Energy

Idaho families and businesses need dependable, affordable energy to prosper and thrive. ICL works to ensure that Idaho has a clean energy system and does its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet there is room for improvement. 

Clean energy typically means looking to solar, wind and water. But clean energy also means ensuring that our energy choices don't sacrifice other values Idahoans hold dear. For example, about half our electricity comes from dams along the Snake River. While these dams don't pollute the air, they do affect fish habitat. That's why ICL pushes for mitigations like improving fish habitat and protecting wetlands.  

Before promoting clean energy sources, ICL's primary focus is increasing energy efficiency. By using our existing resources wisely, we avoid the need for new power plants and we cut pollution to our air and water.

Whether offering incentives for energy efficiency upgrades at businesses and homes or rewarding consumers for making smart energy purchases, energy efficiency policies help create jobs, save Idahoans money and protect clean air and water.

We engage with the Legislature, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Idaho Office of Energy Resources and electric utilities like Idaho Power on aggressive energy efficiency programs and clean energy development.

How can we reduce power plant pollution yet still meet Idahoans' energy needs? It's a two-step process:

• Reduce our energy demand by increasing our efficiency.
• Replace existing coal-burning power plants with clean energy sources such as wind, sun and geothermal. These sources can replace much of the power we now import. While Idaho is known for our large hydro dams, we still import about 45% of our electricity from coal-fired plants. Plus, burning coal contributes to climate change and pollutes our water with mercury.