Idaho Power Agrees to Shut Down Two Coal Plants
Posted on February 27, 2018 by Will Gehrke
Tags, Energy
In January, CUB filed its final comments on Idaho Power’s 2017 Integrated Resource Plan. Idaho Power is an electricity utility based out of Boise, Idaho, with service territory in eastern Oregon. Integrated Resource Plans are future road-maps for utilities. In the Integrated Resources Planning process, the utility asks the following question: How do we meet our future energy needs while pursing the least cost/least risk action?
Idaho Power examined its fleet and made some promising recommendations. Idaho Power is planning on closing two coal power plants in the future. The North Valmy Power Plant is expected to be completely shut down by 2025. CUB has previously advocated for the closure of this power plant, located in Valmy, Nevada.
Two units in Jim Bridger, located in Wyoming, are expected to completely close in 2032. PacifiCorp is the majority owner of this coal power plant, and Idaho Power is the minority owner.
CUB supports Idaho Power in its decision to close two coal power plants. These plant closures are economical for customers. Coal is no longer as cost competitive with other energy resources. In particular, natural gas combustion turbines are replacing large coal-fired generation. Natural gas prices have stayed consistently low due to domestic shale gas production. Another trend is utility-installed renewable production. Renewable energy, in particular, has the advantage of not involving a reoccurring fuel cost.
We are waiting for the Oregon Public Utility Commission to provide a final order on this integrated resource plan. CUB will keep our loyal readers informed on this IRP cycle. Stay turned to the CUB blog for more updates!
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02/27/18 | 1 Comment | Idaho Power Agrees to Shut Down Two Coal Plants