Smart Grid

Why is Idaho Falls Power Participating in the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project?

Participation in the PNWSGDP is the latest example of Idaho Falls Power's committment to its mission of providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to current and future generations of Idaho Falls residents.

IFP is capable of generating about one-third of the city's electricity requirements with its hydroelectric plants on the Snake River.  We have a long-term contract with the Bonneville Power Administration to provide most of the balance of the power that is needed.  During periods of peak elecrtricity use, we must make power purchases on the wholesale market to meet the additional demand.  These costs are usually more than double the cost of the BPA power.

One way to avoid these purchases would be to invest in more generating resources.  We have and will pursue these opportunities when they are viable.  But in today's economy, the costs associated with building new power plants is very expensive, and the environmental regulations makes it a lengthly and expensive process as well, so this option is often not cost effective.

IFP will therefore continue to purse energy efficiency efforts as a means to help offset our power supply requirements.  Smart Grid technology compliments these efforts and will help us advance that strategy.

The next step in the Demonstration Project effort is set to take place in February with the training of staff to familiarize them with the equipment and products to be used in the pilot program. IFP has already began installation of equipment. on our distribution system. The deployment of equipment for customers who volunteer to take part in the project is expected to commence in early spring. We're still looking for volunteers. If you're interested or would like more information about the project, call 612-8430.

Click here to link to the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Regional Demonstration Project website.

The North Loop Project will enable IFP to continue to deliver on its mission to provide safe, reliable, high quality electric power to its customers while keeping costs among the lowest in the region.

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