Some Idaho Wwp Customers Get Choice

Idaho utility regulators have approved a tariff that will allow eligible Washington Water Power Co. customers to choose different suppliers to provide portions of their electric loads, the utility said.

Spokane-based WWP submitted its experimental Direct Access and Delivery Service tariff for approval in May.

The program will allow 30 of WWP’s largest Idaho customers to choose alternate suppliers for as much as one-third of their electric loads, WWP said. The balance of the customers’ loads will continue to be served by WWP.

The voluntary tariff takes effect immediately and will expire Aug. 31, 1998. The tariff rate is 1.384 cents per kilowatt hour.

The trial program is a response to rising customer demand for greater flexibility in choosing energy options, said Tom Dukich, WWP manager of rates and tariffs.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a similar tariff for WWP’s Washington customers on July 1. Three customers have chosen to take part in the program, and more are expected to join Oct. 1, WWP said.