Nov 17 2010
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a 15 year power purchase deal between Yellowstone Power and Idaho Power, a Boise-based company.
At present, Yellowstone Power is constructing a biomass power facility in Emmett, Gem County. The 11.7 MW plant, valued at $6 million, will use woody biomass to produce power and heat for the Emerald Forest sawmill.
According to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the power and heat project would offer non-stop and stable generation for Idaho Power.
The 15-year contract, averaging 10 MW output per month, will be based on Idaho’s program. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act enables utilities to purchase power from small-scale renewable energy projects at a rate set by the commission.
Earlier in March, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission had reduced the price for Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act contracts by approximately 10%. However, after much discussion the reduced price factor was approved in the deal between Yellowstone Power and Idaho Power. However, regulators will need to ensure that Idaho ratepayers do not pay any excess amount for the utility power.