October 17, 2007
Idaho
Idaho
Two wind power projects in Elmore County are closer to reality after state regulators approved interconnection agreements Tuesday between Idaho Power Co. and the company proposing the projects.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved the agreements, which divide the costs of upgrading the transmission system between Idaho Power and Energy Vision, a Piedmont, Calif.-based company that is building the Bennett Creek and Hot Springs wind projects.
The two projects will have 12 wind turbines each that will produce nearly 40 megawatts. Construction on both sites should be completed by March 15. Energy Vision is selling the electricity to Idaho Power.
Energy Vision had originally committed to having the projects completed by the end of 2007.
But the project required about $2.15 million in upgrades to the electrical transmission system to deliver the power.
The commission said 25 percent of the upgrade costs must be paid by idaho Power rand 25 percent by Energy Vision.
The remaining 50 percent will initially be covered by Energy Vision, but will be subject to refund by Idaho Power if Energy Vision meets the requirements of its sales agreement with Idaho Power.
The text of the commission’s order and other documents related to this case are available on the commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room” and then on “Electric Cases” and scroll down to Case Nos. IPC-E-06-34 (Hot Springs) and IPC-E-06-35 (Bennett Creek).
Anyone wishing to appeal the commission order has until Nov. 5.
Statesman Staff
17 October 2007