November 2, 2009

Idaho Power Selected for Smart Grid Funding

On Oct. 27, Idaho Power was notified by the Department of Energy (DOE) for the selection of a potential $47 million in stimulus funding as part of the agency’s Smart Grid funding opportunity.

The planned work outlined in the company’s proposal includes projects focused on the areas of Advanced Metering, Customer Information Systems and improvements to the electrical infrastructure surrounding and including Idaho Power’s service area.

Among other benefits, we believe that community participation through this Smart Grid initiative will help Idaho Power lead the way and achieve measureable results towards:

• Reduced electricity consumption

• Lower peak demand

• Continuation of some of the lowest electric rates in the nation

• Reduced costs of power interruptions

• More reliability and resiliency in operating the grid

• Reliable and efficient integration of renewable generation resources

Funding commitments have not been made. Next steps include a negotiation process between DOE and Idaho Power representatives followed by a briefing currently planned for the week of Nov. 16. More information will be made available once negotiations have been completed.