IDAHO ENERGY PRIMER PRINT DATE FEBRUARY 2016 Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy Resources 304 N. 8th Street, Suite 250 P.O. Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720-0199 Phone: 208-332-1660 Website: www.energy.idaho.gov Preface The Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance (ISEA) is pleased to present this update of the Idaho Energy Primer (Primer), a resource to help the citizens of Idaho better understand the contemporary energy landscape in our state and to make informed decisions about our state’s energy future. The Primer provides information about energy resources, production, distribution, and use in the state. The availability of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for individuals, families, and businesses while protecting the environment is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and maintaining our quality of life. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the primary source used for the Primer. The EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.1 The EIA provides regular information updates and therefore the reader may find the information contained in the Primer has changed. Disclaimer The Primer is not printed at taxpayer expense. The Primer is prepared by the ISEA and the Idaho Office of Energy Resources (OER). Costs associated with publication are maintained by the Idaho Office of Energy Resources in accordance with Section 60-202, Idaho Code, OER-01-2016-250. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the State of Idaho or its agencies. 1 www.eia.gov/about/ Contents Idaho Energy Snapshot ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Idaho Energy Usage and Generation Sources .................................................................................................... 3 Idaho Energy Use ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Electricity Consumption ................................................................................................................................ 4 Energy Sources .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Transportation Fuel ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Heating Fuel ................................................................................................................................................... 4 Fuel Sources for Electricity ............................................................................................................................ 5 Electricity in Idaho ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Forecasting and Planning .............................................................................................................................. 7 Electricity Providers in Idaho ............................................................................................................................. 8 Idaho Power Company ................................................................................................................................... 9 Avista Corporation ....................................................................................................................................... 10 PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power.............................................................................................................. 11 Electric Cooperative, Mutual and Municipal Utilities in Idaho ...................................................................... 12 Bonneville Power Administration ............................................................................................................... 13 The Northwest Power and Conservation Council ....................................................................................... 14 Natural Gas Providers in Idaho ........................................................................................................................ 15 Avista Corporation ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Intermountain Gas Company ...................................................................................................................... 16 Questar Gas ................................................................................................................................................... 16 Transmission of Energy .................................................................................................................................... 16 Major Electric Transmission Lines ............................................................................................................. 17 Major Natural Gas Pipelines ........................................................................................................................ 17 Transportation Fuel Distribution Companies in Idaho ............................................................................. 18 Policy and Pricing .............................................................................................................................................. 18 Idaho Energy Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Idaho’s Public Utilities Commission ........................................................................................................... 19 Energy Resources: Renewable Energy ............................................................................................................. 22 Geothermal ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Solar .............................................................................................................................................................. 23 Wind .............................................................................................................................................................. 25 Biomass ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 Hydroelectricity ............................................................................................................................................28 Cybersecurity ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Energy Resources: Fossil Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 30 Natural Gas ................................................................................................................................................... 31 Coal ................................................................................................................................................................ 32 Petroleum ...................................................................................................................................................... 33 Energy Resources: Nuclear Power .................................................................................................................... 33 Energy Resources: Energy Efficiency ............................................................................................................... 35 Smart Grid and Grid Investments in Idaho ..................................................................................................... 35 Energy Research in Idaho ................................................................................................................................. 36 Idaho National Laboratory .......................................................................................................................... 36 Idaho Universities ........................................................................................................................................ 37 Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance........................................................................................................................ 39 Background ................................................................................................................................................... 39 Board Of Directors ............................................................................................................................................ 40 Task Forces ........................................................................................................................................................ 41 Contact List ........................................................................................................................................................ 42 Avista Corporation ......................................................................................................................................