Idaho Renewable Rate Debates
Idaho developers and utilities are at odds over the application of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) to mandate renewable energy rates. Kootenai Electric Cooperative, a small cooperative in Hayden, Idaho, is developing a landfill gas project with Kootenai County. However, Avista Corp., the Spokane, Washington-based utility, has rejected the price Kootenai Electric can demand under PURPA. Avista inserted a provision into the agreement struck late Tuesday, which may thwart Kootenai Electric’s plans. As a concession to Idaho Power, which opposed extending the tax break on grounds intermittent wind power drives up their customers’ rates, there would be new size limits on future wind projects that could take advantage of PURPA. Forbes has the story.
