Idaho Rejects Plan to Raise Rates for Solar Users

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State regulators have rejected a plan by the Idaho's biggest utility to raise rates and fees on customers who generate small amounts of solar power at home. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued its decision this week, siding with 386 homeowners and small businesses owners who have solar panels on roofs or built small wind turbines. The homeowners also had the support from the City of Boise, solar panel installers and renewable energy advocates. The Idaho Statesman reports the commission rejected a proposal by Idaho Power Co. to raise rates on those customers and quadruple the fees they paid to hook into the power grid. Regulators also criticized the utility for not working to solve differences with those customers before bringing a formal case to the PUC.