April 17, 2009
Maria Weber
30680 Shelton Rd.
Parma, Idaho 83660
Dear Maria:
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the location of Idaho Power's proposed 500 kilovolt transmission line. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
My office has had numerous similar comments over the past several weeks. We have regularly been sharing your concerns and mine with Idaho Power and have recently been told that they do intend to relocate this transmission line well away from Parma in an entirely different location.
I share your concerns with the proposed construction of this transmission line, but as you probably know, state and local entities, such as county planning and zoning boards and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), ultimately hold the authority to approve projects. As such, I urge you to remain vigilant and in contact with these authorities to ensure your complaints are heard until final approvals are issued.
If you have remaining questions or concerns about the process, you may wish to call or email comments and concerns to Idaho Power Company. It is my hope that this situation may be resolved favorably for all parties involved. In the meantime, please rest assured that I will continue to work to ensure Idaho's views are represented at the national level.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact me in the future on this or other matters of interest to you. For more information about the issues before the U.S. Senate as well as news releases, photos, and other items of interest, please visit my Senate website, http://crapo.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Mike Crapo
United States Senator
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
IDAHO POWER WILL INCREASE RATES UP TO 11%
News Releases
April 15, 2009
Idaho Power Files Annual Power Cost Adjustment
BOISE, Idaho—Idaho Power today filed for the annual power cost adjustment (PCA) with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). This filing reflects a true-up of last year's forecasted costs to actual expenses, as well as anticipated fuel costs for generating electricity, power purchases and offsets from the benefit of off-system sales for the coming year. The PCA, an annual filing in place since 1992, is strictly a cost recovery mechanism that passes on both the benefits and costs of supplying energy to Idaho Power customers. It does not contain a profit component.
If approved, today's filing means a rate increase of $93.8 million for the company's Idaho customers, or 11.40 percent overall. For the typical residential customer using 1,050 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month, the monthly increase will be approximately $7.20. The actual percentage of change varies by customer group based upon the rate they pay for electricity.
For more info, visit http://www.idahopower.com
April 15, 2009
Idaho Power Files Annual Power Cost Adjustment
BOISE, Idaho—Idaho Power today filed for the annual power cost adjustment (PCA) with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). This filing reflects a true-up of last year's forecasted costs to actual expenses, as well as anticipated fuel costs for generating electricity, power purchases and offsets from the benefit of off-system sales for the coming year. The PCA, an annual filing in place since 1992, is strictly a cost recovery mechanism that passes on both the benefits and costs of supplying energy to Idaho Power customers. It does not contain a profit component.
If approved, today's filing means a rate increase of $93.8 million for the company's Idaho customers, or 11.40 percent overall. For the typical residential customer using 1,050 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month, the monthly increase will be approximately $7.20. The actual percentage of change varies by customer group based upon the rate they pay for electricity.
For more info, visit http://www.idahopower.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
QUESTIONS???
If you have a question you would like answered, we will do our best to find the FACT. Just post your question under "comments", and we will post answers as soon as we have them.
QUESTION FOR THE DAY - 4-15-09
What is the Community Advisory Process?
Following the review of comments received during scoping, Idaho Power initiated the Community Advisory Process to recommend proposed and alternate routes for the proposed Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project.
Representatives from local communities will serve on the teams and will make recommendations to Idaho Power on a proposed and alternate line routes.
Teams will meet four or fives times to learn the basics about electricity, infrastructure, rates, siting requirements and other topics. Next they will work with maps that show constraints and opportunities to place lines on the map that represent their preferred locations for siting the line.
Check back soon to learn more about Idaho Power’s Community Advisory Process.
Following the review of comments received during scoping, Idaho Power initiated the Community Advisory Process to recommend proposed and alternate routes for the proposed Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project.
Representatives from local communities will serve on the teams and will make recommendations to Idaho Power on a proposed and alternate line routes.
Teams will meet four or fives times to learn the basics about electricity, infrastructure, rates, siting requirements and other topics. Next they will work with maps that show constraints and opportunities to place lines on the map that represent their preferred locations for siting the line.
Check back soon to learn more about Idaho Power’s Community Advisory Process.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
LATEST NEWS
A "Pause" in the Process
Remember, the PUC bestows the power of eminent domain.
April 10
Via Electronic Mail
ALJ Arlow
Public Utilities Commission of Oregon
PO Box 2148
Salem, OR 97308-2148
Re : Docket LC-41
Dear Judge Arlow:
For the reasons discussed below, Idaho Power Company, ("Idaho Power") respectfully requests that the public meeting scheduled in this docket for April 15th, 2009, be cancelled, and the remainder of the schedule temporarily suspended.
