Wind Power News: Idaho
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Lawmakers, BPA grapple with energy oversupply; Legislative panel hears concerns about shutting off turbines
OLYMPIA — Oversupply of renewable energy is expected to continue affecting Clark County and Washington, with no clear solution on the horizon, according to Bonneville Power Administration officials. With wind energy farms expanding in the Columbia River Gorge, the federal power marketing agency has struggled with the issue of energy oversupply. The power glut was particularly evident last spring, as runoff from an abundant snowpack reached hydroelectric generating facilities at the same time wind turbine production was peaking. Unable to . . .
Feds attempt to speed complicated process of building power lines
On a brisk October day, Paul Christensen is helping harvest sugar beets on his southern Idaho farm. His work as a Cassia County commissioner keeps him busy, he says, but he still enjoys “playing in the dirt.” He’s not the only one: Cassia is among Idaho’s most productive agricultural counties. That’s partly why it has resisted Gateway West, a power line that would hook like a jack-o-lantern’s grin across about 1,100 miles of southern Wyoming and Idaho. Two utilities proposed . . .
Firm drops Colton wind farm plan
COLFAX – After investigating wind resources in the Colton area for the past several years, a major renewable energy firm has decided not to pursue a wind farm project there. In a meeting with Whitman County commissioners Monday, Brian Walsh with Iberdrola Resources said the company has been measuring wind speeds near Colton since 2006 or 2007. It installed four meteorological towers west of U.S. Highway 95 and south of Colton, following the Snake River. Subscription Required An online service . . .
Cassia County wind developers may take legal action against state regulators
BURLEY • Idaho wind energy developers are still determining if they will pursue legal action against the state for improperly limiting their power contracts. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state regulators were wrong to place a deadline on projects eligible for certain small-scale power contracts with utilities. The federal agency will not intervene, but will allow energy developers to pursue legal action on their own. The issue stems from a change in the state’s benchmark for eligibility under . . .
Activists: wind energy projects mean power bill hikes
BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho — We brought you a story Monday about some stalled energy projects getting a second wind. Thursday, some activists in eastern Idaho are crying foul. The Energy Intergrity Project said the green light for wind energy projects will mean a big rate hike for power customers. Wade Christensen and his wife are members of the group. “The utility companies are concerned it would raise rate payers rates,” he said, referencing our earlier story. “Without a doubt it . . .
Energy plan hearing prompts debate over sales of ‘green tags’ from renewables
The Legislature’s Energy, Environment & Technology Interim Committee has opened its hearing this morning on proposed revisions to the 2007 Idaho Energy Plan. First up to testify was Annie Black, a Boise resident and former manager of the green power program at Idaho Power Co., who said Idaho’s current PUC policies require utilities to sell their Renewable Energy Credits, or “green tags,” when they purchase or generate renewable power from sources like wind or geothermal. Those RECs are generally sold . . .
Energy plan hearing prompts debate over sales of ‘green tags’ from renewables
The Legislature’s Energy, Environment & Technology Interim Committee has opened its hearing this morning on proposed revisions to the 2007 Idaho Energy Plan. First up to testify was Annie Black, a Boise resident and former manager of the green power program at Idaho Power Co., who said Idaho’s current PUC policies require utilities to sell their Renewable Energy Credits, or “green tags,” when they purchase or generate renewable power from sources like wind or geothermal. Those RECs are generally sold . . .
Idaho wind companies get 2nd chance to build projects
A federal ruling means renewable energy projects may get built in Idaho despite rejection last year.
Palouse Wind buys house from opponent
The long-standing battle to build a wind farm between Naff Ridge and U.S. Highway 195 in Oakesdale has been resolved with a settlement between Palouse Wind and Roger Whitten, the project’s biggest opponent for the last three years. After beginning construction work started at the wind farm site, Whitten submitted a voluntary order of dismissal earlier this week. In turn, Palouse Wind agreed to purchase Whitten’s home near Naff Ridge in Oakesdale so he can move to northern Spokane County. . . .
Feds to speed permitting on Oregon and Idaho power lines
Federal energy regulators announced plans Wednesday to accelerate permitting on seven major electric transmission projects, including lines in Oregon proposed by Portland General Electric and Idaho Power. PGE’s 210-mile Cascade Crossing line, which could cost up to $825 million, is proposed to run from Boardman, Oregon to near Salem. The line would carry power into the Willamette Valley from wind farms in Eastern Oregon and — PGE hopes — from multiple natural-gas fired plants that the utility wants to build . . .
