The Commission is reviewing Idaho Power’s new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
Utilities regulated by the Commission must file IRPs every two years. The plan identifies projected growth and what resources the utility wants in order to serve its customers. One element of Idaho Power’s IRP is a proposal for a new transmission line.
If a new route is approved by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council the Commission may also be asked to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the construction of overhead transmission lines.
A CPCN would permit land to be condemned as a last recourse to complete the transmission project.
If Idaho Power makes this request, the OPUC will issue notices and hold public hearings.
All pertinent filing documents can be viewed at : http://apps.puc.state.or.us/edockets/docket.asp?DocketID=15980
You may mail written comments to the Commission at:
Attn.: LC 50
Administrative Hearings Division
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
P.O. Box 2148
Salem, OR 97308-2148
or
Make a comment online through this link: http://apps.puc.state.or.us/commentLC50/message.htm
To all parties in LC 50:
We have recently received some inquiries about the process for the April 20 public comment hearing in Ontario, Oregon. The hearing will start at 5:30 p.m. People will be asked to sign in if they wish to comment on the record, and I will call them up to the microphone to comment. I will be there to listen to comments and to answer questions, and so will representatives from Commission Staff and Idaho Power Company. A court reporter will also be there to transcribe comments for the record.
People do not need to arrive by 5:30 p.m. in order to comment. A sign-up sheet will remain by the entrance until 8:30 p.m. so people can sign in as they arrive. People will not, however, be permitted to sign in after 8:30 p.m. The hearing will continue until all those who sign in before 8:30 p.m. have commented. There will also be comment cards available to submit written comments. In addition, the Commission is setting up a link on its website for people to submit comments electronically. All comments will be part of the official record in the docket.
Please contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
Sarah Wallace
Administrative Law Judge
