Idaho Power Seeks Rate Hike

Idaho Power Company is asking state regulators to increase its rates effective June 1.

The utility submitted its annual Power Cost Adjustment to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The PCA reflects the company’s cost for purchasing wholesale power supply.

Idaho Power is proposing a combination of several other rate increases and decreases to take effect at the same time. PUC officials say that if all the adjustments were approved as submitted, the average customer (all classes) could see an 8.45 percent rate increase. Residential rates would increase 7.13 percent.

According to the IPUC, Idaho Power claims its power supply expense is $43 million above what is now collected. The utility’s earnings are not impacted by the adjustment.

The Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment on the proposal until May 15.

Idaho Power serves the Blackfoot and Pocatello areas.