Public feedback encouraged for Idaho Power’s proposed rate increases
Your monthly electric bills could be going up next year, but before that happens, state leaders want your input on the proposed rate increase.
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — “We are very careful when we make decisions like this,” said Angela Miller with Idaho Power.
Back in May, Idaho Power filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, looking for a limited rate increase of around $99 million, that would lead to a bump of just over 7% on customers’ bills.
Miller says the request focuses on recovering infrastructure expenses.
“As everyone has noticed, the population is growing in Idaho,” Miller told KMVT. “In order to maintain our high reliability and affordability, that means we have to invest money in Idaho’s future, by building a resilient grid.”
If the proposed rate hikes are approved, the average Idaho Power customer would see their monthly bill go up by $7.48. However, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will ultimately decide the proposal’s fate.
“We can approve an application submitted by a utility, we can deny an application, or we can modify an application,” said Adam Rush, public information officer to the Commission.
Rush adds that public feedback is an essential part of the review process. A customer hearing on the matter is set for December 2nd at the American Legion Hall in Twin Falls.
“The customer hearings are really a good opportunity for customers of Idaho Power to attend a hearing, meet the commissioners, share any concerns, thoughts, feedback they have,” Rush added.
Miller says she understands the financial burden a utility increase can have on customers, but adds that soaring expenses have made their proposal inevitable..
“We have been pinching pennies. Costs went exorbitantly high for pretty much all of us during covid. We have tried to be very frugal in that, but it has come to the point where it’s not going to work without all of us lifting a part in that,” she admitted.
The Public Utilities Commission plans to make their final decision by the end of the year. If approved, the new rates will go into effect in January.
If you’re unable to attend the customer hearing, an online public comment period is also open until December 3rd. You can find the link here: https://puc.idaho.gov/Form/CaseComment
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