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Scott Madison, retired Intermountain Gas executive, outlines energy concerns at Idaho Energy Resource Authority hearing
Summary
Scott Madison, Gov. Little’s nominee to the Idaho Energy Resource Authority, told the Senate State Affairs Committee he expects rising regional electric demand and sees potential roles for small modular nuclear, gas and renewables; the committee deferred confirmation to its next meeting.
Scott Madison, a retired Intermountain Gas executive nominated to the Idaho Energy Resource Authority, told the Senate State Affairs Committee he expects increasing electric demand across the region and said the authority — which primarily works with public-sector electric utilities — may be more active in financing generation in coming years.
“My name is Scott Madison. I’m a fifth generation Idahoan … I have spent the last 30 years of my life working for Intermountain Gas Company,” Madison said, describing utility experience and recent retirement. He said regional demand growth is being driven by data centers and industrial investments and that the authority “works mostly with the public sector, electric utilities, looking for ways for them to, if they need it, finance generation.”
Senators asked whether small modular nuclear reactors have a future in Idaho. Madison said yes, arguing there will be a need for base‑load generation to back intermittent wind and solar and that nuclear could compete with gas for base-load capacity. He also said lifecycle environmental and disposal costs should factor into generation choices.
The chair said the committee would vote on Madison’s confirmation at the next meeting, likely Monday; no confirmation vote occurred at the hearing.
Speakers identified for this topic include Scott Madison; the committee chair (unnamed); Senator Harris; Senator Adams; and Senator Shippey.
