the electrical grid. Innovation abounds at Idaho Power. Every day, the company works to modernize the electrical grid ac
Connections February 2018
Cover
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New Technologies Boost Reliability
Winter Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home
Wood River Transmission Line Gets New Life
Protect Yourself from Scam Callers
Energy Innovators Idaho Power Engineers Patrick Perry and Phil Anderson are part of an innovative team looking for and applying new, cost-effective energy technologies.
Using Innovation to Improve Reliability Idaho Power employs new technologies to strengthen the electrical grid. Innovation abounds at Idaho Power. Every day, the company works to modernize the electrical grid across its service area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Employees are always on the lookout for creative solutions, and recently, our engineers found a unique way to partner with the sun and improve reliability on a remote power line.
Just over a year ago, Idaho Power tested a new solution using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to boost voltage at the end of a distribution line near Shoshone, Idaho. “This is a unique situation in which photovoltaics solve the low-voltage issues out here and get the voltage within standards so we can maintain power quality,” said Engineer Patrick Perry. “And it does it in a cost-effective way.” As electricity travels to customers over distribution lines, the voltage becomes weaker the further it gets from the
substation — similar to water pressure decreasing at the end of a long garden hose. In Shoshone, the 18-kilowatt PV system is located 26 line miles from the nearest substation. Because of the remote location, options for boosting voltage were limited. By installing the 72-panel solar PV system, Idaho Power ensured customers in the area will have reliable power around the clock. This unique solution is the only one of its kind in Idaho — and possibly one of the first installed anywhere in the country.
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News Feed Helicopter Work Improves Treasure Valley Reliability To ensure continued reliable power for customers, three Idaho Power line crews and two helicopters recently completed an important maintenance project in the Boise foothills. They replaced six 50-to-60-year-old structures on a critical power line that runs to Emmett and changed out a key part on a seventh structure. Good environmental stewardship was top of mind. Flying in materials and working from the air helped Idaho Power minimize land disturbance with excavators and other heavy equipment. It was also much quicker, meaning less disruption for customers and trail users in the work area. A heavy-duty Huey helicopter transported about 3,000 pounds of power poles into place. A second, smaller helicopter hung cross arms and insulators. Crews on the ground set the poles and installed the wires to finish the job. idahopower.com/projects
Save Energy and Money this Winter! When it’s cold outside, our power bills can increase as we heat our homes and spend more time indoors. Try these easy tips to save on your energy bills this winter:
Innovation (continued from page 1) “We were watching the price of photovoltaics come down,” said Principal Engineer Phil Anderson. “And we were thinking that at some point, it was going to be cost-effective to use a different type of solution to help with voltage at the end of long feeders.” The Shoshone PV project affects only 13 service points. But as Perry pointed out, every Idaho Power customer matters. Thanks to smart engineering and plentiful desert sunshine, the PV system has been an effective substitute for reconductoring (replacing the line itself) or installing voltage-regulating devices. “The total cost for this project was about half what it would have cost to do the reconductoring,” Anderson said. “Our projects have to be cost-effective, and this is.” Data from the PV system’s first year in service shows that homes and farms in the area experienced consistently higher power quality compared to the year before the panels were installed. “This was a unique situation,” said Mitch Colburn, Senior Manager
• Regularly check and change your furnace filter. • Adjust your water heater to 120 degrees and insulate water heater pipes. • Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home. • Upgrade to LED lighting. • Check window seals and weather stripping for air leaks. • Register for My Account to monitor your monthly, daily and hourly energy usage. For more energy-saving tips, watch a video with Idaho Power energy advisor Russ Hahn, or visit idahopower.com/save. youtube.com/idahopower
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In the desert near Shoshone, 72 solar panels help maintain power quality at the end of a long distribution line.
of Transmission and Distribution Strategic Projects. “We installed solar because its electrical output matched the characteristics of the customer demand on the distribution line. It was a great solution for this particular issue.” With a successful project under their belts, Idaho Power engineers continue to seek opportunities to implement new, cost-effective technologies. “It’s very innovative, somewhat revolutionary, and it’s something we’re looking to do more of in the future,” Perry said.
Storage Solution In 2018, Idaho Power will launch another test solution in eastern Oregon — the Jordan Valley Energy Storage Project. A transformer at the Jordan Valley Substation is operating near capacity, particularly during peak demand times in the summer. To solve the issue, Idaho Power will install a battery energy storage system. The battery will be charged when demand is low and discharged during periods of high energy use, relieving potential
transformer overload and ensuring Jordan Valley customers have reliable power when energy demand is at its highest. “We had a project in place to replace the transformer, but we thought we could do it more cost-effectively with a battery,” Anderson said. “Now, we’ll be able to supply customers on the distribution line from the battery system when we want to and keep the transformer below its limit.” As battery technology improves and costs decrease, Idaho Power’s analysis shows that an energy storage solution in Jordan Valley will be a cost-effective alternative to replacing or upgrading the existing infrastructure. The design, installation and operation of this system will give Idaho Power valuable experience with energy storage technology and implementation. “One thing we know is the cost of batteries is coming down,” Anderson said. “This is a great chance for us to learn how to apply this type of non-wires alternative solution, which is valuable because we know these
opportunities will continue to grow in the future.”
