House Majority Caucus Room
State Capitol, Boise, Idaho
January 15, 2004
4:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Cochairman Representative George Eskridge at 4:00 p.m.
after being postponed for one hour. Other committee members present included Cochairman
Senator Brent Hill, Senator Joe Stegner, Senator Sheila Sorenson, Senator Clint Stennett,
Representative Bert Stevenson, Representative Maxine Bell, Representative Steve Smylie and
Representative Charles Cuddy.
Others present were Doug Glaspey, U.S. Geothermal Inc.; Justine Hayes, Idaho Conservation
League; Daniel G. Chadwick and Maggie Mahoney, Idaho Assoc. Of Counties; Neil Colwell and
Paul Anderson, Avista Corp.; Bill Eddie, Advocates for the West; Jenna Borovansky, Idaho
Rivers United; Richard Urguidi and Ron Swearinger; City of Mountain Home; Ron Williams,
Assoc. Of Idaho Cities/Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities; Russ Hendricks, Farm Bureau; Brian
Jackson, Renaissance Engineering and Design; Peter Richardson, Industrial Customer of Idaho
Power; Michael Heckler, Windland, Inc.; Representative Pete Neilsen, District 22; Mark
Schroeder, Farmer; David Hawk, JR Simplot Co.; Kevin Stott, Harvesting Clean Energy
Network; Russell Westerberg, PacifiCorp; Bob Hoppie, Idaho Energy Division; Leon Duce,
Assoc. Of Idaho Cities; John Prescott and Rich Hahn, Idaho Power Co.; and Ted Spangler, State
Tax Commission. Staff members present were Mike Nugent and Toni Hobbs.
After approval of the minutes from the October 28, 2003 meeting, Representative Eskridge
introduced Commissioner Paul Kjellander, PUC, to discuss a report detailing Idaho's avoided
cost rates and the impacts of increasing PURPA project size and contract length. This report is
available at www2 state.id.us/legislat/legislat.html under the Energy Interim Committee section.
Mr. Kjellander stated that Idaho has the one of the most attractive avoided cost structures in the
Northwest. Idaho's 10 megawatts project size with a maximum contract term of 20 years is the
largest project size in the area. Most of the project sizes in surrounding states are closer to the
one megawatt range. As a result of Idaho being the most attractive state with regard to its
avoided cost rate structure, 15% of all of Idaho Power's qualified facility (QF) purchased today
are from out of state projects. This shows that Idaho is thought to be a good place to go to take
advantage of PURPA contracts and it is very difficult to have only Idaho based projects with
regard to PURPA.
In response to a question from Representative Cuddy, Mr. Kjellander stated that there is less
of a financial incentive offered for nonfirm energy.
Representative Stevenson said that he understood that there was not a limit on the size of wind
projects under PURPA. He added that, if this was true, he has concerns that large producers
would come to Idaho to receive the tax incentives. Mr. Kjellander said that he has not seen the
final report on this issue but that he would get the answer in writing for the committee.
Mr. Mike Nugent, Legislative Services Office, spoke to the committee on draft MPN508
dealing with renewable energy incentives. This is available at www2
state.id.us/legislat/legislat.html. He explained that this draft offers an income tax credit for
capital investment for development of qualified alternative energy generation equipment. If the
project qualifies, it would be eligible to receive a 3% investment tax credit for qualified
investments. This legislation also offers an additional 3% income tax credit for qualified
expenditures in qualified alternative energy generation equipment in Idaho. This section has a
five year sunset date. Qualified alternative energy equipment is defined in this section. It also
states that any property not primarily used to provide energy in Idaho is not qualified alternative
energy equipment. If a project was used to ship energy out of Idaho, it would not qualify for the
credit. Mr. Nugent continued that this draft includes transferability and there is some question of
if the committee wants to allow transferability of these tax credits. Also, if the investment made
in alternative energy equipment is located in certain counties an additional 2% credit is allowed
similar to what is allowed in the Broadband Tax Credit statute.
Senator Noh asked what the term low impact hydro includes. Representative Eskridge stated
that the concept at the last meeting was that low impact hydro only includes hydro systems
located within canals and the intention is to make that is specifically defined in the legislation.
Representative Stevenson asked if subsection (c) on page 4 that states: "Any property not
primarily used to provide energy in Idaho is not qualified alternative energy generation
equipment.", means that the energy has to be made in Idaho and distributed in Idaho. Mr.
