Idaho

A proposal in the Idaho legislature (HB 232) that emerged Wednesday is aimed at rewriting the state’s oil/natural gas code to accommodate expected increased exploration and production (E&P) activity in a state that has little historic production.

North Dakota-based MDU Resources Group’s Boise, ID-based Intermountain Gas Co. has filed its first request to increase base rates since 1985, seeking a $10.2 million (4%) annual increase.

The Idaho legislature on Monday passed and sent to the governor a bill (SB 1339) to streamline the state’s oil/natural gas permitting process. SB 1339 would realign oil/gas oversight among existing agencies.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has begun taking comments on Idaho Power Co.’s request for a three-year extension of a cogeneration contract with theJ.R. Simplot Co.’s Pocatello, ID, natural gas-fueled fertilizer plant. The utility’s deal calls for an average of 10 MW/month from the plant, which has a 15.9 MW capacity and is a qualifying facility under the U.S. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. The PUC is taking comments through Feb. 4.

Idaho regulators on Friday approved a 20-year deal allowing Idaho Power Co. to turn over maintenance of its natural gas-fired generation plants to Siemens Energy Inc. As part of the agreement, the electric utility will sell its spare parts inventory to Siemens for $21.9 million.

Idaho regulators are seeking comments on a proposal by the state’s major power utility to outsource maintenance of its three natural-fired generation plants that collectively represent 755 MW.

MDU Resources Group’s Intermountain Gas Co. on Thursday received approval from Idaho regulators for its updated five-year integrated resource plan (IRP), which anticipates increased demand among its residential, commercial and industrial customers spread across the southern half of the state.

MDU Resources Group's Intermountain Gas Co. on Thursday received approval from Idaho regulators for its updated five-year integrated resource plan, which anticipates increased demand among its residential, commercial and industrial customers spread across the southern half of the state.

In response to proposals from state lands officials, the Idaho legislature recently passed three measures to update oversight of oil and natural gas development.