Wood River Line Gets New Life
Keeping Pace Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. As it does, Idaho Power will continue to implement innovative solutions that increase reliability, conserve resources and save customers money. Whether undertaking additional solar or battery projects, evaluating microgrids or exploring new technologies that aren’t even on the radar yet, the company is committed to a smart, costeffective energy future. “We look at everything, and it’s exciting to use these new technologies,” Colburn said. “Like any good business, we have to evolve to meet the needs of our customers. We owe it to them to find the most cost-effective and reliable technologies that are out there, period.” Learn more about Idaho Power’s innovative energy projects by checking out the 2017 Smart Grid Report at idahopower.com. idahopower.com/energy
In rugged terrain in and around the Wood River Valley, Idaho Power recently completed the second and last phase of its King to Wood River Christy Meyer 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line rebuild. The 59-mile line runs from the King Substation in Hagerman to the Wood River Substation north of Hailey. The northern rebuild was finished on schedule in mid-November; the southern portion in 2016. Eventually, the final leg of the 60s-era transmission line between Hailey and Sun Valley also will be rebuilt. The power line upgrades improve reliability and capacity thanks to new steel structures and larger wire. Since its construction in 1962, the line, which was built with wood H-frame structures, needed increasingly frequent maintenance and had been threatened by occasional range fires. Both can disrupt service. “This line is the older one of only two transmission lines that serve the Wood River Valley; the other is the Midpoint to Wood River 138-kV line,” said Principal Engineering and Construction Project Manager Tom Barber. “That means if one line loses power or needs to be turned off for scheduled maintenance, the other would be the sole source to serve customers. In peak electric load conditions, the King to Wood River line could not handle serving all the customers in the Wood River Valley by itself.” Barber pointed out an additional benefit of the revitalized King to Wood River line: “The new steel poles are not susceptible to fire, so there will be no need for our crews to disturb land and habitat rebuilding downed structures.” There is another location in the Wood River Valley where the importance of redundant lines has been recognized for years. The Hailey to (continued on page 4) 3
Wood River (continued from page 3) Ketchum 138-kV transmission line project originated as part of the collaborative Wood River Valley Electric Plan, which was created by a local community advisory committee (CAC) in 2007. The CAC, on behalf of valley customers, recognized the need for a second transmission line from Hailey to the Ketchum–Sun Valley area. The north Wood River Valley, from Hailey to Ketchum, is currently served by a single 138-kV transmission line. If it goes out of service, it causes a power outage for the entire Ketchum and Sun Valley area and north to Galena. A second, redundant 138-kV transmission line between Hailey and Ketchum is critical for reliable electric service and to minimize the risk of a catastrophic outage. “The Hailey to Ketchum line was the top priority project recommended by the CAC and was initiated in 2010,” said Jared Hansen, Engineering Leader and lead on the electrical planning process. “In October 2014, before continuing the permitting process for the redundant line, Idaho Power updated and reconvened the CAC for a short time to evaluate any new viable alternatives to the proposed redundant line.” None were identified, and the permitting process resumed. In the fall, Idaho Power submitted to Blaine County an amended application for a Conditional Use Permit to site the line, part of the complicated 10-year permitting process that has included multiple changes in city and county elected leadership.
DON’T BE THE VICTIM OF A SCAM!
IDAHO POWER DOES NOT: • Demand immediate payment over the phone • Require a payment for a defective meter • Ask for same day payment via pre-paid cards IDAHO POWER DOES*: • Make payment arrangements and offer payment options • Send reminders and notices prior to a service disconnect • Make a phone call in an attempt to contact customers prior to disconnect • Take payments over the phone using a third party vendor • Have personnel wearing Idaho Power identification come to your home for various business reasons
To learn more about scams targeting Idaho Power customers, go to idahopower.com/scam. For additional information, contact the Customer Service Center at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 (outside the Treasure Valley).
*We do conduct outreach and advertising to increase awareness of our energy efficiency programs and work with vendors to conduct telephone surveys on our behalf.
idahopower.com/projects
From The Electric Kitchen
February 2018
Butternut Squash & Chicken Tortilla Soup 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 cups cubed butternut squash 1 cup dry quinoa 1 can each reduced-sodium black beans and kidney beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup frozen corn
1 can diced tomatoes 32 oz reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 3 cloves of garlic, minced 2 packets of reduced-sodium fajita or taco seasoning Sliced green onion
Mix all ingredients, except green onion, in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding more water as necessary for desired consistency. Garnish with green onion. Makes 12 servings.
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Dinner Dietary information per serving: Calories: 206 Fat: 2.5 g Carbohydrate: 28 g Protein: 15.5 g Sodium: 613 mg Potassium: 370 mg Fiber: 5.8 g Cholesterol: 21.7 mg
Connections is published monthly to inform our customers about services we provide, programs we offer and industry issues impacting our service area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Our goal is to engage and inspire you to learn more about Idaho Power and how we are working together to meet your energy needs today and tomorrow. Comments or questions are welcome at idahopower.com/contactus or Corporate Communications P.O. Box 70, Boise, ID 83707
Recipes are selected for nutritional value and low energy use in preparation. They are approved by Registered Dietitian Erin Green from the Central District Health Department in Boise.
Printed on recycled paper
