[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1129-E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING IDAHO POWER'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Idaho Power on 
its 100 year anniversary.
  For 100 years, Idaho Power has provided the electricity that fuels 
the economy, powers lives and makes southern Idaho and eastern Oregon 
more comfortable places to live.
  Founded August 1, 1916, when five companies merged, Idaho Power 
initially served 18,000 customers. Today, the company has approximately 
2,000 dedicated employees who serve over 520,000 customers in a 24,000-
square-mile area. Idaho Power is one of a few investor-owned electric 
utilities with a primarily hydroelectric generating base.
  One hundred years ago, Idaho Power relied solely on power produced by 
nine hydroelectric plants along the Snake River to meet customers' 
energy needs. Today, the company's generation resource mix comes from 
17 hydroelectric power plants, three natural gas-fired plants and three 
jointly-owned coal-fired plants. The newest addition, Langley Gulch, is 
a natural gas-fired plant that began production in July 2012. Idaho 
Power also purchases renewable energy such as wind, solar and 
geothermal from independent power producers.
  From fish conservation efforts to raptor protection to watershed 
management, Idaho Power has a rich legacy of caring for the land and 
rivers in its service area. The company also operates and maintains 
over 50 recreational facilities along the Snake River, providing 
outdoor activities to visitors from around the world.
  Idaho Power supports the communities it serves through employee 
volunteerism, corporate donations and community sponsorships. The 
company also enables the success

[[Page E1130]]

of students through scholarships and educational programs.
  As Idaho Power begins its next 100 years, it will continue balancing 
the needs of shareholders, customers and its workforce while protecting 
the natural resources of Idaho and Oregon.

                          ____________________