Click on question from a category below to find answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find the information you're looking for, contact us.

Account Manager

1. I used to be a registered Account Manager, but now I can’t get into my account. What happened and what can I do to access my account information?
2. Does the company offer any no-fee bill payment options?
3. If I have multiple accounts can I delete the ones I'm not using in the Account Manager?
4. What do I do if I forgot my username or password?
5. How do I know how much my last payment was?
6. How do I make a payment through Account Manager?
7. Can I make a payment online without registering as an Account Manager?
8. Is there a fee to make a payment online?
9. I am a brand new customer. Am I able to register as an Account Manager?
10. When is the Web site down for maintenance?
11. Where did ExpressView go? I used to use it to look up information about my account.

General Information

1. What is the Service Charge on my bill?
2. Why is my bill so high?
3. I have problems paying my bill. What should I do?
4. I’m building a new home. What is the cost for new electric service installation?
5. Is a deposit required to start service?
6. Do you accept credit card payments?
7. What equipment does Idaho Power fix and what am I responsible for?
8. How are trees pruned?

Budget Pay

1. What is Budget Pay?
2. Why is it better than just paying Idaho Power for what I use each month?
3. How does Budget Pay work?
4. What if I paid too much?
5. What if I paid too little?
6. Does the budget amount ever change?
7. Can I go on Budget Pay at any time?
8. Are there any other important requirements?
9. Are there any other programs that could make paying my energy bill easier?

PreferredPay™

1. What is PreferredPay™?
2. How does it work?
3. How is it easier than paying by check each month?
4. Do I pay any charges for PreferredPay™?
5. Does this work well with Budget Pay, where I pay the same amount each month?
6. Will I still get a paper bill from Idaho Power?
7. How soon after I sign up will my PreferredPay™ payments begin?
8. How will I know my bill has been paid?
9. What if there is not enough money in my bank account to cover the payment?
10. What happens if I change financial institutions?
11. What if I move?
12. How do I sign up for PreferredPay™?
13. How do I cancel Preferred Pay™?

E-bill Service

1. What is E-bill Service?
2. How does E-bill Service work?
3. How do I sign up?
4. Will I still receive a paper bill in the mail if I sign up for online bill pay through CheckFree?
5. Will my financial privacy be protected?
6. What happens if there is a mistake with my e-bill payment?
7. Can I use e-Bill Service with Budget Pay?
8. How do I stop using CheckFree's online billing service?
9. What happens if I'm late paying my bill?

Summary Billing

1. What is Summary Billing?
2. How many accounts may be combined for Summary Billing?
3. What if I am unable to pay the entire amount due?

Project Share

1. What is Project Share?

 

 

Account Manager

1. I used to be a registered Account Manager, but now I can’t get into my account. What happened and what can I do to access my account information?

We recently redesigned and updated our Web site to create a more positive experience for customers and help them do business with us more quickly and easily.

If you haven’t logged on to the site in over 11 months, your Account Manager username and password information may have been deleted. All you need to do is re-register. You’ll need a copy of your most current bill with your account number and your last payment amount.

If you believe you are still registered and can't recall your login information, go to the “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username” links in the “Account Manager Login” panel available from every page and follow the instructions.

2. Does the company offer any no-fee bill payment options?

Yes, we offer free E-Bill Service and PreferredPay. With E-Bill you receive your bill via e-mail with the option to pay electronically through CheckFree. With PreferredPay you receive a paper bill but pay via automatic bank debiting.

3. If I have multiple accounts can I delete the ones I'm not using in the Account Manager?

No, you don’t have the online capability to delete accounts from Account Manager. However, for accounts you do not wish to display, go to "Update My Profile," under the Account Manager menu and uncheck the "Display This Account" box for that account.

4. What do I do if I forgot my username or password?

Just click on the “Forgot Password?” or “Forgot Username?” links within the Account Manager Login panel available from every page. You will need to enter the e-mail address you registered with. Instructions will be sent to your e-mail account on how to retrieve your login information.

5. How do I know how much my last payment was?

It can be found on your latest bill from Idaho Power.

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6. How do I make a payment through Account Manager?

Click on "Ways to Pay." Idaho Power offers several options for payment. PreferredPay and E-bill through CheckFree are two methods available to make online bill payments for no charge. You can elect to pay by credit card or check by phone, but there is a $2.85 fee for this service.

7. Can I make a payment online without registering as an Account Manager?

Yes. Under the Service and Billing menu, select the ”Residential” or “Business” link. Under Billing and Payment information, click "Ways to Pay." PreferredPay, E-Bill through CheckFree, and the convenience payment options by credit card or check allow you to pay online without registering.

