About the Project
Energy demand across southern Idaho, including the Magic Valley, continues to rise. By the end of the decade, Idaho Power’s peak demand is expected to increase by nearly 1,000 MW – nearly 15 times the combined output of the Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls hydroelectric plants
The proposed South Hills Power Plant would provide up to 220 MW of energy – enough to power about 178,000 average homes. It will sit on a 20-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Milner Road and 5200 N E Road in eastern Twin Falls County. This rural location has access to an existing natural gas pipeline to the south, and electrical infrastructure associated with the nearby Milner Dam hydro facility to access the electrical grid.
The plant will include 12 natural gas-fired engines, which can operate independently or together depending on how much energy is needed. These units can start within five minutes and quickly adjust output, helping Idaho Power respond to changing customer needs and variations in other energy sources.
Purpose and Need
Energy demand across Idaho Power’s service area is increasing, driven by new homes, businesses, major industries, and agriculture expansion. Over the next 20 years, demand is expected to grow by nearly 45%, with more than half of that increase coming in the next five years.
The proposed South Hills Power Plant supports Idaho Power’s “all of the above” strategy to serve growing demand. That approach calls for high-voltage transmission lines 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 energy needs safely, reliably, and affordably.
Benefits
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. Natural gas is a dependable, on-demand resource we can rely on year-round, day and night, and during all weather conditions.
Timeline and Current Status
Any new large generation resources require regulatory oversight and approvals from the Idaho and Oregon utility commissions, along with state and local permits, with these processes expected to take place over the coming months. Idaho Power will also coordinate with Twin Falls County on required building permits, as power generation is a permitted use at the proposed site. The company is in the process of obtaining an air quality permit from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Idaho Power looks forward to engaging with customers, regulators, and the community throughout this process to help maintain a safe and reliable energy grid.
Questions?
Contact Brady Lang at blang@idahopower.com.