Frequently Asked Questions for Oregon Customers
- Where can customers view the order from OPUC?
- How do Idaho Power’s rates compare to other utilities?
- How is Idaho Power helping customers become energy efficient?
- How is Idaho Power helping customers who are having difficulty paying their bill?
1. Where can customers view the order from OPUC?
A copy of the order is available on Idaho Power’s Web site at www.idahopower.com/oregonrates, and also is posted on the OPUC Web site.
2. How do Idaho Power’s rates compare to other utilities?
Idaho Power’s customer rates are among the lowest in the country, according to a semi-annual survey by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) of investor-owned utilities across the nation.
The survey is conducted in January and July each year (with data reported in approximately May and November), and looks at rates paid by all customer groups, including residential, commercial and industrial customers.
Idaho Power’s rates are based upon historically low production costs from a finite set of 17 hydroelectric generation facilities and two natural gas-fired plants we own and operate, as well as shared ownership in three coal plants.
We face the same high marginal costs as other utilities to serve new loads in the future and meet our commitment to provide reliable, responsible, fair-priced energy services, today and tomorrow.
3. How is Idaho Power helping customers become energy efficient?
Idaho Power is committed to helping all customers through a variety of ongoing energy assistance initiatives.
The most important is helping consumers use energy efficiently and take advantage of programs that can help cut costs by reducing consumption. Go to www.idahopower.com/energyefficiency for information on programs and tools to help make wise energy choices and save energy and money for your home or business.
You will find money-saving energy efficiency ideas specific to lighting, insulation and weatherization, as well as online brochures with winter and summer energy saving tips, a home energy-saving checklist and ways to manage your electricity bill.
4. How is Idaho Power helping customers who are having difficulty paying their bill?
Idaho Power supports a number of energy assistance programs to help customers:
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded program for qualified households. The program provides a one-time benefit (per program year) to assist with heating costs in the winter.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on a number of factors including household size and income. Customers can find out if they qualify for Energy Assistance by contacting the social service agency nearest them. To find the nearest agency, go to www.idahopower.com/energyassistance and click on “City” under “Agency Locations.”
Finding an agency either way is quick and confidential. Agency information also is included in all reminder and final notices mailed to customers November through February.
Project Share
Project Share is a valuable community service providing voluntary contributions to individuals and families needing help paying their electric, natural gas, propane, oil or firewood bills.
Idaho Power started Project Share in 1982 and the company and its customers have actively supported our communities through the program for almost three decades. The program is administered by The Salvation Army.
Customers who need help paying energy bills should contact The Salvation Army or go to www.idahopower.com/energyassistance and click on “City” under “Agency Locations.”
We are sensitive to the impacts this extended downturn is having across our communities and strive to demonstrate understanding in many ways, including through charitable giving by our IDACORP Foundation.
In early 2010, IDACORP elected to contribute an additional $75,000 to Project Share, on top of $25,000 donated in December 2009. Every penny of this donation will be sent to The Salvation Army.
Weatherization Assistance Program
In addition to LIHEAP and Project Share, Idaho Power customers also may benefit from free weatherization of electrically heated homes offered to qualified customers.
Idaho and Oregon Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies administer this program with financial assistance from Idaho Power.
Weatherization improvements enable residents to maintain a more comfortable, safe, and energy efficient home while reducing their monthly electricity consumption. Improvements are available at no cost to qualifying applicants who own or rent their homes. These customers also receive educational materials and efficiency ideas for further reducing energy use in their homes.
Local CAP agencies determine program eligibility according to the same federal and state guidelines used to determine eligibility for energy assistance.
Energy assistance and weatherization program brochures are available for free download at www.idahopower.com/energyassistance.
Budget Pay
Budget Pay can help customers keep electricity bills manageable all year long.
With this payment plan electricity charges are spread out evenly over a 12-month period, avoiding highs and lows in billing so customers know how much they owe each month.
This service is available to all residential customers with current accounts and no past-due amounts owed. To see if an account qualifies and to sign up for Budget Pay, register to become an Account Manager at www.idahopower.com.
In addition to setting up Budget Pay, Account Manager allows you to get details on your usage, billings and payments, update account information and more. To register as an Account Manager, you will need your Idaho Power account number and last payment amount. Once you have this information, click “Register Now” in the Account Manager box. It’s quick, easy and convenient!
Five no-cost ways to cut your energy use right now and save on your bill
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are at home (health permitting) and even lower at night and when you are away.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees—typically halfway between the “medium” and “low” setting (only if your dishwasher is early 1990s or newer).
- Wash full loads of laundry
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun heat your home.
If you’ve done all you can do to manage your usage and you’re still having trouble managing costs, there are people who can help. Learn more.
