The Peregrine Energy Center is a 160-acre site that will play a key role in ensuring Idaho Power continues to deliver the safe, reliable, and affordable energy our customers count on today and into the future.
As our region continues to grow, so does the need for energy. Over the next five years alone, demand on Idaho Power’s system is projected to increase by nearly 1,000 MW—roughly 50% more than the capacity of our largest power plant.
Located along Simco Road between Mountain Home and Boise, the Peregrine Energy Center will be home to a variety of energy resources and other electrical equipment that will help Idaho Power meet those growing customer needs.
The initial proposal at the Peregrine Energy Center includes a new 400-megawatt (MW) natural gas plant. This simple-cycle plant would occupy less than 10 acres of the property but would have a big impact on Idaho Power’s ability to serve customers across its system. We’re also considering the option to add a second gas turbine of similar size at the same site in the future.
Why It’s Needed
Idaho Power is seeing unprecedented growth in energy demand driven by all types of customers, including new homes, small businesses, and major industries. Over the next 20 years, demand across our service area is expected to grow by nearly 45%, with more than half of that growth coming in the next five years.
The Peregrine Energy Center is one part of Idaho Power’s “all of the above” strategy that includes transmission and energy storage investments, as well as generation resources that include wind, solar and natural gas— all with the goal of meeting our customers’ growing needs safely, reliably, and affordably, with a robust, diverse mix of resources.
Why is Idaho Power considering this location?
The Peregrine site is near existing and planned infrastructure, making it more cost-effective to build and operate than other potential sites. An existing high-voltage transmission line will connect this station to the grid, and other projects such as the Mayfield Substation and Gateway West will help move electricity efficiently to Idaho Power customers.
Why Natural Gas?
Idaho Power relies on a variety of energy resources that work together to keep the system running smoothly and reliably as energy demand rises and falls. Clean, affordable hydropower is our largest resource and natural gas is an excellent complement and proven source that we can rely on year-round, day or night, during good and bad weather. Reliable, dispatchable generation is one of the most important tools we have for ensuring electricity is there when customers need it most.
Project Status and Timeline
Idaho Power is in the process of applying for a conditional use permit from Elmore County for the initial gas plant as well as a second potential simple-cycle gas turbine that would come online in 2031. Any development would also require approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
This project would be under construction from 2028-2030 and be online to meet the system load needs during the summer of 2030.
Questions?
Contact Megan Ronk at mronk@idahopower.com.