Feb 1 2010
Idaho Power aims to add 500 MW of wind power in 2020-2029. The Boise-based Idaho Power services approximately 486,000 retail customers in eastern Oregon and Idaho. By the end of 2029, the company is anticipating its customer base grow to 680,000. Currently, the company’s revenue to an extent of 98% is from the state of Idaho.
Since Idaho State generates large amounts of electricity through hydroelectric projects, it has no renewable portfolio standard or any other mandate to provide incentives for the development of alternative energy. In 2008, 38% of electricity in the state’s energy portfolio was represented by hydro. Other sources of power in the energy portfolio include gas and diesel 1%, long-term purchased power 7%, power purchased from market 14%, and coal 40%.
The electric and gas utilities in the state are required every two years to submit an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) describing how the utilities are planning to meet the electricity demands of the state for the next 10 to 20 years.
Idaho Power is planning to add wind and geothermal energy of 150 MW and 20 MW in 2012, respectively, as per the IRP submitted by the company to state regulators. The company will be adding another 20 MW of geothermal energy in the year 2016.
As per planning document submitted by Idaho Power, the company is anticipating to make an addition of 3,000 MW of capacity by the year 2029 with most of the addition from wind and natural gas. Through power purchase contracts, the company aims to add 266 MW of wind energy to its portfolio in 2010.
Source: http://www.idahopower.com/