Nugent said that the intent was that the energy be consumed in Idaho. Representative
Stevenson asked how this would affect a utility in Idaho that was forced to buy the energy and if
they would be forced to use the energy in Idaho even if there was more energy produced than
was needed. Representative Eskridge commented that in his opinion, the intent was that the
facility be located in Idaho but that the energy did not necessarily need to be consumed only in
Idaho. Senator Noh said that the term "primarily used in Idaho" would exclude a facility or
property that was intended to solely export power out of the state. Mr. Nugent said that was
correct. Since this is a tax credit, a facility or project will have to certify that the primary use of
the energy will be in Idaho. Representative Cuddy suggested changing "provide" to
"generate". Senator Noh cautioned that this would open the door to a company coming into
Idaho to strictly export energy. Representative Smylie stated that it is his understanding that
once power goes into the grid, it is distributed wherever there is a need for it. There is no way to
identify where the power actually goes. On the other hand, he would like to encourage
production of more energy capacity within the state of Idaho for the state of Idaho to encourage
economic development. Due to this fact, he would like to see language maintained that would
make sure that if a tax credit is offered, it is for the benefit of Idaho citizens. John Prescott,
Idaho Power Company, agreed that when energy enters the power grid, there is no way to
identify where it goes. Where it goes is all done by contract. If the intent is to encourage the
development for the state of Idaho, the energy could be an export commodity that goes out of the
state but brings revenue into the state. Senator Noh asked how revenue would be generated for
the state of Idaho if an out of state company builds the plant and exports the energy. Mr.
Prescott said in that case the only value would be in the number of people the plant employs.
Representative Eskridge, in response to a question from Representative Bell, stated that, in his
opinion, the intent was to provide an incentive for renewable energy development within the
state without a large concern as to where the energy was going. The renewable energy projects
were looked at as economic development possibilities. Representative Bell said that the use of
the word "primarily" in subsection (c) is a very mild word and really says "we hope" this is
where the energy will be used. Mr. Nugent commented that this is the same language that is in
the Broadband Tax Credit statute.
Mr. David Hawk, JR Simplot Company, suggested wording as follows:
Mr. Hawk continued that PURPA or avoided cost contracts are available to everyone in the state
and this legislation is trying to make renewable energy more attractive to investors. Currently, if
someone decides to build a project in Idaho, they can do so and move that power anywhere they
want to. Representative Stevenson said this legislation is not limited to a PURPA contract, this
is for anyone who generates power. Representative Eskridge agreed and stated that this is a tax
incentive for the development of renewable resources outside of PURPA. PURPA already
provides it's own incentives. Senator Stegner continued that one specific reason this legislation
is being considered is to diversify the state's utility supply. Job creation and property tax base
creation are other reasons. He added that it would be very difficult to require that the energy be
consumed within the state of Idaho. If this type of tax credit is granted to these facilities and
these facilities sell to any of the energy distributing utilities in the state, that benefits Idaho
citizens. Senator Noh said that he would be in favor of using the language Mr. Hawk suggested.
Representative Eskridge said that in his opinion, this language would be restrictive to the
ability of a new developer to market power wherever possible. Senator Hill asked if this
language, by virtue of who the sale is made to, limits projects back to PURPA contracts thus
limiting the size of wind power projects and such. Mr. Hawk said that other language could be
added stating this is for projects not seeking PURPA recognition.
Senator Stegner suggested eliminating subsection (c) altogether. Senator Hill agreed and said
that is essentially what the above suggestion does also. If (c) is eliminated, the project would
still be required to be located in Idaho. This language is in subsection (1) of this section.
Representative Stevenson stated that he sees very little value in subsection (c) even with the
rewording and that it just clouds the issue. Representative Eskridge added that in his opinion,
leaving the language in restricts the incentive for a developer to locate a project in Idaho.
Senator Noh argued that most projects of this type have only a one time capital construction
cost and minimal maintenance thereafter. While they would pay property tax in Idaho, the idea
of giving tax credits would be more saleable to Idaho citizens by stating that the benefits of this
energy would be staying in the state.
The substitute motion carried by voice vote.
Mr. Nugent, in response to a question from Senator Stegner, clarified that cogeneration
facilities are not included in the tax credit legislation unless they qualifies as a biomass, waste,
renewable resources including, but not limited to, solar, wind, low-impact hydro, pumped
storage or geothermal project.
Representative Eskridge commented that the intent of the committee was not to allow any transferability but this draft legislation has included it. He asked for discussion from committee members on this issue. He continued that leaving transferability in the legislation would give the publicly owned utilities some incentive to pursue these projects. Representative Stevenson stated that some of these projects are very small "mom and pop" operations that would probably not be able to use all of their tax credits. Being able to transfer or sell those to other entities, gives them more incentive to invest. Representative Eskridge reminded the committee that there is a cap on the credit allowed. Senator Hill asked that if credits are transferred, the language needs to clarify that the cap is for the specific project, not the taxpayer. Mr. Nugent said that he would get the tax commission's approval on this language for the final draft of the legislation.
