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IDACORP INC - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
X
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
 
 
OR
 
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
 
Exact name of registrants as specified
I.R.S. Employer
Commission File
in their charters, address of principal
Identification
Number
executive offices, zip code and telephone number
Number
1-14465
IDACORP, Inc.
82-0505802
1-3198
Idaho Power Company
82-0130980
 
1221 W. Idaho Street
 
 
 
Boise, Idaho 83702-5627
 
 
 
(208) 388-2200
 
 
 
State of Incorporation: Idaho
 
 
 
None
 
 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes  X   No __    Idaho Power Company: Yes  X   No __
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web sites, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). 
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes X No __      Idaho Power Company: Yes X   No __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, smaller reporting companies, or emerging growth companies.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

IDACORP, Inc.:                                
Large accelerated filer X Accelerated filer __ Non-accelerated  filer __ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company __
Emerging growth company __
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act. __

Idaho Power Company:                                
Large accelerated filer __ Accelerated filer __ Non-accelerated  filer __ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company X
Emerging growth company __
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act. __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes __ No X       Idaho Power Company: Yes __ No X


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Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 28, 2017:     
IDACORP, Inc.:        50,390,680
Idaho Power Company:    39,150,812, all held by IDACORP, Inc.

This combined Form 10-Q represents separate filings by IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company.  Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf.  Idaho Power Company makes no representations as to the information relating to IDACORP, Inc.’s other operations.
 
Idaho Power Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this report on Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
Commonly Used Terms
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
 
Part I. Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
IDACORP, Inc.:
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
 
 
Idaho Power Company:
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
Part II. Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
Exhibit Index


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COMMONLY USED TERMS
 
The following select abbreviations, terms, or acronyms are commonly used or found in multiple locations in this report:
 
 
 
ADITC
-
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits
AFUDC
-
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
AOCI
-
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
ASU
-
Accounting Standards Update
BCC
-
Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture of IERCo
BLM
-
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
CPP
-
Clean Power Plan
CWA
 
Clean Water Act
EIS
-
Environmental Impact Statement
EPA
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ESA
-
Endangered Species Act
FASB
-
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FCA
-
Fixed Cost Adjustment
FERC
-
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIP
-
Federal Implementation Plan
GHG NSPS
-
Greenhouse Gas New Source Performance Standards
HCC
-
Hells Canyon Complex
IDACORP
-
IDACORP, Inc., an Idaho corporation
IBLA
-
U.S. Department of Interior Board of Land Appeals
ICE
-
Intercontinental Exchange
Idaho Power
-
Idaho Power Company, an Idaho corporation
Idaho ROE
-
Idaho-jurisdiction return on year-end equity
Ida-West
-
Ida-West Energy, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc.
IERCo
-
Idaho Energy Resources Co., a subsidiary of Idaho Power Company
IESCo
-
IDACORP Energy Services Co., a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc.
IFS
-
IDACORP Financial Services, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc.
IPUC
-
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
IRP
-
Integrated Resource Plan
MD&A
-
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MW
-
Megawatt
MWh
-
Megawatt-hour
NYMEX
-
New York Mercantile Exchange
O&M
-
Operations and Maintenance
OATT
-
Open Access Transmission Tariff
OPUC
-
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
PCA
-
Idaho Power Cost Adjustment
PURPA
-
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
SCR
-
Selective Catalytic Reduction
SEC
-
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SMSP
-
Security Plan for Senior Management Employees
WPSC
-
Wyoming Public Service Commission

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to the historical information contained in this report, this report contains (and oral communications made by IDACORP, Inc. (IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power) may contain) statements that relate to future events and expectations, such as statements regarding projected or future financial performance, cash flows, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or ratios, strategic goals, challenges, objectives, and plans for future operations. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, or future events, or performance, often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "continues," "estimates," "expects," "guidance," "intends," "potential," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "may result," "may continue," or similar expressions, are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve estimates, assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or outcomes may differ materially from the results discussed in the statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors and matters referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements include those factors set forth in this report, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, particularly Part I, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" and Part II, Item 7 - "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of that report, subsequent reports filed by IDACORP and Idaho Power with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following important factors:

the effect of decisions by the Idaho and Oregon public utilities commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and other regulators that impact Idaho Power's ability to recover costs and earn a return;
the expense and risks associated with capital expenditures for infrastructure, and the timing and availability of cost recovery for such expenditures;
changes in residential, commercial, and industrial growth and demographic patterns within Idaho Power's service area and the loss or change in the business of significant customers, and their associated impacts on loads and load growth, and the availability of regulatory mechanisms that allow for timely cost recovery in the event of those changes;
the impacts of economic conditions, including inflation, the potential for changes in customer demand for electricity, revenue from sales of excess power, financial soundness of counterparties and suppliers, and the collection of receivables;
unseasonable or severe weather conditions, wildfires, drought, and other natural phenomena and natural disasters, which affect customer demand, hydroelectric generation levels, repair costs, and the availability and cost of fuel for generation plants or purchased power to serve customers;
advancement of self-generation or energy efficiency technologies that reduce Idaho Power's sale of electric power;
adoption of, changes in, and costs of compliance with laws, regulations, and policies relating to the environment, natural resources, and threatened and endangered species, and the ability to recover resulting increased costs through rates;
variable hydrological conditions and over-appropriation of surface and groundwater in the Snake River Basin, which may impact the amount of power generated by Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities;
the ability to acquire fuel, power, and transmission capacity under reasonable terms, particularly in the event of unanticipated power demands, lack of physical availability, transportation constraints, or a credit downgrade;
accidents, fires (either at or caused by Idaho Power's facilities), explosions, and mechanical breakdowns that may occur while operating and maintaining Idaho Power's assets, which can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, damage the companies’ assets, operations, or reputation, subject the companies to third-party claims for property damage, personal injury, or loss of life, or result in the imposition of civil, criminal, and regulatory fines and penalties;
the increased power purchased costs and operational challenges associated with purchasing and integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into Idaho Power's resource portfolio;
disruptions or outages of Idaho Power's generation or transmission systems or of any interconnected transmission system may cause Idaho Power to incur repair costs or purchase replacement power at increased costs;
the ability to obtain debt and equity financing or refinance existing debt when necessary and on favorable terms, which can be affected by factors such as credit ratings, volatility in the financial markets, interest rate fluctuations, decisions by the Idaho or Oregon public utility commissions, and the companies' past or projected financial performance;

