Dive Brief:

• Idaho Power customers turn out for an Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing to oppose Idaho Power's plan to spend $130 million on pollution control equipment at a coal-fired power plant in Wyoming and the utility's request to be assured it can recover the costs in rates.
• The two units at the Jim Bridger plant that would get the upgrades total 350 MW, representing about 19% of Idaho Power’s baseload capacity.
• The upgrades are needed to comply with the Clean Air Act's regional haze rules.

Dive Insight:

Environmental groups generally oppose Idaho Power's plan, but Wyoming and Utah regulators have given PacifiCorp, the plant's majority owner, permission for the project. Idaho Power is being careful by seeking assurance from the PUC that it will be able to recover its costs in rates before moving ahead with the investment. Idaho PUC staff support the plan, saying it makes the most economic sense for Idaho Power. A decision is expected soon from the PUC.