The company is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other state and federal agencies for permission to run all available water through company power plants. That means there could be no water flowing over the Snake River’s Twin Falls, the picturesque tourist site just upstream of the Southern Idaho city. By using the 25 temporary generators, company officials expect to save customers between $150,000 and $200,000 a day based on present and projected energy prices. The 25 mobile generators would be able to provide enough power for up to 26,000 homes. Installing the generators will require approval from the Department of Environmental Quality and temporary use permits from local jurisdictions where the generators are finally placed. Idaho Power spokeswoman Lynette Berriochoa said the company has started the permitting process with the DEQ. When that’s complete, she said, the company will start announcing the locations for the generators. The goal is to have the generators online by May 1. The generators would then be used until Nov. 1. Idaho Power also hopes to add a 90 megawatt natural gas-fired power plant northeast of Mountain Home. The first phase of that plant could be completed later this year and provide enough power for up to 58,000 homes. Berriochoa said the generators are intended help the company better meet the extra demand for power in the summer months without having to go to the open market and purchase power at inflated prices. Idaho Power already said it will have to ask for a rate increase during its annual rate adjustment in May to recoup more than $160 million in power costs it’s already incurred buying power on the wholesale market. n To contact Ken, call 465-8118 or e-mail kdey@idahopress.com http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=347&NewsID=65049&show=localnews&om=2

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), March 18, 2001


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