From Deseret News archives:
Idaho Power envisions nuclear plant in 20-year plan
The company estimates that its customer base will increase from the 455,000 customers it has now to about 680,000 customers by the end of 2025. The plan calls for an additional 1,300 megawatts of power to meet demands. One megawatt can power about 650 houses for one year.
In addition to its own nuclear facility, the plan says Idaho Power might also be able to acquire 250 megawatts from an anticipated nuclear plant at the Idaho National Laboratory in 2023.
The company also wants to try other modes of power generation, with plans to add 100 megawatts of wind-generated power in 2007. An additional 170 megawatts could be added in 2008 by expanding the Danskin natural gas plant near Mountain Home. A coal-fired plant to be added in 2013 could generate an additional 250 megawatts.
The plan also calls for expansion of the Jim Bridger Plant in Rock Springs, Wyo., which is one-third owned by Idaho Power.
In 2017, the company could generate 250 megawatts with clean-coal technology called Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle. Pocatello and Soda Springs in southeastern Idaho are possible sites for such a plant.
Transmission upgrades could add 285 megawatts, according to the plan. In particular, Idaho Power is considering upgrades for the lines from McNary Dam near Umatilla, Ore., to Boise.
The company estimates an additional 187 megawatts could be made available through conservation programs to reduce power demand.
The commission is taking comments through Jan. 22.
