Idaho Power Co., the state’s largest utility, has told the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that wind farmers should pay the millions of dollars for upgrades needed to connect them to the power grid. Wind farmers say Idaho Power should pay for the upgrades, as required by a 1978 law. The commission is hearing arguments over the dispute.

Energy Policy General Zoning/Planning Idaho

They've considered more hydroelectric plants, but depending on the water year they can be unreliable. They’ve also thought of wind turbines, but again those are only as reliable as the wind, and according to them nuclear power isn’t an option for at least 20 years.

Energy Policy General Zoning/Planning Idaho

That’s good news to people who support renewable energy such as wind, solar and biomass -- but all supporters still have to face the state’s decision on the issue before they can get too excited: Results of a state utilities wind integration study are forthcoming.

Energy Policy General Idaho

Director Bob Boren reported that the Idaho Consumer-owned Utilities Association (ICUA) has passed a resolution to get hydroelectric power reclassified as "green" energy. The resolution next goes on to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association for consideration at the regional and national levels.

Energy Policy Idaho