PUC Denies Appeal Calling to Fix Idaho Power Rooftop Solar Rate Methodology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2025
Boise, ID– On Monday, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rejected an appeal submitted by Vote Solar and Sierra Club urging the Commission to create a working group to resolve outstanding issues with their recently approved rooftop solar export rates for Idaho Power. Despite widespread concerns about the inaccuracy and volatility of the current Export Credit Rate (ECR) methodology, the Commission declined to revisit its ruling or convene a working group to address these issues before the next scheduled ECR update in 2028.
In the original order in late September, the PUC allowed Idaho Power to decrease the solar export rates by 31%. This decision impacts over 14,000 households in Idaho who have installed solar after Dec 20, 2019 (or Dec 1, 2020 for commercial and irrigation customers). The Commission also froze any further changes until 2028, a departure from their original directive to update the rates annually. The Commission said that it made these mitigation measures to “lessen the impact of bill increases on customers that had already seen increases as a result of unrelated rate cases.” In their appeal, Vote Solar and Sierra Club pointed out that these substantial bill increases were largely due to the ECR methodology, which updates annually and results in volatile payments to customers with solar. They warned that if the shortcomings of the ECR were not addressed, future bill spikes were inevitable. With yesterday’s decision, the Commission has signaled that the ECR methodology that was approved in 2023 is permanent, and no further changes will be considered.
“As the Commission acknowledged, Idaho Power’s Export Credit Rate formula is volatile and driving unpredictable bill increases for customers, yet today’s decision leaves that broken framework in place,” said Kate Bowman, Vote Solar’s Interior West Senior Regulatory Director. “By refusing to reexamine the ECR methodology now or in the future, the Commission has left families and farmers who depend on rooftop and distributed solar to manage rising energy costs vulnerable to continued uncertainty and unfair compensation.”
“In this decision, Commissioners Lodge, Hammond, and Hardie are claiming that they have no authority to reexamine a rate design that was set by a former group of Commissioners, even if it's been proven with overwhelming evidence over the years to be inaccurate and unfair to ratepayers,” said Lisa Young, Director of Idaho Sierra Club. “This conclusion only serves Idaho Power's interests. Idahoans deserve so much better from these state officials who are supposed to keep our monopoly utilities in check.”
The PUC also rejected a petition submitted by the City of Boise asking the PUC to limit this year’s ECR decrease even more and suggesting other improvements to the methodology. With all reconsideration petitions rejected, the Commission’s original ruling stands, and no additional review or ECR updates will occur until 2028. Customers can find the now final on-peak and off-peak ECR rates, effective October 1, 2025, listed on Idaho Power's website.
Vote Solar and Sierra Club say they will continue advocating for fair customer rates and access to locally-owned clean energy in Idaho.
Note: The PUC is holding a public hearing on Idaho Power's General Rate Case (which proposes to raise all customer rates, not specific to rooftop solar) this Thursday, November 20 at 4:30pm at the PUC office in Boise. Members of the public can also listen-in and testify over the phone. Details are available in this PUC press release.
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About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.
About Idaho Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, bringing people together to Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet. The Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club carries out that mission in the gem state, building an inclusive movement for climate and ecological justice in Idaho. Our volunteer-driven campaigns advance equitable solutions for clean energy, abundant wildlife, and outdoor access across the state.
View this Press Release on National Sierra Club's website.