In its application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissio (FERC), the company is seeking permission to expand the hydroelectric facility with  a second powerhouse that would provide an additional 50 megawatts of power from the station. Originally built in 1907, the last upgrades to the historic facility were done in 1936.

“It’s our intention to make the architecture of the new powerhouse closely match that of the existing plant,” said Idaho Power Project Engineer Jim Leonard. “We want this addition to appear as though it’s been there all the time to balance the present with the past.”

The application also addresses possible increased flows over the scenic Shoshone Falls. Currently Idaho Power annually provides 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water over the 212-foot-high falls during daylight hours from April 1 through Labor Day weekend for aesthetic purposes, regardless of power plant requirements for water for generation.

“We share this resource with the community,” Leonard said. “When we began discussing this proposed expansion, one of the first considerations was how we balance our need for additional power from this plant with the important role the falls play in the lives of the residents of this area. More water during the important spring viewing times, seemed like the best way to demonstrate our desire to work with the community.”

Leonard said that in its application Idaho Power has proposed a flow schedule that will accommodate both energy production and visitors to the nearby Shoshone Falls Park.

The proposed flow schedule would make more water available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during spring weekends when park usage is at its highest.

If the FERC approves the expansion of the Shoshone Falls Power Plant  construction could start sometime in 2008.