FAQs

How do I open an account?: If you're in town, take a state-issued photo ID and proof of residence to the City Utilities office in City Hall, 308 Constitution Way downtown. As a municipal utility Idaho Falls Power is a division of the City of Idaho Falls. To save our customers costs, we coordinate with other city utilities (water, sewer, sanitation) to provide a “one-stop-shop” for all utility needs such as connections, disconnections, billing, and payments. We can email you the paperwork if you'd prefer - just send your request to [email protected] or fax it to 208-612-8241.

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Idaho Falls Power

1. How do I pay online?: Go to portal.idahofallsidaho.gov. You can make a one-time payment without registering.
Registering allows you to enroll in Auto Pay by credit card or bank draft, Paperless Billing and Budget Billing; check the status of your account; submit requests or questions to City staff; view your current bill; and see your electric consumption history.

2. How do I find out about your fiber optic services?: The City has owned and operated the Idaho Falls Fiber Network since 2002, and it has served the business community since 2006. Expansion of the network to include connectivity to homes is currently under consideration. For more information, go to fiber.ifpower.org or call 612-8430. Idaho Falls Power to find out more information.

3. How do I open an account?: If you're in town, take a state-issued photo ID and proof of residence to the City Utilities office in City Hall, 308 Constitution Way downtown. As a municipal utility Idaho Falls Power is a division of the City of Idaho Falls. To save our customers costs, we coordinate with other city utilities (water, sewer, sanitation) to provide a “one-stop-shop” for all utility needs such as connections, disconnections, billing, and payments. We can email you the paperwork if you'd prefer - just send your request to [email protected] or fax it to 208-612-8241.

4. How do I set up a tour of your power plant?: To schedule a tour, contact Matt Evans at 612-8436 or via email at [email protected] contact the Idaho Falls Power office.

5. How can I get a residential weatherization audit?: This service is provided free of charge. Contact Idaho Falls Power for assistance.

6. How can I find out about the ICUA Youth Rally?: The Youth Rally is a leadership opportunity for area youth to participate in and learn more about the electric industry. But don’t worry, it’s not an “electrician boot camp” - it is a lot of fun! The kids have a great time, build confidence, meet kids from all over the region and have an opportunity to earn scholarships for college. For more information, please email Josh Roos at [email protected] Contact Idaho Falls Power to get an application.

7. Where does Idaho Falls get its electricity?: On average, approximately one-third of the electricity used in the City is generated in-house by five hydropower plants along the Snake River that the City owns and operates. The bulk of the rest comes from the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA), a federal agency that markets power generated at 32 hydro plants along the Columbia and Snake rivers.
BPA also has one nuclear generation station in its fleet and some wind energy.

8. I am planning to do some digging in my yard. Do I need to have the lines in my yard located?: It is critical that you have all underground utilities located. It protects your safety and prevents you from incurring charges should you damage Idaho Falls Power facilities. All locates are completed through Dig Line by calling 811.

9. What is the biggest source of revenue for Idaho Falls Power?: The biggest source of revenue for Idaho Falls Power is through retail electric sales to customers in Idaho Falls.

10. When will Idaho Falls invest in wind energy?: Idaho Falls Power has a purchase agreement with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems for 3.032 megawatts (MW), or 5.26 percent of the output, of the Horse Butte Wind Farm. Horse Butte is located on 17.600 acres in Bonneville County, about 15 miles east of Idaho Falls, and consists of 32 wind turbines each capable of generating 1.8 MW. The turbines went online in August 2012.

is contemplating a wind project with other public power entities through the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems organization. A site east of Idaho Falls is under investigation for the potential wind project. That project could advance to construction as early as the end of 2010.

11. What is the biggest expense in the Idaho Falls Power budget?: Power purchases account for nearly 60% of our annual budget. Fortunately, the majority of those purchases are for power from the low cost hydro power system that Bonneville Power Administration manages.

12. What is the number one cause of power outages in Idaho Falls?: This may come as a surprise but squirrels are the leading cause of power outages in Idaho Falls. Idaho Falls logs and tracks outage information for annual analysis. When crews are dispatched to troubleshoot the outage, they note their findings which are entered into our tracking system. When a squirrel is to blame - they find evidence (the dead squirrel and a spot where the squirrel was chewing on the wire).

13. Who do I call if one of my appliances is not working?: If only one appliance is not working, it likely is not a problem with power to your home or business. Therefore, you'll need to contact an electrical contractor or appliance serviceman for assistance. If more than one appliance is not working and you do not have power in your home, reset your breaker to see if it restores power. If not, Idaho Falls Power can check the power coming into your house from the transformer to the connection point on your house. Call 612-8430 to summon help. Idaho Falls Power to report the problem.

14. What energy efficiency programs do you offer for commercial accounts?: This service is provided free of charge. To determine what programs may be applicable to your business, contact Idaho Falls Power.

15. How do I get information to purchase an energy efficient appliance?: For assistance in getting information about your purchase, contact Idaho Falls Power.