Last month at the public participation meetings in Baker City and Ontario, Idaho Power heard significant concern about the timing of this Addendum filing--both with respect to the proximity to the 2009 IRP that will be filed this summer, and the length of time that has elapsed since the 2006 IRP was acknowledged. In addition, the Company has recently heard that Commission Staff shares some of these concerns and would like to see additional analysis of the Boardman to Hemingway line that was not contained in the addendum.
At the same time, the Company has recently agreed to a "pause" in the EFSEC process to allow for further discussions and negotiations among stakeholders regarding the siting of the line. Accordingly, the expected "on-line" date for the Boardman to Hemingway Project is now pushed out beyond 2013.
In view of these developments, the Company would like to consider its options for proceeding in this docket. The pause in the EFSEC process allows the Company some additional time to consider how it might accommodate the issues raised by intervenors and Staff, and the company wishes to take advantage of that opportunity before presenting its case to the Commission. For this reason, Idaho Power requests that the April 15 Public Meeting be cancelled. Because the schedule in this docket is fairly tight, the Company understands that a cancellation of the Public Meeting will require the remainder of the schedule to be continued. For this reason the Company asks that the entire schedule be temporarily suspended. Once the Company has determined how it wishes to proceed, it can consult with the other parties and request a pre-hearing conference.
Idaho Power has discussed the report with Staff and Staff supports its request.
Very truly yours,
Lisa Rackner
McDowell & Rackner PC
You can see copies of all PUC filings on the B2H line at http://apps.puc.state.or.us/edockets/docket.asp?DocketID=13697
Remember, the PUC bestows the power of eminent domain.
April 10
Via Electronic Mail
ALJ Arlow
Public Utilities Commission of Oregon
PO Box 2148
Salem, OR 97308-2148
Re : Docket LC-41
Dear Judge Arlow:
For the reasons discussed below, Idaho Power Company, ("Idaho Power") respectfully requests that the public meeting scheduled in this docket for April 15th, 2009, be cancelled, and the remainder of the schedule temporarily suspended.
Last month at the public participation meetings in Baker City and Ontario, Idaho Power heard significant concern about the timing of this Addendum filing--both with respect to the proximity to the 2009 IRP that will be filed this summer, and the length of time that has elapsed since the 2006 IRP was acknowledged. In addition, the Company has recently heard that Commission Staff shares some of these concerns and would like to see additional analysis of the Boardman to Hemingway line that was not contained in the addendum.
At the same time, the Company has recently agreed to a "pause" in the EFSEC process to allow for further discussions and negotiations among stakeholders regarding the siting of the line. Accordingly, the expected "on-line" date for the Boardman to Hemingway Project is now pushed out beyond 2013.
In view of these developments, the Company would like to consider its options for proceeding in this docket. The pause in the EFSEC process allows the Company some additional time to consider how it might accommodate the issues raised by intervenors and Staff, and the company wishes to take advantage of that opportunity before presenting its case to the Commission. For this reason, Idaho Power requests that the April 15 Public Meeting be cancelled. Because the schedule in this docket is fairly tight, the Company understands that a cancellation of the Public Meeting will require the remainder of the schedule to be continued. For this reason the Company asks that the entire schedule be temporarily suspended. Once the Company has determined how it wishes to proceed, it can consult with the other parties and request a pre-hearing conference.
Idaho Power has discussed the report with Staff and Staff supports its request.
Very truly yours,
Lisa Rackner
McDowell & Rackner PC
You can see copies of all PUC filings on the B2H line at http://apps.puc.state.or.us/edockets/docket.asp?DocketID=13697
Monday, April 13, 2009
QUESTION FOR THE DAY - 4-13-09
What will the towers look like?
Design and Construction
A variety of transmission line structure designs may be used for the project. The structures may be a combination of single and double circuit towers and steel lattice and tubular steel towers. The proposed design aspects for the towers are listed below:
Tower height
Steel lattice: 140 to 190 feet
Steel pole H-frame: 100 to 150 feet
Tower footprint: 40 feet x 40 feet
Span length: 1,200 to 1,500 feet
Ground clearance: minimum of 35 feet
Right of way width: 250 feet
Construction
Construction of the proposed transmission line would begin after Idaho Power receives permits from the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, and a site certificate from the Oregon Department of Energy. If the project is approved, Idaho Power could begin construction by mid-2011.
