Comments on: Priming the News Pump–Choose Your Topic

By: Clancy

Clancy — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:44:09 +0000

Looks like Ratepayers could be getting stuck by Idaho Power again. A coal power plant is being shutdown in 2020 and somehow Idaho Power needs to make up those losses now. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57350198/idaho-power-prepares-for-coal-plant-shutdown/

EDITOR NOTE–True enough. Also at PUC it looks like Idaho Power is about to flip the switch to cut off power to HOKU, the solar darling of Pocatello.

By: Zippo

Zippo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:14:37 +0000

Is this true, or is someone hoping for a new APC for Christmas?

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Boise-gangs-getting-more-violent-136414448.html

By: chicago sam

chicago sam — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:57:34 +0000

Did some checking on the Dynamis –Idaho Power deal. Case No. is IPC-11-E-25 There is a handy link at bottom of IPUC page where you can click and comment. At bottom of your comment form you can ask to be included in any action regarding this case. Already a couple of interesting comment on file

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:41:38 +0000

Here’s another one for your consideration. A passel of bills was sent from the House of Reps. to the US Senate that will make all 700 Mhz 911 dispatch systems obsolete. The Feds want to auction off the bandwidth to the highest bidder and will move 911 dispatch systems to a smaller and lower band.

These systems cost millions and if the Senate passed this bill the life of 700 Mhz dispatch systems will be much shorter.

By: Zippo

Zippo — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:37:44 +0000

Sounds like someone who still struggles to understand basic physics and economics has been dazzled by an effective sales pitch? Or a money angle? Is there grant money to play with or something like this?

If this was a good idea the commissioners would be up front about it, proud of it. We know they are here reading this. The silence is telling, as is the intent to throw money into the fire.

Dave, which part can’t we see yet?

PS: This comment is about the furnace to be installed at our landfill and burn tires trucked in from Portland, OR. However, the comment can also apply to most of what the commission does.

EDITOR NOTE–We took a look at the proposed Dynamis-Idaho Power agreement and there is a provision to “share” any credits, incentives, etc. connected with the project. As we have written in the past, these projects sound economical, “green” and logical, but more often than not they hinge on a preconceived rate for sale of the power, financing, incentives, amount of product to be burned. Call it anything you wish, but “gasification” is truly “burning.”

By: chicago sam

chicago sam — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:57:57 +0000

Dynamis Energy LLC has made presentations to Nampa, Caldwell Boise and Meridian promoting their unique method of burning diapers and Depends to generate electricity. Price quoted above $92.35 is far higher than other energy contracts recently negotiated including the Hidden Hollow gas to electricity contracts already in existence.

Dave do you have any information on who we can comment to for these outragous prices being negotiated behind closed doors and lack of public involvement?

EDITOR NOTE–You can start here at Idaho PUC. They are pretty good about accepting written testimony. We agree the rate is very high and it appears this is an insider deal to get various incentives and credits for both parties at the expense of Ada taxpayers and Idaho Power customers. The Dynamis deal is shaky at best and probably won’t work for investors unless they get the high rate for the power. http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html

By: Clancy

Clancy — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:07:48 +0000

You must of missed the new private/public study in the works. Boise, Opera Idaho and others are looking into a new event center. Another stab at funding private enterprise with tax dollars.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:52:35 +0000

Hi Dave, I wonder if you readers are tuned into the Dynamis project at the Ada landfill? I just read the feasibility study for the Dynamis project in Clark County and a good portion of the waste going into that facility is worn out Tires.

Air quality in this valley is not getting better and the thought of burning tires is of concern to me. I know the DEQ will mandate pollution levels to be at or below a certain standard but adding to poor air doesn’t make sense.

The Ada landfill is projected to last another hundred years or so.

Also, the reimbursement from Idaho Power will be an average of $92.35 per Mwh. Rate payers will get stuck with the bill if approved by the PUC. Power on the wholesale market is now between $27-$30 per Mwh.