Idaho Falls Power: A Century and a Quarter of Lighting the Way, Now with a Brand New Spark!
On a crisp Thursday morning, the community of Idaho Falls gathered to celebrate a momentous occasion: the completion of Idaho Falls Power's cutting-edge new Peaking Plant, coupled with the utility company's impressive 125th anniversary. It's a testament to their enduring commitment to powering the city and its residents.
The new Peaking Plant, a marvel of modern engineering, is located at 2017 East Iona Road. This facility spans a 14,600-square-foot building on a sprawling 136-acre parcel. Equipped with seven generators, it boasts the capacity to generate 17.5 megawatts of power – enough to keep approximately 13,000 homes illuminated.
But here's where it gets interesting: this plant isn't just another power source; it's designed to be a crucial asset during peak demand times. Rather than relying on purchasing power from other utilities when the grid is strained, the Peaking Plant generates its own energy, ensuring a stable and reliable supply.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Project Manager Alan Cunningham shared a quote from IFP's interim General Manager, Stephen Boorman, perfectly encapsulating the plant's benefits. Cunningham stated, "You can choose two of the following: faster, cheaper, better. You can only choose two of them because you can’t get all three." He then confidently declared, "As we look at this plant and how it was constructed, I believe… we did achieve all three."
Bear Prairie, who stepped down as IFP’s general manager in July, was also present. It was his vision, conceived in 2019, that brought the Peaking Plant to fruition.
Prairie highlighted that Idaho Falls is at the forefront of this concept, being one of the few cities in the Pacific Northwest to have such a facility. "People are realizing it’s a good, practical solution (for energy shortages)," he explained.
In 2019, the area experienced a surge in population, which put a strain on the power grid. Winter and summer months saw power shortfalls at certain times of the day. Additionally, the fluctuating prices in the open-market energy sector raised cost concerns. The Peaking Plant helps keep costs low by generating its own power. This allows the city to use its resources more effectively, ensuring a reliable power supply at critical times.
"It gets 25, 30 below here (during the winter). Electricity is not an option. We need to make sure that we have it (and that it’s reliable)," Prairie told the crowd.
The Peaking Plant broke ground in August 2024. The chosen site was strategically selected for several reasons. It's connected to the property where IFP built its transmission line for the new Paine substation in 2022. Furthermore, the location was already zoned for industrial use and offered room for future expansion. The Peaking Plant itself occupies 10 acres, with the remaining 126 acres reserved for potential growth.
Mayor Rebecca Casper and the Idaho Falls City Council played a crucial role in securing the land and the funding for this $36 million project.
Mayor Casper, in her final weeks of her third term, expressed her emotions, saluting council members and city employees for their dedication. This project represents one of the last major initiatives under her leadership. She spoke of the people who live and work in the city, stating, "You can’t help but look at a room filled with people who are that committed and not feel privileged to be (among them). I’m proud of them, and I’m proud to be associated with them."
A Legacy Forged in Electricity: 125 Years of Powering Idaho Falls
The 125th anniversary of Idaho Falls Power was another reason for celebration.
In 1900, the city made history by becoming the first in the state to own its own power plant. Joseph Clark, an electrical engineer who was also the mayor at the time, was instrumental in its creation.
"He (Clark) went to the East Coast and saw that some cities were starting to add electrification (in place) of gas or oil street lamps. He thought, we have (this capability). There are canals and some areas where there’s a drop in elevation. Why don’t we install our own hydro-turbine?"
The first power plant was built along a diversion canal that extended from the Snake River to 10th Street and Boulevard, according to historical records. It began operations on October 22, 1900, initially lighting streetlights.
Two years later, the city began selling power to residents and businesses.
Later, Clark's son, Barzilla Clark, who also served as mayor and later governor, played a key role in building the hydroelectric dam on the waterfall in downtown – a defining feature of the city.
More than a century later, Prairie says Idaho Falls Power continues to build on that early vision by harnessing the Snake River to provide customers “the lowest rates and the best reliability in the nation.”
"I think it’s very apropos to have the 125th anniversary landing at the same time we’re opening a new generation facility," Prairie says. "It pays homage to that legacy of being forward thinking and taking care of the community that started with that first canal hydro project in 1900.”
But here's a question for you: Do you think this new Peaking Plant is a forward-thinking solution for the future of energy, or are there other approaches that could be even more effective? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
