Dive Summary:

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission reached a decision Thursday, stating that Idaho Power's agreement with wind farms means the utility must buy electricity from them, even during times of reduced demand.
• Idaho Power argued that the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) should give it the option to reduce wind-generated electricity purchasing.
• The utility company is currently examining the order and considering its options.

From the article:

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says Idaho Power’s long-term purchase agreement with wind farms means that it must buy electricity from the farms even when demand for power is low.

The commission’s decision, reached Sept. 20, is good news for Idaho wind farms but a loss for the state’s largest utility.

“Basically our position at this point is we’re examining FERC’s order and evaluating our options,” said Idaho Power spokesman Brad Bowlin. ...