Boise, April 4 -- Idaho Power has filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to significantly decrease the compensation rates for the excess energy produced by rooftop solar owners, known as the Export Credit Rates (ECRs) in another attempt to hurt rooftop solar financial viability in Idaho as electricity rates continue to rise.

Idaho Power proposes a 60 percent drop from 6.18 cents per kilowatt-hour (which took effect in January 2024) to 2.46 cents on average annually. This is a 72 percent drop overall from the previous average compensation rate of 8.8 cents per kilowatt-hour in place for over a decade. The PUC is expected to make a decision in May before the new rates take effect on June 1.

"People in Idah...