Hearing Wednesday on Avista case involving proposed asset transfer

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has scheduled a public hearing by phone Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a case involving the exchange of assets between Avista and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

Avista’s proposal would not affect rates and no money would change hands between the utility and BPA, a federal nonprofit agency that markets the wholesale electric energy generated on the Columbia River.

The proposed transfer of nearly 15 miles of 115-kilovolt power lines and easements owned by BPA for a 230-kilovolt power breaker owned by Avista is "merely intended to simplify administrative, operational and maintenance responsibilities for both BPA and the company," according to the application.

The application indicates the power breaker owned by Avista is located inside a BPA substation, while the BPA lines and easements are "physically and electrically" separate from BPA’s main transmission network and are surrounded by Avista’s transmission system.

Avista’s proposal indicates the equipment that would be transferred has created regulatory challenges at the federal level for both entities.

The telephonic hearing will consist solely of testimony provided by any interested party.

Those interested in testifying should call 888-920-7487 a few minutes before the start of the hearing and enter the participant code 6674 832# when prompted.

Written comments are being accepted on the proposal through Nov. 14. Go to www.puc.idaho.gov and click on "Case Comment Form" under the "Electric" heading. Include the case number, AVU-E-18-09.

Comments can also be submitted via fax to 208-334-3762 or by mail to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074.

All documents are at www.puc.idaho.gov, click on "Open Cases" under the "Electric" heading and scroll down to case number AVU-E-18-09.