In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the successful pilot program for Boise's geothermal system, which connected 12 to 15 customers and highlighted the need for a new policy regarding customer connections. The proposed policy mandates that customers pay for their connections unless otherwise agreed upon by the city, a move aimed at ensuring that growth pays for growth and enhancing revenue generation for operations and maintenance.

The city’s geothermal vision focuses on maximizing community and climate benefits while safeguarding the resource for future generations. Key strategic initiatives include securing water rights, modernizing aging infrastructure, addressing customer demand, and establishing policies that support system growth and financial stability. Currently, there is strong demand for the geothermal system, with 17 potential customers expressing interest.

The proposed policy changes will replace the existing connection categories with a straightforward requirement for customers to cover connection costs, with exceptions for unique circumstances that benefit the utility significantly. Additionally, the city plans to implement a contractual agreement with customers to clarify obligations, addressing previous challenges where customers could reserve capacity without a commitment to connect.

These changes are expected to streamline the connection process and enhance the sustainability of Boise's geothermal energy initiatives, aligning them more closely with other utility services.