Following the western energy crisis of 2000-2001, Idaho Power returned to integrated resource planning and a renewed interest in implementing energy efficiency and demand-side resources.

In 2002, Idaho Power received approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) for an Energy Efficiency Rider that created a specific funding source for energy efficiency and demand response programs. Other sources of funding for recent programs come from an Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Conservation Rate Credit (CRC) program, and Idaho Power’s base rates.

Energy efficiency efforts at Idaho Power continue to grow, both in customer participation and energy impact, in the form of energy savings and a reduction in demand. The combined total of reduced megawatts achieved from the Irrigation Peak Rewards and A/C Cool Credit programs, resulted in an estimated summer peak reduction of 48 megawatts (MW), which represented a 29 percent increase over 2006 results. 

Our Industrial (Custom) Efficiency, Building Efficiency, ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest, and Irrigation Efficiency Rewards programs, resulted in a total annual savings of 45,540 megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2007, a 20 percent increase in energy savings over 2006. 

Idaho Power's Demand-Side Management 2007 Annual Report provides an overview of energy efficiency programs and initiatives for last year.