BOISE — Idaho Power Tuesday announced a goal to provide 100-percent clean energy by the year 2045. In addition to its hydropower facilities -- which typically meet almost half its customers’ energy demands, officials said -- Idaho Power plans additional investments in wind, solar and other clean sources.
What’s being called “The Clean Today, Cleaner Tomorrow” effort will build on the company’s 100-year history as a clean-energy provider.
A Idaho Power news release said the utility is among the first publicly-owned energy companies to set a goal for reaching 100-percent clean energy. To achieve the goal, the company plans to continue its path away from coal and invest in storage and additional clean generation sources like wind and solar.
Idaho Power President and CEO Darrel Anderson said, “We believe this goal is attainable. We have a great head start, thanks to our clean hydropower plants that produce almost half the energy our customers use. Our recently signed agreement with Jackpot Holdings moves us even closer.”
Idaho Power also announced an agreement to buy up to 120 megawatts of solar power. The price for this energy is among the lowest on record an Idaho Power release said. The energy will come from a generation facility to be built south of Twin Falls by Idaho company Jackpot Holdings, LLC. In the coming days, Idaho Power will send this agreement to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for approval.
“This plan demonstrates Idaho Power’s commitment to doing what’s right for customers’ pocketbooks and the environment,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said. “It also shows innovation can improve our lives with solutions that are reasonably priced, responsible and delivered without government intrusion.”
Clean energy initiatives are not new to Idaho Power. In 2009, the company adopted a resolution to reduce carbon emissions. Since then, it has made advances toward a clean-energy future.
Idaho Power already buys a significant amount of energy generated by wind and solar resources. The company sells the renewable energy credits attached to this energy to benefit the customer.
Boise Mayor David Bieter praised Idaho Power’s new goal -- and its alignment with a similar goal the City of Boise is developing for community-wide energy use.
“This is an ambitious goal that illustrates Idaho Power’s commitment to the future of the communities they serve,” Bieter said. “It’s exciting to think about what we might achieve together by working toward a common goal of 100 percent clean electricity.”
“Clean Today, Cleaner Tomorrow™ will require partnerships with utilities, customers, local governments and regulators.
