“Good afternoon.

“The Oregon Trail Heights subdivision fire that occurred Monday is a terrible event. As we said in our earlier statement, our hearts go out to the families impacted by this tragic fire. We salute the efforts of all those involved, including  the fire, police and BLM crews, as well as the neighborhood residents and our own Idaho Power employees.

“Idaho Power has cooperated fully with public agencies including the Boise Fire department in an effort to determine the fire’s immediate cause. I applaud the Boise Fire department’s professionalism in this investigation. Our preliminary investigation also suggests to us that a piece of our line hardware was a factor in this accidental, but devastating chain of events.

“Close examination of the line hardware reveals damage likely resulting from the extreme winds experienced Monday night. A formal inspection of the equipment in 2006 showed no evidence of this damage.

“Idaho Power’s values of integrity and safety are demonstrated daily in the work of our employees who safely and reliably deliver energy to the communities we serve. We remain dedicated to these values as we work through this situation. We are committed to a thorough investigation, and it will continue for an extended period. We cannot predict when it might be complete or what conclusions ultimately will be drawn. At this early stage, I can tell you we will continue to cooperate with all investigating agencies and work diligently through all the established processes for resolution of the very real and serious needs and concerns of those involved.

“In the meantime, regardless of how these processes play out, we intend to come forward to help in a meaningful fashion. We are examining the most effective way to offer support to those most directly affected.

Keen and other Idaho Power officials also plan to answer questions from the news media at this event.

About Idaho Power

Formed in 1998, IDACORP, Inc. is the holding company for Idaho Power, a regulated electric utility that began operations in 1916. Today, Idaho Power employs nearly 2,000 people to serve a 24,000 square-mile service area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects as the core of its generation portfolio, Idaho Power’s 485,000 residential, business and agricultural customers pay some of the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. To learn more about Idaho Power or IDACORP, visit www.idahopower.com or www.idacorpinc.com.