Mr. Nugent continued with discussion of MPN514 that provides an income tax credit for
alternative energy generation. This is available at www2 state.id.us/legislat/legislat.html. He
stated that language requiring projects built after January 1, 2004 needs to be added as discussed
at the last meeting. The specific definition of low impact hydro would also be added.
Mr. Nugent continued that the Federal Energy Bill had an alternative energy generation
component in it but when Congress did not agree on an energy bill, the federal energy credit
went away also because of a sunset clause.
This legislation provides a credit of ½ cent per kilowatt hour credit of electric energy generated
by a taxpayer by alternative methods. The electricity has to be generated in Idaho to qualify and
includes energy generated from biomass, waste, renewable resources including, but not limited
to, solar, wind, low-impact hydro and pumped storage, geothermal resources, co-generation or
any combination thereof. The committee decided to add a five year sunset date to this
legislation.
In response to a question from Senator Hill, Mr. Nugent stated that this credit only applies to
alternative energy generation and would an estimate based on an assumption of what would be
put on line after January 1, 2004. Representative Smylie said that the committee needs to have
a better understanding of the fiscal impact of this legislation before proceeding with a
recommendation. Representative Eskridge requested a fiscal impact statement be presented
with the revised legislation at the next meeting. Mr. Hawk stated that a five megawatt plant
would receive $180,000 tax credit per year.
Senator Stennett asked if the five year sunset date would affect a company's decision to build a
project. Mr. Hawk said that a ten year sunset date would be more favorable because most plants
have a five year payback period.
Mr. Ron Williams was introduced to discuss RS13657 dealing with assessment of operating
property. He stated that he was representing the Association of Idaho Cities on this issue and
that the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association fully supports the legislation.
The purpose of this legislation is to bring balance of both the burdens and the benefits of electric
generating resources in the state. The burdens associated with electric generating resources on a
community include air quality issues, noise issues and development issues.
In Mountain Home, the city welcomed a nonutility generating asset into its industrial park with
the expectation that there would be property tax revenues from the generating plant going to the
city. In turn, the city committed to provide the site, municipal water and sewer service, fire and
police protection, to construct roads and so on. In the course of events, this particular plant is
now going to be turned over to Idaho Power. Once this takes place, the city is left with all of the
burdens without any benefits.
This legislation says that for purposes of newly constructed generating equipment within city
limits used in conjunction with the generating of electricity using natural gas, the property tax
revenues will be apportioned based on the physical location of the power plant rather than the
physical location of the utility's transmission lines. It simply redirects the property tax revenues
to the people that are being impacted by the power plant itself. The legislation is limited to
power plants within city limits because there are many instances where it has been the city that
has experience these problems. Also, if it were not limited to city limits it could have too broad
of a consequence.
Senator Stegner asked why the legislation is limited to natural gas plants. Mr. Williams stated
that there is a difference in looking at a small peaking unit that needs to be located next to a load
center compared to a larger coal plant that is located out in the desert. If larger 500 megawatt
coal plants are included, it could change the current state policy regarding property taxes on
electric generating facilities.
Representative Stevenson said that one reason this legislation was drafted was due to a
presentation at the Association of Idaho Cities conference. This presentation showed the burden
on cities when electric plants are placed in cities.
In response to a question from Senator Stegner, Mr. Williams answered that if a power plant
was located in a county, this legislation would have no effect. If a plant is located in a city, the
county would still receive substantial property tax revenue due to a tax levy that would apply to
the location.
Mr. Paul Anderson, Avista Corporation spoke to the committee in favor of the RS13657. He
explained that Avista's service area is growing, as well as their load growth and that they need to
build new generation plants. Avista would very much like to build these new generation plants
within city limits because of the services that are given by cities. Currently, there is a
disincentive for cities to welcome utility generating plants if they are a regulated utility. If it is a
merchant plant that builds within city limits, taxes are allocated just like any other business or
manufacturing plant would be. If it is regulated utility plant, the taxes are allocated by
transmission line mile within the taxing entities of a particular county. In this case the number
of transmission lines within a city's boundary makes a huge difference. If the city does not have
much transmission line, it does not receive much benefit from the taxes.
From an equity standpoint the countywide line mile allocation seems pretty unfair to the host
city. The host city is obligated to provide water, sewer, fire and police protection, roads, snow
removal and so on. The host city residents also have to put up with a large generating facility
that is noisy, uses a lot of water, has air emission issues and major overhead transmission lines.
