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IDAHO FALLS, ID, December 23, 2025 ~ Idaho Falls Power, a community-owned utility in Idaho Falls, has been recognized for its commitment to improving electric service and reliability for its customers. The utility was recently awarded the 2025 System Improvement Award by Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) for its newly constructed Peaking Plant.
The Peaking Plant, which was completed in December 2025, is an investment that strengthens local electricity reliability, enhances system resilience, and protects customers from volatile power costs. UAMPS, a joint action agency providing wholesale electric energy services to municipal utilities across the Intermountain West, presented the award to Idaho Falls Power Interim General Manager Stephen Boorman during its Annual Member Meeting held in Salt Lake City.
Boorman credited the dedication of Idaho Falls Power employees, the forward-thinking leadership of the community, and the expertise of project contractors for bringing the facility online. He stated that they are proud to serve a community that values innovation and long-term planning. Boorman also highlighted Idaho Falls' history of investing in the right infrastructure at the right time and how this project reflects their commitment to customers and their future.
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The new peaking plant adds 17.5 megawatts of on-demand natural gas generation capacity to Idaho Falls Power's system. It is designed to operate during periods of peak demand, such as extreme summer heat or winter cold. This allows the utility to generate electricity locally when wholesale market prices are at their highest. By doing so, they reduce reliance on external power purchases during critical periods, strengthening local control while contributing to regional capacity solutions.
Boorman emphasized that with this plant, Idaho Falls Power is better positioned to manage costs during market spikes, maintain reliability, and provide price stability for their community. Protecting customers from volatile power markets was a core goal of the project. By combining its long-standing hydropower resources with new local generation, Idaho Falls Power has been able to keep residential electric rates at approximately 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is about 50 percent lower than the national average. Generating more power locally helps ensure rates remain stable and predictable for customers.
More on idastar.com
Currently, Idaho Falls Power operates four hydroelectric dams along the Snake River, which supply roughly one-third of the community's electricity needs. As the city continues to grow and seasonal river flows fluctuate, the new peaking plant fills a critical gap while offering flexibility for future expansion, research opportunities, and potential substation development as energy demands evolve.
The System Improvement Award from UAMPS recognizes community-owned utilities that make meaningful investments to improve electric service and reliability for their customers. Idaho Falls Power's Peaking Plant is a testament to their dedication to providing reliable and affordable electricity for their community. With this new addition to their system, they are well-equipped to meet the growing energy demands of Idaho Falls while keeping costs low for their customers.
The Peaking Plant, which was completed in December 2025, is an investment that strengthens local electricity reliability, enhances system resilience, and protects customers from volatile power costs. UAMPS, a joint action agency providing wholesale electric energy services to municipal utilities across the Intermountain West, presented the award to Idaho Falls Power Interim General Manager Stephen Boorman during its Annual Member Meeting held in Salt Lake City.
Boorman credited the dedication of Idaho Falls Power employees, the forward-thinking leadership of the community, and the expertise of project contractors for bringing the facility online. He stated that they are proud to serve a community that values innovation and long-term planning. Boorman also highlighted Idaho Falls' history of investing in the right infrastructure at the right time and how this project reflects their commitment to customers and their future.
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The new peaking plant adds 17.5 megawatts of on-demand natural gas generation capacity to Idaho Falls Power's system. It is designed to operate during periods of peak demand, such as extreme summer heat or winter cold. This allows the utility to generate electricity locally when wholesale market prices are at their highest. By doing so, they reduce reliance on external power purchases during critical periods, strengthening local control while contributing to regional capacity solutions.
Boorman emphasized that with this plant, Idaho Falls Power is better positioned to manage costs during market spikes, maintain reliability, and provide price stability for their community. Protecting customers from volatile power markets was a core goal of the project. By combining its long-standing hydropower resources with new local generation, Idaho Falls Power has been able to keep residential electric rates at approximately 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is about 50 percent lower than the national average. Generating more power locally helps ensure rates remain stable and predictable for customers.
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Currently, Idaho Falls Power operates four hydroelectric dams along the Snake River, which supply roughly one-third of the community's electricity needs. As the city continues to grow and seasonal river flows fluctuate, the new peaking plant fills a critical gap while offering flexibility for future expansion, research opportunities, and potential substation development as energy demands evolve.
The System Improvement Award from UAMPS recognizes community-owned utilities that make meaningful investments to improve electric service and reliability for their customers. Idaho Falls Power's Peaking Plant is a testament to their dedication to providing reliable and affordable electricity for their community. With this new addition to their system, they are well-equipped to meet the growing energy demands of Idaho Falls while keeping costs low for their customers.
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