House panel backs study committee to examine Idaho electricity needs and large loads

The House State Affairs Committee on Oct. 12 voted to send HCR 19, a concurrent resolution to form a study committee on electricity, to the full House with a due-pass recommendation.

Representative Stephanie Mickelson, legislative district 32, told the committee the resolution is meant “to form a committee and take a look at that so we can continue to have affordable rates here for those Idahoans who have built out the system and it's their resources.” She said one of the panel’s goals is to ensure Idaho “continue to have its cheap power rates” as large loads, including data centers, locate in the state.

The committee debated the scope and timing of a study. Representative Hostetler asked whether forming the study committee would temporarily halt other proceedings related to new large power users. Mickelson replied, “With the way the rules are currently existing with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, I don't think that we would have a problem if another large ratepayer came in and tried to start down through the process,” and said the state has time to complete the work without blocking ordinary PUC processes.

Representative Alfieri asked about committee composition. Mickelson said she understood the panel would include three members from the House and three from the Senate and described appointments as part of the organizing process. Representative Achilles said he supported a focus on subject-matter experts.

Representative Digart moved that the committee send HCR 19 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Discussion points included concerns about coordinating electricity planning with land use and water, ensuring affordable rates for existing Idaho ratepayers, and the need for expert representation on the study committee. The action recorded was a referral of HCR 19 to the House floor for further consideration.