Intermountain Gas Co. is asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for authority to temporarily interrupt service to customers who use natural gas-fired snow-melting equipment during times when use of gas supply is peaking.
Snow-melting equipment, installed under driveways and on rooftops, uses an inordinate amount of gas compared to more conventional uses. During days when gas is at peak use, the snowmelt equipment has the potential to impact service to other customers, Intermountain Gas stated in its application to the commission. The company claims that because snowmelt customers use large amounts of natural gas for only a few days or weeks during the winter, it creates an inefficient use of the company's distribution system and does not allow for cost recovery of the added capacity.
Intermountain Gas, which serves about 305,000 customers across southern Idaho, is proposing that new residential and small-commercial customers installing snowmelt equipment or existing customers remodeling to install the equipment receive the interruptible service. For customers who already have snowmelt equipment, Intermountain is negotiating voluntary agreements that allow for interruption after advance notice by the company.
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The company stated that it believes the interruptions will not be lengthy, but will depend on weather and snowfall.
The commission stated in a press release that it plans to handle the request in a modified procedure that uses written comments rather than conducting a hearing, unless customer comments can demonstrate a need for a public hearing. Comments will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 23, via e-mail by accessing the commission's homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number INT-G-09-03 and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.
A full text of the commission's order, along with other documents related to this case, is available on the commission's Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on "File Room" and then on "Gas Cases" and scroll down to the above case number.
