Idaho Power - Net Metering

Idaho does not have a statewide net-metering policy. However, each of the state's three investor-owned utilities -- Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power -- has developed a net-metering tariff that has been approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Idaho Power's net-metering tariff is Schedule 84. Systems owned or operated by residential and small general service customers must be 25 kW or smaller to participate in net metering. Large general service, large power service, and agriculture irrigation service customers may own or operate a system up to 100 kW to participate. 

In July 2013, the PUC issued an order in response to Idaho Power's application to modify its net metering program. The ruling removed a previously existing service capacity cap of 2.9 MW and changed compensation for net excess generation to a kilowatt hour (kWh) credit that may be carried forward indefinitely. It also rejected Idaho Power's proposal to move residential and small commercial customers to new service tariffs with increased monthly service charges and new basic load capacity charges. The net excess generation changes took effect in January of 2014. 

In a supplemental order issued in November, 2013, the PUC required Idaho Power to provide meter aggregation for net metered customers with multiple meters on the same property or property contiguous to the net metered system. To transfer credits between meters, all eligible meters must be on the same primary feeder, must be a similar rate class, and must be under the same name or financial responsibility. A meter aggregation fee of $10 applies.

Under Idaho Power's net-metering tariff, the customer is responsible for "all costs associated with any [utility] additions, modifications, or upgrades to any [utility] facilities that the [utility] determines are necessary as a result of the installation of the [generator] in order to maintain a safe, reliable electrical system."