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Electric power from solar generation facilities poses challenges to the reliable operation of a vertically integrated power system similar to those posed by wind power. These challenges largely relate to the incremental operating reserve required of the system to balance the variable and uncertain delivery of generation from these resources.

Idaho Power is planning to study these challenges with the intent of understanding their impacts and associated costs. As with wind, the assessment of these costs is an important part of efforts to ensure that the price Idaho Power pays in acquiring solar power is fair to generators and customers alike.

While the solar integration study is in its preliminary stages, it is expected to include a public workshop at which interested parties can provide comments on study methodology and analysis. At this time, Idaho Power is soliciting comments and questions from the public, which the company can utilize as it formulates a preliminary study design. Send us your comments.