A participant’s end of season payment is based on three components:

1. Participation throughout the season: The flex peak season runs from June 15-September 15. For best results, participants should hold an active load reduction nomination, and perform when an event is called, for each of the approximately 13 weeks. Leaving the program early will result in a pro-rated incentive.
2. Season performance: The customer’s Average Actual Load Reduction against their averaged nominated reduction for the events that are called is calculated to determine the Average Season Performance Percentage. To calculate the Fixed Capacity incentive, the average actual load reduction is multiplied by the associated Fixed Capacity Payment Rate in the table and the number of weeks in the season, including weeks when an event was not called. If customers provide more reduction during an event than their nominated kW, they are eligible to get credit for up to 20% above their nomination.
3. The variable payment is $0.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and is paid for each event the company calls after the first three minimum events. This amount is based on the kW reduction during the event, multiplied by the length of the event in hours. The payment for a variable event is in addition to the fixed capacity incentive. Despite receiving an additional payment, a facility’s performance during variable events counts toward the Tiered Fixed Capacity Payment Rate Structure.

Tiered Fixed Capacity Payment Structure

For example, a facility that has nominated 100 kW for the entire season and reduced their load an average of 100% of their average event week nomination would receive $4,225 ($3.25 X 100 kW X 13 weeks = $4,225.) If this same customer only achieved 70% of their average event nomination, they would receive $2,220.40 ($2.44 X 70% X 13 weeks). Any events called after the first three would result in additional incentive accruals at a rate of $.20/kWh, i.e. if the facility achieved a 100 kW for a fourth event that lasted for four hours, they would receive an additional $80.

To get a sense of how much you can earn based on your own projected load reduction and season performance, see our Calculator.

Commercial and industrial customers who have the ability to reduce a minimum of 20 kW from a single site when an event is called are eligible. Customers may reach the 20 kW threshold from a single site or across multiple sites as an aggregate load reduction, provided all sites are Idaho Power customers. If a customer is aggregating, the threshold is increased to 35 kW.

Once you’ve developed a strategy to reduce your load during an event, you have two options for initiating your plan when an event is called: 

Manual Dispatch

This option allows customers to initiate their load reduction plan on their own. Idaho Power will notify each participant’s designated contacts four hours before an event is called to provide time to shift operations.

Automatic Dispatch

Customers also have the option to install a Demand Response Unit (DRU)to initiate their load reduction plan. When an event is called, Idaho Power will send a signal to the DRU to initiate load reduction strategies for the identified processes. Customers that have selected the automatic dispatch option also receive notification of an event four hours prior to its start. 

Idaho Power or its representatives may install the device at no cost or participants may hire a licensed electrician, at the participant’s expense, to install the device in accordance with the National Electrical Code (“NEC”) and any Idaho Power or manufacturer specifications or requirements. 

Beginning in 2025, Idaho Power will offer reimbursement of up to $1,500 for costs associated with the utilization of the automatic option beyond the installation of the device, such as programming a central control system with a load shed plan that initiates upon receiving the signal from then DRU.

Participants in the program use tactics ranging from turning off or dimming lights, to raising thermostats, to idling production processes to meet their target load reduction. Options to reduce your load will vary based on your business, location, operational needs, and your desired incentive level. If you’re interested in identifying load reduction strategies that will work for your business, reach out to your Idaho Power Energy Advisor.

For examples of proven, industry specific, load reduction strategies and tips, click here.

Manual Dispatch

This option allows customers to initiate their load reduction plan on their own. Idaho Power will notify each participant’s designated contacts four hours before an event is called to provide time to shift operations.

Automatic Dispatch

Customers also have the option to install a Demand Response Unit (DRU)to initiate their load reduction plan. When an event is called, Idaho Power will send a signal to the DRU to initiate load reduction strategies for the identified processes. Customers that have selected the automatic dispatch option also receive notification of an event four hours prior to its start. 

Idaho Power or its representatives may install the device at no cost or participants may hire a licensed electrician, at the participant’s expense, to install the device in accordance with the National Electrical Code (“NEC”) and any Idaho Power or manufacturer specifications or requirements. 

Beginning in 2025, Idaho Power will offer reimbursement of up to $1,500 for costs associated with the utilization of the automatic option beyond the installation of the device, such as programming a central control system with a load shed plan that initiates upon receiving the signal from then DRU.

Ready to enroll? Simply fill out the Flex Peak Program enrollment form. The amount you commit to reduce can be adjusted on a daily basis (before 2 pm weekdays to take effect the following business day) as electric loads change and as participants gain experience in the program.

If you’re not ready to apply but would like to receive regular updates on Flex Peak over the coming season, sign up here.

To learn more about how your business can participate in Flex Peak, call 208-388-5377.

• Flex Peak Application
  • Third party organizations performing work on behalf of Flex Peak participants must fill out a customer consent form for data sharing purposes annually, available here.

• Opt-out Request Form

• Nomination Change Form

• Event Day Action Plan