Idaho Utility Commission Reduces Length of Idaho Power Contracts

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has reduced the length of federally mandated contracts Idaho Power signs with renewable energy projects such as solar and wind from 20 years to five years.

The commissioners on Thursday approved the change that will be in place until the commission decides on an Idaho Power request to reduce the contract length to two years. Idaho Power says that federal laws requiring it to purchase power from renewable energy projects could cause customers to have to pay more.

The federal law allows states to determine contract length and terms. Idaho Power also says there are more companies wanting to sell renewable energy power than it needs. Commission spokesman Gene Fadness in a statement says dates for future hearings and customer comment deadlines will be announced.