8. Is there a fee to make a payment online?

There is a $2.85 fee for paying online or by phone with a credit card or check.

9. I am a brand new customer. Am I able to register as an Account Manager?

It is necessary to receive your first bill and have a payment posted to your Idaho Power account prior to being able to register as an Account Manager. If you have immediate customer service needs, call us at 388-2323 from the Treasure Valley area, or 1-800-488-6151. 

10. When is the Web site down for maintenance?

Only Account Manager functions are down every day for 10 minutes, between 8 and 8:10 p.m., and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. Content on the rest of the Web site is accessible during maintenance.

11. Where did ExpressView go? I used to use it to look up information about my account.

We have simplified registration for becoming an Account Manager. In addition, you can now login to Account Manager from every page on the site. ExpressView functionality has been removed from the site.

 

General Information

1. What is the Service Charge on my bill?

The service charge is a flat fee that helps recover costs involved with maintaining meters, lines and billing.

2. Why is my bill so high?

There are many reasons a bill appears high, including changes in the amount of energy you use, the effects of weather and changes in electricity rates. When trying to determine why your bill is high, first compare this year's energy use to last year's by checking your bill. Look for the heading "Your Electric Use Pattern" on Page 2 of your bill.

If you still have questions and need more information, call us at 388-2323 from the Treasure Valley area, or 1-800-488-6151. Personal assistance is available weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mountain Time. Please note: Monday is our busiest day. It may be easier to reach us Tuesday through Friday.

3. I have problems paying my bill. What should I do?

From time to time, many customers experience financial problems that make paying their bill on time difficult. We care about our customers and we'd like to work with you.

Here's what you can do. First, contact us as soon as you can. The quicker you do, the more likely we'll be able to make arrangements that work for you and for the company. If your problem is temporary, we're confident we can reach a suitable agreement. If your situation is likely to last for some time, one of our experienced professionals can work with you to explore payment arrangement options including information about energy assistance agencies.

4. I’m building a new home. What is the cost for new electric service installation?

The cost for new service varies and depends on a number of factors. Some factors include the distance of the home to our distribution lines, customer preferences for underground or overhead service and meter location. Generally, we send a company representative to the proposed site to determine a cost projection. This representative would let you know what that cost would be.

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5. Is a deposit required to start service?

For most residential customers, no deposit is required to have residential service started, but commercial and irrigation services may require a deposit.

For more information, call us at 388-2323 from the Treasure Valley, or 1-800-488-6151. Personal assistance is available weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mountain Time. Please note: Monday is our busiest day. It may be easier to reach us Tuesday through Friday.

6. Do you accept credit card payments?

Idaho Power accepts credit card and Check-By-Phone payments. However, our third-party payment company charges our customers a fee to use this service. Check out our other payment options.

7. What equipment does Idaho Power fix and what am I responsible for?

In general, Idaho Power is responsible for maintaining its equipment while customers are responsible for maintaining their equipment.

For example, the electric meter base installed by the initial homeowner or contractor is the customer's property. Similarly, any conduit containing electrical wires running from the house to the meter, is customer-owned and maintained. Idaho Power, on the other hand, owns the electric meter and is responsible for its repair.

Idaho Power's employees are trained to maintain our equipment (meters, wires, poles, etc.) but are not authorized to make repairs to customers' equipment or appliances. Any wiring improvements, appliance repairs, etc., should be done by a qualified electrician.

8. How are trees pruned?

Our contractors use a procedure called directional or natural pruning. The U.S. Forest Service and International Society of Arboriculture recommend this method. Idaho Power has been named a "Tree Line USA Utility" by the National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1997. This award recognizes the company for caring for the health of trees while removing branches and limbs growing too near company power lines. Learn more about pruning and trees from our Tree Safety section of our Web site.

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Budget Pay

1. What is Budget Pay?

This plan spreads your energy charges evenly over a 12-month period. The leveled payment is determined by the average of 12 monthly billings based on historical charges or an estimate of future charges. Learn more about Budget Pay.

2. Why is it better than just paying Idaho Power for what I use each month?

Energy bills can fluctuate from season to season. However, most incomes don't fluctuate, so paying a high energy bill may sometimes be difficult. With Budget Pay, you pay about the same each month, all year long. You'll find it much easier to budget your money.

3. How does Budget Pay work?

The budget year begins with your first bill after joining the plan. You pay equal amounts, generally, until your Budget Pay anniversary—your 12th month on the plan. Your Budget Pay Plan is then adjusted to reflect your actual energy usage for the past 12 months and any remaining balance or credit on your account. This total determines your new Budget Pay amount.

