Idaho Power: Renewable energy more costly, don’t extend rebate

Rich Hahn, lobbyist for Idaho Power Co., is testifying against HB 250, extending the renewable energy tax development rebate. He said the company now has 1,324 megawatts of renewable projects either on line or in the works; “that’s 41 percent,” he said. He said lots of wind power already is coming on line in Idaho. “It is the company’s position that Idaho does not need to extend the sales tax incentive for renewable energy,” he told the House Rev & Tax Committee. “This energy is more expensive than what’s available from other sources and this is a significant cost.”

Hahn said, “Idaho Power is not opposed to renewable energy - it’s continuing to develop a robust portfolio of renewable energy projects.” But he said the state’s renewable energy tax rebate “has worked” to stimulate development, and it’s not needed any more.