Less than a year ago, we celebrated when the City of Boise and the state’s largest utility company, Idaho Power, announced goals to be powered by 100 percent clean electricity.
But as many of you pointed out at the time, goals are only as good as the followthrough. While Idaho Power was one of the first electric utility companies in the nation to set a carbon-free goal, was this simply a greenwashing ploy? Or did it represent something much bigger -- a paradigm shift -- and perhaps the moment we really turned away from dirty fossil fuels in favor of resilient, affordable, Idaho based clean energy?
Just a couple of weeks ago, Idaho Power filed its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with state regulators. Every two years, utility companies produce an updated 20-year plan that charts how the company plans to meet future energy needs over the next two decades. And the good news for Idaho’s customers and climate is that Idaho Power’s 2019 plan truly represents a paradigm shift.
For the first time in Company history, Idaho Power has chosen to retire the entirety of its remaining coal fleet well ahead of schedule. And for the first time, the Company plans to meet our future energy needs mostly with clean, renewable energy.
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Idaho Power Company |
2017 IRP |
2019 IRP |
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Remaining coal retirements |
Jim Bridger units 1-2 to close in 2028/2032. Units 3-4 run indefinitely. |
JB units to retire in 2022, 2026, 2028, 2030. |
|
New Generation Resources |
Only new gas, no new renewables |
Mostly new renewables, more than 1.5 GW wind, solar, and storage |
In years past, when Idaho Power has filed an IRP before state regulators, we ask that you submit critical comments and push the Company to conduct better analysis on a variety of fronts. This year, we’re asking you to support Idaho Power’s 2019 IRP and thank the Company for looking so seriously towards what's best for Idahoans’ environment and pocketbooks.
Well done, Idaho Power Company. Thank you!
To submit comments visit the case form at https://puc.idaho.gov/Form/CaseComment/ Reference case Number IPC-E-19-19
Tell the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that you support Idaho Power's plan. Moving expeditiously away from out-of-state coal plants in favor of local clean energy saves customers money and puts our energy dollars to work in Idaho's economy.