Kootenai Electric Wins Turf Battle

For the second time in a week, Kootenai Electric Cooperative has won a territorial dispute with The Washington Water Power Co.

Idaho District Court Judge Gary Haman ruled that the Coeur d’Alene-based cooperative was entitled to provide service to Prairie View Elementary School in Post Falls.

Under the Idaho Electric Supplier Stabilization Act, the utility with lines closest to a property will supply electricity if there are two with lines within 1,320 feet.

Spokane-based WWP had served the school site while the school was under construction.

But, in finding for Kootenai, Haman said temporary lines could be used to evade the law’s intent. Except for those lines, Kootenai had the closest facilities, he said.

Last week, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that Kootenai and not WWP should serve the Coeur d’Alene Commerce Park.

Although WWP has appealed that ruling, area manager Steve Anderson said the utility will not contest Haman’s decision. , DataTimes