4. What if I paid too much?

It's simple. We'll keep a running total of your monthly balance. If you've paid too much by the end of your budget year we can apply your total credit to next year's Budget Pay or, if you prefer, give you a refund.

5. What if I paid too little?

That's easy, too. We'll keep a running total of your monthly budget balance. If you used more electricity than what we billed, we'll spread the amount over next year's Budget Pay Plan.

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6. Does the budget amount ever change?

Yes, occasionally. Your account is reviewed periodically because your electricity usage may go up or down. Besides rate changes and unusual weather, lifestyle changes like a new baby in the home can increase usage. Also, adding or removing equipment such as an air conditioner, swimming pool, hot tub, or even a dehumidifier could make a difference. We would notify you about changes either way.

7. Can I go on Budget Pay at any time?

Yes, you may begin the plan any time you choose, as long as you have a current account with a zero balance (no-past due amounts owed). Small commercial customers must have 12 months of billing history.

8. Are there any other important requirements?

Since Budget Pay is a service to you, we appreciate prompt payment. If your monthly bills are not paid on time, late payment charges may be applied and it may become necessary to remove your account from the plan.

9. Are there any other programs that could make paying my energy bills easier?

Yes. PreferredPay™ is an automatic payment plan that enables your payments to be made directly from your checking or savings account by your financial institution, and is very popular with Budget Pay customers. By combining the two programs, you have about the same payment made automatically at the same time each month.

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PreferredPay™

1. What is PreferredPay™?

It's a great way to have your electricity bills paid automatically from your checking or savings account.

2. How does it work?

It's easy. Just fill out the PreferredPay™ application authorizing your financial institution (bank, credit union or savings and loan association) to automatically deduct the amount of your Idaho Power bill from your checking account each month. Send the form to us now, or along with your next payment and include a voided blank check from your checkbook. We will take care of the rest.

3. How is it easier than paying by check each month?

You don't pay for postage or gasoline. There is no check to write. You'll never be late for a payment if you forget or are out of town.

4. Do I pay any charges for PreferredPay™?

No. PreferredPay™ is a free service from Idaho Power, although your financial institution may charge for this type of transaction. You may want to call them and ask. However, you will still save the money you're currently spending on stamps, gasoline and checks.

5. Does this work well with Budget Pay, where I pay the same each month?

Yes. PreferredPay™ and Budget Pay are made to work together. Not only can you make your payment automatically, but you will know approximately how much your bill will be. Each program works well alone, but the two, together, are often combined for even greater convenience.

6. Will I still get a paper bill from Idaho Power?

Yes, just like you do currently. And the upcoming date and amount of the automatic PreferredPay™ transfer will be printed right on the bill, so you'll know exactly how much will be deducted and when. If you have any questions, call us promptly before the payment is made.

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7. How soon after I sign up will my PreferredPay™ payments begin?

Your payments will begin with either the first or second Idaho Power bill you receive after you sign up. You'll know your next payment will be made automatically when you see the words "PreferredPay™" on the stub portion of your bill.

8. How will I know my bill has been paid?

Your PreferredPay™ deduction will be listed on your monthly bank statement as an item labeled "Idaho Power." Also, your Idaho Power bill each month will show your previous balance and the payment made through PreferredPay™.

9. What if there is not enough money in my bank account to cover the payment?

Just as if you were paying normally by check, a return check fee will be charged to your account if there are insufficient funds.

10. What happens if I change financial institutions?

It's easy. You simply fill out a new agreement and send it along with a voided check from your new financial institution. We'll take care of the transfer for you. Please note, depending on the timing of this change, your account may not transfer on the next bill you receive. Therefore, you may need to send payment for one bill.

11. What if I move?

If you move to another address served by Idaho Power but do not change financial institutions, we'll simply transfer the information required to your new account. If you change financial institutions, we'll need you to fill out the application form again with the new information.

12. How do I sign up for PreferredPay™?

Print out and complete the PreferredPay™ application. Mail your completed application along with a voided blank check from your bank account to: Idaho Power, P.O. Box 70, Boise, ID 83707-1866, or fax to: 208-388-6919.

13. How do I cancel PreferredPay™?

To cancel PreferredPay™, send an e-mail to customerwebmail@idahopower.com. In the body of the e-mail, state that you would like to discontinue PreferredPay™ and include the date you would like to cancel the program on. Be sure to include the following information as well:

• Your account number
• Your name
• Your address

Please note: A 30 day notice is preferred, but we will do our best to accommodate the date requested. You should receive a confirmation e-mail within two to three business days.

