08/05/05 PUC makes changes in wind power case

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is reducing the size of non-firmed wind projects that can qualify for a special rate paid to small-power producers by companies such as Idaho Power. The PUC said yesterday that small, non-firm wind projects can be no larger than 100 kilowatts to qualify for the rate. The previous limit was 10 megawatts. Exempt from the lower limit are wind contracts that are 'firm,' meaning they can be backed up with an alternative energy while the wind fails to blow. Any project that has a signed power purchase agreement with Idaho Power dated before July first is also exempt. The Public Utilities Commission will examine whether the 61 dollars per megawatt paid to small wind developers is too high and what effect that price has on all utility ratepayers. Since last November, Idaho Power has signed contracts from wind developers totaling 61.5 megawatts and has applications pending for another 21.5 MW. The company has also received contracts from developers intending to pursue another 193 MW of wind projects. Two years ago Idaho Power had less than one megawatt of PURPA wind-powered generation under contract. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott