Idaho Power Co. Threatens to Quit Paying Solar Panel Owners

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Some Idaho residents are worried that a proposal from Idaho Power will undercut their investments in home solar panels. The utility announced in December that it wants to quit paying some solar panel owners who generate more power than they use, hike the fees it charges solar users for hooking up to the power grid and increase the rate they pay for the power they purchase from the company.

Idaho Power officials told the Idaho Statesman that the charges will ensure other customers aren't subsidizing solar-generating customers. But Steve and Courtney White, who recently installed solar panels on their Boise home, say the change is an abuse of monopoly power that removes incentives for homeowners to reduce demand during high-use times, like summer afternoons.