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Idaho Could Soon Have the Most Solar Per-Capita of Any State by Robert Walton Utility Dive, January 15, 2015

Dive Brief:

• Officials at Idaho's largest utility believe plans for new solar projects in the state could soon make Idaho the national leader in solar on a per-capita basis.

• The Times-News reports Idaho Power has contracts for more than 450 MW of solar capacity and there are also projects capable of generating hundreds of megawatts seeking contracts.

• Because all of the projects are qualifying facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, the utility must purchase the power they produce.

Solar power in Idaho has taken off, and officials at Idaho Power say it's going to grow even more. In an interview with local paper the Times-News, utility spokesman Brad Bowlin said Idaho Power has contracted with solar projects for 461 MW, and there are more waiting in the wings.

Another 3 MW of capacity are added by small rooftop panels through the utility's net metering tariff.

Among Idaho Power's new projects is the 80-MW Grand View PV Solar Two facility, scheduled to come online in 2016. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2014 Idaho produced most of its power from hydroelectric sources, followed by natural gas. Renewables accounted for 240 GWh of production last year.

In 2013, 78% of Idaho's net electricity generation came from renewable energy resources, and Idaho had the fourth lowest average electricity prices in the United States, EIA said. Hydroelectric power supplied 58% of net electricity generation in Idaho in 2013. Idaho's wind generation increased by nearly 35% in 2013, providing 16% of net electricity generation, according to the agency.