If you prefer, a letter containing the same information can be mailed to the following address:

Idaho Power
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707-1866
Fax: 208-388-6919

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E-bill Service

1. What is E-bill Service?

Idaho Power offers electronic billing and payment through CheckFree®. We call it E-bill Service and it's convenient, safe and reliable. Bills are electronically created and delivered over the Internet. Electronic payments are generated directly from your bank account. It offers you the flexibility to manage your bills at any time and from anywhere.

2. How does E-bill Service work?

To see how the e-bill process works, view a demo on the CheckFree Web site.

3. How do I sign up?

You will need to enroll with CheckFree and request Idaho Power as one of your e-billers. Once you've entered your account number and we've verified your account, your bill will be electronically created and sent to CheckFree. CheckFree will then e-mail you each month with a link to their e-bill site where you can view your bill at any time. You'll need to log in with your own secure ID and password. When you wish to make a payment, the electronic payments are generated directly from your bank account on the date you specify.

If you make other bill payments online and your financial institution (bank, credit union, brokerage) or portal (Yahoo.com, Quicken.com, etc.) uses CheckFree, you only need to add Idaho Power as a bill you want to pay online.

4. Will I still receive a paper bill in the mail if I sign up for online bill pay through CheckFree?

When you choose to pay your bill online using CheckFree, you will stop receiving a paper bill the month after you sign up for the service. Your bill, exactly as it would have been printed, will be available to view and pay online via CheckFree.

5. Will my financial privacy be protected?

To ensure your privacy and security, CheckFree uses the strongest type of encryption used on the Web, a 128-bit SSL (secured sockets layer).

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6. What happens if there is a mistake with my e-bill payment?

Call CheckFree's Customer Service Department at 1-800-564-9184.

7. Can I use e-bill service with Budget Pay?

Yes. Registered users click here to sign up for Budget Pay. If you haven't registered with us yet, click here instead, or call us to access your Idaho Power account 24-hours-a-day. Be prepared to key in your account number.

For immediate customer service needs or personal assistance, call 388-2323 from the Treasure Valley area, or 1-800-488-6151.

Personal assistance is available weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mountain Time. Please note: Monday is our busiest day. It may be easier to reach us Tuesday through Friday.

8. How do I stop using CheckFree's online billing service?

Log in to CheckFree's site as though you were going to look at a bill. Go to the "My Profile" page and click "Service Setup" at the top of the page. From the My Profile - Service Setup page, click "Cancel Your Service" at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions.

CheckFree wants you to be aware that before you cancel your service you should keep in mind the following:

• Scheduled payments will not be paid.
• Processing payments (those already in the process of being paid) are paid.
• You no longer have access to your payment activity and you can no longer send payment inquiries. You should wait until all of your scheduled payments are processed before you cancel your service. If you let your scheduled payments process, then you won't have any outstanding payments that you can't view or inquire about after your cancel your service.
• Idaho Power and any other payees are notified to stop sending e-bills. However, it can sometimes take a few days for the payee to process the request. Therefore, until you begin receiving paper bills again you should contact the payee directly about your payment amount and payment due date. Because you can't send your payment using CheckFree's e-bill service after you cancel your service, you should make your payment to the payee by some other means, such as a check.
• If you decide to use CheckFree's e-bill Service again, you will have to re-enroll and set up your payee list.

9. What happens if I'm late paying my bill?

Late payment charges may be applied to the outstanding balance.

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Summary Billing

1. What is Summary Billing?

Summary Billing provides customers with multiple service locations one bill each month for all of those service locations. Customers with good credit are eligible to go on Summary Billing. All service locations or service agreements linked to the Summary Billing Account must be the same type of service, i.e., residential, commercial, or agricultural. Qualified Summary Billing customers may also use Budget Pay or PreferredPay™.

2. How many accounts may be combined for Summary Billing?

There is no limit to the number of service locations or service agreements. Summary Billing will reflect the total due for all accounts and customers must pay the entire amount due.

3. What if I am unable to pay the entire amount due?

If this should happen, you will need to send in a bill stub with the amount you want paid for each service location or agreement clearly noted. Processing a summary bill this way is a costly process, if this becomes a recurring issue, we reserve the right to remove your accounts from Summary Billing.

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Project Share

1. What is Project Share?

Project Share people pay electric, natural gas, propane, oil, or firewood bills. Idaho Power teams up with The Salvation Army to help those who cannot pay winter heating bills due to illness, disability, age, or unemployment.

By making a tax-deductible pledge of $2, $5, or $10, for example, you can help someone less fortunate meet the demands of winter heating. Your pledge is conveniently added to your monthly bill amount. You will never be disconnected from electrical service for nonpayment of a Project Share pledge.

If you should ever need winter energy assistance, especially if you're 65 or older, contact the Salvation Army or one of the energy assistance agencies.