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Idaho Power warns Washington County of rapid load growth, cautions on data center interconnections
Summary
Idaho Power told Washington County commissioners it expects 8.3% system growth over five years and that large-load customers such as data centers face lengthy, customer-funded interconnection processes; the utility recommended conditional-use zoning and offered written comments on draft ordinances.
Idaho Power representatives Leon Letson and Taylor Dunn briefed the Washington County Board on July 13 about system resources, projected load growth, and interconnection requirements for large customers. Letson said the company serves roughly 1.3 million people across a wide territory and relies on a mix of hydroelectric, gas, solar, wind, batteries, coal and purchased power. He told commissioners that Idaho Power expects rapid growth and that large projects require extended infrastructure studies and customer-funded upgrades.
"Idaho Power projects 8.3% system growth over the next 5 years, equivalent to approximately 40 years of historical growth compressed into a single 5-year period," the presentation states. Commissioners asked about a county proposal limiting data centers to 25 megawatts; Idaho Power responded that 25 megawatts is on the lower end of data center demand and that some facilities exceed 200 megawatts, and that viable near-term projects must have engaged Idaho Power in the interconnection process.
Letson encouraged the county to preserve conditional-use permit pathways in its zoning code rather than blanket exclusions so the county can require site-specific mitigation, environmental and wildfire studies, and community input. Idaho Power agreed to provide a written letter with comments on the draft zoning code.
