Dive Brief:
- Idaho Power wants to build the 500-kV Boardman-to-Hemingway interstate power line, but because of project delays, the utility is looking at other power supply alternatives, company officials said during an earnings conference call.
- Idaho Power, which depends heavily on hydroelectric power, is seeing improving hydro conditions, but still expects below normal hydro production this year. The Boise-based utility expects to produce 5 million MWh to 7 million MWh compared with a median of 8.4 million MWh.
- Idaho Power expects its residential load to grow by 1.4% annually over the next five years and its residential customer count to increase by 2.1% a year.
Dive Insight:
Like other major transmission projects, the Boardman-to-Hemingway project has been delayed in recent years. Idaho Power isn't waiting to see what happens.
“The Boardman to Hemingway line remains Idaho Power's preferred resource alternative as identified in the June 2013 integrated resource plan,” Darrel Anderson, Idaho Power president and CEO, said. “Permitting work is continuing, but due to delays and siting impediments that have occurred, Idaho Power is unable to predict the in-service date for the Boardman to Hemingway line, but expects the timing to be in 2020 or beyond. Because of the delays, Idaho Power is conducting an enhanced review of other power supply options, should they become necessary in the interim.”