With participation lacking, Idaho Power seeks end to community solar project proposal

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that the solar array was never built. Idaho Power indicated that the Public Utilities Commission sent out incorrect information in a press release.

Idaho Power wants to end its planned community solar project in Southeast Boise because not enough people signed up to participate in it.

The utility launched the project in June 2016, saying it wanted to help customers who wished to get on the solar bandwagon but were unable to install rooftop panels, or lived in apartments or condominiums.

For the project, Idaho Power planned to build a small 500-kilowatt solar array on property it owns near its substation at the southwest corner of Amity and Holcomb roads. The estimated cost of the project was $1.2 million, but its construction was contingent upon reaching a certain number of subscribers, said Jordan Rodriguez, a spokesman for Idaho Power.

Interested customers could buy “subscriptions” entitling them to a portion of the project’s electrical output. Residential and nonresidential customers could buy one or more subscriptions for the 25-year life of the project. They would receive a monthly bill credit based on the energy costs being offset by the solar array.

Idaho Power anticipated selling 1,563 subscriptions at $562 each to cover most of the project’s construction costs. Subscribers could pay up front or in monthly payments over a two-year period.

In June 2017, Idaho Power had sold 239 subscriptions. By Feb. 1 this year, the number of subscribers had fallen to 148, according to an annual report Idaho Power filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, which regulates utilities.

To end the community solar program, Idaho Power must get the commission’s approval.

Idaho Power notified the utilities commission on Feb. 1 that it planned to end the program effective March 4 because of “insufficient program enrollment that does not provide a path forward.”

The commission is holding off on the March 4 suspension date to consider the request, according to a news release from the PUC on Tuesday. The regulator will accept public comment through March 28 on Idaho Power’s plan to end the program.

Rodriguez told the Statesman that if the PUC approves the program’s end, all paid subscription fees, plus interest, will be refunded.

“Participants will receive their refund check in the mail within six weeks of a commission decision, which is expected by early September,” he said.

This story was originally published February 26, 2019 at 4:07 PM.