Idaho Power will oversee all transmission line and substation design and construction. Idaho Power plans to contract with construction companies to build the line.
During construction, Idaho Power will utilize best management practices in order to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.
Design and Construction
A variety of transmission line structure designs may be used for the project. The structures may be a combination of single and double circuit towers and steel lattice and tubular steel towers. The proposed design aspects for the towers are listed below:
Tower height
Steel lattice: 140 to 190 feet
Steel pole H-frame: 100 to 150 feet
Tower footprint: 40 feet x 40 feet
Span length: 1,200 to 1,500 feet
Ground clearance: minimum of 35 feet
Right of way width: 250 feet
Construction
Construction of the proposed transmission line would begin after Idaho Power receives permits from the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, and a site certificate from the Oregon Department of Energy. If the project is approved, Idaho Power could begin construction by mid-2011.
Idaho Power will oversee all transmission line and substation design and construction. Idaho Power plans to contract with construction companies to build the line.
During construction, Idaho Power will utilize best management practices in order to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.
LATEST NEWS
04/03/09
Idaho Power Removes Sand Hollow Station from the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project
In conjunction with the Community Advisory Process (CAP), Idaho Power has removed the Sand Hollow Station from the project and the CAP. Idaho Power has notified the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Energy-Energy Facility Siting Council of this decision.
For more information view the Idaho Power letters to the BLM and ODOE-EFSC.
Idaho Power Removes Sand Hollow Station from the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project
In conjunction with the Community Advisory Process (CAP), Idaho Power has removed the Sand Hollow Station from the project and the CAP. Idaho Power has notified the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Energy-Energy Facility Siting Council of this decision.
For more information view the Idaho Power letters to the BLM and ODOE-EFSC.
Crop Dusters and Power Lines
Testimony of James Jennings of Farmers Aerial Applicators, Ontario, OR, to the Oregon House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee April 9th, 2009: Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Oregon House Bill 3153. . . We are a small two airplane operation which employs two pilots year round and up to six other people on a seasonal basis. We are based at the Ontario airport and most of our customers are located in the Ontario, Nyssa, and Vale areas . . .At the start of the row crop spraying season, the plants are small and can be treated with ground sprayers if necessary. As the plants mature, they "close over the row" and a ground sprayer can't get through the field without running over the foliage.This is where the airplane comes in. We don't touch the foliage and can spray even if the field is wet. So during this period, aircraft are almost exclusively used for applying pesticides to these crops. It is necessary for us to be able to get good coverage of these fields. . . because the pests we miss eradicating can multiply and reinfest the whole field in a surprising short amount of time. . . The more obstacles there are in the vicinity, or actually in the field, the more difficult it is to get good coverage. Your normal (50 ft) power line that you may see running along the side of the road is one thing, and we can usually deal with them. But this 500 kV line with 195 foot tall towers is a whole other thing . . .In our day-to-day operations we have, on occasion, had a closer encounter with a power line . . . this 500 kV line, however, has wires that are 18" in diameter as I understand it. If an airplane hits one, the airplane will be destroyed, and probably the pilot too.When dealing with a field that has a powerline running through it, there are basically two ways to go. One can fly the field parallel to the line or perpendicular to the line.If parallel to the line, then we have to solve the problem of how to get material on the part of the field directly under the wires in between towers.If perpendicular, we can go under the wires, but what happens when we get to a support tower? The options are to pull up out of the field early and climb over the tower, or side-slip past the tower and go under the wire. Either one of these maneuvers will require a pullout and circle around to restart our pass on the other side of the tower.Here we have the same two choices: Go back under the wire and side-slip back onto course which is very difficult to accomplish, or come over the top of the tower and dive back down onto the field on course.The downside is we don't want to spray the whole countryside by leaving the spray on as we climb/descend the 200 feet needed to clear the tower. Either way, we will have to come in and clean up around the towers by making short passes near the base of the tower to be sure we have coverage there.A possibly worse situation is when the field is near this power line. The power line acts like a big airplane fence. It will restrict our room to maneuver. Sometimes we get very focused on the field we are spraying and its environs because we are looking for problems, like people that appear out of nowhere or watching where the spray drift is going, instead of looking to see what is in front of the airplane as we are turning. It can be very easy to miscalculate the wind as one is turning and get blown right into an obstacle such as this power line. To read more from this article, click here : http://stopidahopower.blogspot.com/
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