Rocky Mountain Power rates drop in August

An Idaho Public Utilities Commission decision approving a Rocky Mountain Power request should lower the company’s Idaho customers rates by 1.3 percent beginning August 1. The Energy Efficiency Rider, which funds energy efficiency programs, decreased to 2.1 percent of customers’ billed amounts, down from the previous 3.4 percent.

Some Idaho conservation groups opposed the proposal, fearing it could lower the utility’s commitment to energy efficiency. Rocky Mountain Power had argued that without a reduction, it would have begun over-collecting on the rider this month.

Rocky Mountain Power believes the sluggish economy and cooler than normal weather in 2011 resulted in less participation in conservation programs.