Dive Brief:

• The Idaho Public Utilities Commission ruled that nearly all of Idaho Power's $46.4 million in energy efficiency and demand response spending in 2012 was prudent and eligible for cost recovery.
• However, the PUC is concerned about the perception that Idaho Power may be “retreating” from its commitment to cut energy use. The commission directed Idaho Power to file a report by March on how it could better use an existing energy efficiency advisory group.
• Idaho Power spent about $31.8 million on energy efficiency programs that saved 170,228 MWh in 2012. The utility also spent about $14.5 million on demand response programs that provided about 438 MW of capacity in 2012.

Dive Insight:

Last year, Idaho Power temporarily suspended major demand response programs, saying they weren't cost effective (the utility has since agreed to bring them back next summer). Also, in late 2012, the utility decided to stop participating in the regional Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

“We are concerned that the company’s recent actions have fostered a stakeholder perception that the company is retreating from its DSM (demand-side management) commitments,” the PUC said.

The PUC is putting Idaho Power on notice that it is closely watching its efforts on efficiency and demand response.