Carbon emissions intensity is a measure of the pounds of CO₂ emitted per megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy generated. It’s a helpful measure for tracking the impact of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions relative to growing power demand — one we’ve measured and reduced since 2010.

• We started with a goal to reduce emissions intensity 10-15% from 2005 levels (our baseline year).
• We increased our emissions reduction goal to 15-20% for 2010-2020.
• We are working to reduce emissions intensity 35% for 2021-2025 from 2005 levels.

Our average CO₂ emissions intensity for 2021 through 2023 from Idaho Power-owned generation sources was 837 pounds per MWh (837, 935, and 739 pounds per MWh, respectively) — representing a 30% reduction from 2005.

Our 2023 carbon emissions intensity from all sources of our total energy mix was 640 pounds per MWh, a 46% reduction from 2005.

The following chart/table shows our emissions intensity reduction from Idaho Power generation sources over the past two decades.

Idaho Power is a joint owner of two operating coal plants. With upcoming anticipated coal plant retirements and the addition of clean energy resources we are poised to see impressive reductions in both our total carbon emissions and emission intensity in the next 10 years.

• • The Boardman plant in Oregon, co-owned by Idaho Power (10%) and Portland General Electric (90%), stopped coal-fired operations in October 2020.
  • The North Valmy plant in Nevada consists of two generating units. Idaho Power and plant co-owner NV Energy have aligned on 2026 as the year to evaluate coal-to-gas conversion for both units. Idaho Power exited coal operations at Unit 1 in 2019. If Unit 1 is converted to natural gas, the company will have the option to participate in the conversion.
  • The Jim Bridger plant in Wyoming is owned by Idaho Power (one-third) and PacifiCorp (two-thirds). Under our 2023 Integrated Resource Plan, Idaho Power is scheduled to exit participation in coal-fired operations at Bridger by the end of 2030. Two of Bridger’s four generation units were converted to use natural gas in early 2024. Natural gas produces roughly half the carbon emissions of coal per megawatt-hour of electricity generated.

CO₂ Emissions Reduction Report

Idaho Power has been a leader in clean energy generation for over 100 years. Today, more than half of our energy supply comes from carbon-free generation, including Idaho Power-owned hydro resources and the energy we buy through long-term contracts with wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and small-scale hydro generators. In addition to our current low-carbon profile, Idaho Power has established short-term, medium-term and long-term targets for further CO₂ reductions. Idaho Power’s CO₂ Reduction Report further details our carbon reduction goals.