Under existing allocation, the city residents get very little benefit.
Mr. Anderson used the example of the City of Rathdrum. When Avista decided to build a
generating plant within Rathdrum's city limits. It was a $60 million investment and the city was
excited by the significant property tax revenue it would receive. As the project went forward, it
was discovered that there was central assessment and reallocation of the property tax throughout
the county. It turned out the Rathdrum would have only received about $6,000 a year in
property taxes off of this $60 million investment. Other nearby cities would have received much
more than Rathdrum. Once this was discovered, Rathdrum was not as excited about locating the
plant within its boundary. Avista agreed and negotiated a municipal development agreement
with the city that gave them the amount of tax it would have received from a manufacturing
plant. Over a twenty year period, Avista is paying Rathdrum $3.6 million.
Avista supports this legislation and thinks that the way of reallocating taxes presented in it is
good for cities as well as utilities. Discussions with neighboring cities showed support for this
legislation because they realize that if a plant was built in their community, they would also
receive the same benefits.
Representative Pete Neilsen, District 22-Mountain Home, also spoke in favor of the
legislation. As a resident of Mountain Home, he went through the process of establishing a gas
fired plant in the city. He agreed with what Mr. Anderson stated above. There were many
objections to the plant being built. Tax incentives to the cities are the only way these types of
plants will get built.
Senator Stegner asked if utilities located in a city would pay a different property tax rate than
other commercial or industrial businesses within that city. Mr. Ted Spangler, State Tax
Commission, answered that what gets apportioned is the value. Currently the value is spread
across the county and is subjected to different tax rates depending on where that value is
apportioned. Under this legislation, all of the value would be brought together and focused in
the city. It would then be subject to the property tax rate of the city (which is usually higher than
the county) and would be paying the same rate as other businesses. Mr. Spangler continued that
in the case of an electric utility, as opposed to other centrally assessed properties like railroads
and telephones, the value is captured within the county. There is a different per mile rate in each
county for electric utilities. It is apportioned from where the generating plant is throughout the
county. This legislation would put the value just at the location of the plant within the city. A
single plant would not be apportioned beyond a county boundary.
Mr. Dan Chadwick, Idaho Association of Counties, stated that his organization also supports
the concept presented in this legislation but they would like more time to review it. In response
to a question that was asked earlier, Mr. Chadwick said that in his opinion, there is no
difference between a plant sitting inside a city or outside the city in the county. The same
conditions apply. Police and fire protection, water, sewer, roads and snow removal still need to
be provided. He added that if a plant was build outside of a city boundary if it is in an area of
impact, it would be subject to annexation.
Mr. Richard Urquidi, President of the Mountain Home City Council, explained more in depth what Mr. Williams discussed earlier regarding the city of Mountain Home. The company, Mountain View Power decided to pursue a site within Mountain Home's industrial park for the following reasons:
In March, 2001, the company applied for a conditional use permit that was approved on July 23,
2001. The city was excited by the chance to have an increase in the property tax base and along
with other cities supported House Bill 582 that would allow privately constructed power
generation facilities to be treated as new construction instead of being centrally allocated. This
bill became law in 2002.
In the first quarter of 2003, Mountain View Power had an opportunity to respond to an RFP for
the Idaho Power Company that required an amendment to the conditional use permit. This
amendment was to increase the allowable capacity from 130 megawatts to 160 megawatts. This
was approved in February 2003. In September, Idaho Power decided that it was in their best
interest to own the facility and this took place. Since the power plant would now be owned by a
publicly regulated utility, the property taxes Mountain Home hoped to gain would be greatly
reduced. This proposed legislation would stop this from happening in the future and cities would
be able to realize the benefits of property tax revenue from power generating facilities built
inside their boundaries.
Neil Colwell, Avista Corporation, commented that while Avista supports the concept of this
legislation, there are some technical issues with it. He cautioned that it needs to make clear that
there is a distinction between replacement equipment and newly installed or constructed
equipment.
Another issue is annexation. Language should be inserted that would prevent annexation of
existing facilities if a minor expansion were to take place.
Mr. Colwell continued that the definition of what the equipment is used for needs to be more
specific. The utility companies are concerned that this be focused on the generating facility, not
on substations or existing transmission lines. He added that the source of electricity generation
should not be limited to natural gas and could include alternative energy sources.
Representative Cuddy suggested that the committee draft a letter to the state of Washington
regarding the use of water from the Columbia River for irrigation and stating Idaho's concern
over how this will impact our water. Senator Noh suggested meeting with Mr. Clive Strong,
Deputy Attorney General, for assistance with this matter. The committee agreed and a draft
letter will be presented at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.