I'm analyzing Idaho Power's Schedule 19 for a data center client in Meridian and keep finding additional riders and adjustments that aren't clearly listed in the main rate schedule. Found a "System Benefits Charge" at $0.0013/kWh and something called "Energy Efficiency Rider" at $0.00095/kWh. Are these standard across all Idaho Power commercial rates or specific to Schedule 19? The base tariff doesn't mention them but they're definitely on the bills. - Larry G.
Idaho Power Schedule 19 Large General Service Hidden Riders
Larry, those sound like Idaho's universal system benefit charges that fund low-income programs and energy efficiency. Colorado has similar riders that apply across all rate classes. Check Idaho Power's "Standard Contract Provisions" document - that's where they usually bury the universal riders that apply to every schedule. The tariff books often don't cross-reference these clearly. - Carl N.
NV Energy in Nevada has the same issue with hidden riders. We have a "Universal Energy Charge" that applies to every rate but you'd never know from reading individual schedules. Larry, also check for any "Power Cost Adjustment" or "Modified Fixed Transition Charge" riders. Western utilities love these incremental charges that don't show up in the main rate sheets. - Tony F.
Good detective work Larry. Idaho Power's System Benefits Charge funds their Demand Side Management programs and is mandated by Idaho Code 61-332. The Energy Efficiency Rider recovers costs for their rebate programs. Both are established in separate dockets from the main rate case (usually IPUC Docket IPC-E-XX-XX series for efficiency, IPC-E-XX-XX for system benefits). These riders can change annually based on program costs and recovery needs. For complete rate analysis, always pull the utility's "Summary of Standard Charges" sheet which lists all applicable riders by rate schedule. Most western state PUCs require this summary document but utilities don't always link it prominently. - Randy Dawson
New York has similar hidden charges. National Grid has about 8 different riders that apply to large commercial accounts but you have to dig through multiple tariff sections to find them all. I always tell clients to budget an extra $0.004-0.006/kWh just for miscellaneous riders and fees. - Lorraine B.
Puget Sound Energy in Washington is terrible about this too. They have riders scattered across different tariff books and some are filed as "Interim" riders that never seem to become permanent. Always check the utility's current tariff effective date listing - it should show every rider and supplement in effect. - Vera C.
Rhode Island has franchise fees embedded in the tariff rates but they're not broken out separately on bills. Makes it impossible to track the actual generation and delivery components. At least Idaho Power itemizes their riders separately so you can see what you're paying for. - Tony S.
Update: Found Idaho Power's "Schedule of Standard Charges" document Randy mentioned. Buried on their website under Regulatory > Tariffs > General Provisions. Lists 12 different riders that can apply to Schedule 19 depending on customer characteristics and program participation. The Energy Efficiency Rider is actually optional if customer opts out within 30 days of service start. Wish the main tariff sheets referenced this document! - Larry G.