Idaho Power is committed to providing our customers in Oregon and Idaho reliable, responsible electric service that powers lives. Meeting this commitment requires periodically changing the rates we all pay for electric service.

On May 28, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) approved two rate actions Idaho Power filed this spring.

The new rates resulting from the Annual Power Cost Update (APCU) and an adjustment to the amount collected through the Oregon Conservation Program Funding charge, now known as Energy Efficiency Services, take effect June 1. Find more details about the APCU and Energy Efficiency Services below.

We encourage you to plan ahead and see how these changes may impact your budget in the future. Get information about Energy Efficiency programs that can help you save energy and money.

Learn more about the June 1 rate changes by customer group:

• Residential Rates
• Business Rates
• Agricultural Irrigation Rates

Annual Power Cost Update

The Annual Power Cost Update (APCU) consists of two components that combine to result in a single annual adjustment to rates, up or down, based on certain factors.

The first component, the annual October Update (last filed in 2009), allows us to update permanent rates to reflect current power supply costs, assuming normal or average power generated by our hydroelectric plants.

Hydroelectric generation is dependent on the amount of available water from snowpack and varies year to year, impacting costs as a result.

The second component, the March Forecast, allows us to temporarily adjust rates to reflect the anticipated actual costs of supplying power to our customers based on our cost forecast for the coming year.

Energy Efficiency Services

Helping you use energy efficiently is important to Idaho Power. It’s why we offer programs that give you the opportunity to cut costs by reducing your energy use, and tools to help you make wise energy choices that save energy and money for your home or business.

Idaho Power’s energy efficiency rider supports cost-effective programs and initiatives for all customer groups, promoting energy efficiency and demand response.

On May 28, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) approved Idaho Power’s request to adjust the amount collected through the Oregon Conservation Program Funding charge, and to change the charge name to “Energy Efficiency Services.”

Additionally, because we have been able to implement a broad array of programs for all customer groups, the commission also approved removal of the current rider caps of $1.75 per month for residential customers and $50 per month per meter for irrigators. This ensures funding for programs is equitable for all customer groups.

Overall Impact of These Actions

The APCU is an overall annual increase in Oregon base rates of approximately $2.4 million, with $3.2 million to be recovered through the March forecast rate over the next 12 months.

Because the current 2009 APCU is recovering approximately $3.4 million annually, the net revenue change will be approximately $2.2 million—equivalent to a 5.5 percent increase.

The energy efficiency rider increases from 1.5 percent to 3 percent of base revenue and removes monthly funding caps for residential and irrigation service. This increased percentage is expected to result in an additional $800,000 for a total of $1.2 million per year.

The combined impact to Oregon customers is an overall average 6.68 percent increase.