Idaho Energy Efficiency Programs

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has declared prudent an electric utility's investment of $7.46 million in energy-efficiency programs in 2014 and 2015.

The commission observed that its ruling, which involved PacifiCorp dba Rocky Mountain Power, will have no impact on base rates. But, the commission cautioned, it could affect the level of funds generated by an efficiency rider paid by the utility's customers, which currently is set at 2.7% of the monthly bill amount.

According to the commission, energy savings realized by the programs increased by 38% from 2014 to 2015, largely as a result of changes to residential offerings thereunder. At the same time, because of increases in customer participation, the company had reported a concomitant increase in program expenses during that period, going from $3,222,115 in 2014 to $4,238,600 in 2015.

Despite the added program costs, the commission concluded that, overall, the utility's residential portfolio was reasonable and cost-effective. However, the commission did note that Rocky Mountain Power's low-income weatherization program remains noncost-effective, a problem that it recognized as persisting at most utilities. The commission commented that offerings aimed at limited-income customers face special challenges, but that the company had managed its program properly. (Case No. PAC-E-16-14, Order No. 33766)