As a regulated utility Idaho Power must seek approval before it can increase rates to reflect any growth in expenses or investment in equipment since its last general rate change.  

Between the start of 2006 and the end of 2007, Idaho Power will have placed in service $300 million of new investment in its system. These investments include improvements and upgrades to our established power plants, power lines and substations, as well as building new facilities, or buying new equipment like trucks and computers.  

Operating and maintenance expenses have increased substantially over the same two-year period, driven by the increased levels of power purchases, continued rapid customer growth, and inflation.  

All of these activities are directly tied to our ability to continue to provide you reliable energy service today and in the future.

More details are included in the company's news release and its filing with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.