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reductions in credit ratings, which could adversely impact access to capital markets, increase costs of borrowing, and would require the posting of additional collateral to counterparties pursuant to credit and contractual arrangements;
the ability to enter into financial and physical commodity hedges with creditworthy counterparties to manage price and commodity risk, and the failure of any such risk management and hedging strategies to work as intended;
changes in actuarial assumptions, changes in interest rates, and the return on plan assets for pension and other post-retirement plans, which can affect future pension and other postretirement plan funding obligations, costs, and liabilities;
the ability to continue to pay dividends based on financial performance and in light of contractual covenants and restrictions and regulatory limitations;
changes in tax laws or related regulations or new interpretations of applicable laws by federal, state, or local taxing jurisdictions, the availability of tax credits, and the tax rates payable by IDACORP shareholders on common stock dividends;
employee workforce factors, including the operational and financial costs of unionization or the attempt to unionize all or part of the companies' workforce, the impact of an aging workforce and retirements, the cost and ability to retain skilled workers, and the ability to adjust the labor cost structure when necessary;
failure to comply with state and federal laws, regulations, and orders, including new interpretations and enforcement initiatives by regulatory and oversight bodies, which may result in penalties and fines and increase the cost of compliance, the nature and extent of investigations and audits, and the cost of remediation;
the inability to obtain or cost of obtaining and complying with required governmental permits and approvals, licenses, rights-of-way, and siting for transmission and generation projects and hydroelectric facilities;
the cost and outcome of litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory proceedings, and the ability to recover those costs or the costs of operational changes through insurance or rates, or from third parties;
the failure of information systems or the failure to secure data, failure to comply with privacy laws, security breaches, or the direct or indirect effect on the companies' business or operations resulting from cyber attacks, terrorist incidents or the threat of terrorist incidents, and acts of war;
unusual or unanticipated changes in normal business operations, including unusual maintenance or repairs, or the failure to successfully implement new technology solutions; and
adoption of or changes in accounting policies and principles, changes in accounting estimates, and new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or New York Stock Exchange requirements, or new interpretations of existing requirements.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. IDACORP and Idaho Power disclaim any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Electric utility:
 
 
 
 
General business
 
$
270,232

 
$
253,380

Off-system sales
 
10,800

 
9,151

Other revenues
 
20,932

 
18,035

Total electric utility revenues
 
301,964

 
280,566

Other
 
580

 
390

Total operating revenues
 
302,544

 
280,956

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Electric utility:
 
 
 
 
Purchased power
 
49,116

 
48,115

Fuel expense
 
36,252

 
35,764

Power cost adjustment
 
23,487

 
13,354

Other operations and maintenance
 
87,762

 
85,603

Energy efficiency programs
 
6,327

 
6,251

Depreciation
 
36,763

 
35,617

Taxes other than income taxes
 
8,678

 
8,738

Total electric utility expenses
 
248,385

 
233,442

Other
 
3,344

 
3,696

Total operating expenses
 
251,729

 
237,138

Operating Income
 
50,815

 
43,818

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
5,232

 
4,985

Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Equity-Method Investments
 
1,445

 
(42
)
Other Income, Net
 
2,397

 
2,204

Interest Expense:
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
 
20,298

 
20,897

Other interest
 
2,714

 
2,415

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 
(2,312
)
 
(2,244
)
Total interest expense, net
 
20,700

 
21,068

Income Before Income Taxes
 
39,189

 
29,897

Income Tax Expense
 
6,183

 
4,367

Net Income
 
33,006

 
25,530

Adjustment for loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
96

 
199

Net Income Attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
$
33,102

 
$
25,729

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic
 
50,356

 
50,299

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted
 
50,397

 
50,337

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
 
 
 
 
Earnings Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - Basic
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.51

Earnings Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - Diluted
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.51

Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock
 
$
0.55

 
$
0.51


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
33,006

 
$
25,530

Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 
 
 
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax
  of $302 and $361
 
471

 
564

Total Comprehensive Income
 
33,477

 
26,094

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
96

 
199

Comprehensive Income Attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
$
33,573

 
$
26,293


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 


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IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
47,010

 
$
61,480

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
Customer (net of allowance of $1,405 and $968, respectively)
 
80,981

 
71,557

Other (net of allowance of $120 and $164, respectively)
 
5,028

 
15,280

Taxes receivable
 
10,933

 
12,781

Accrued unbilled revenues
 
52,645

 
80,738

Materials and supplies (at average cost)
 
59,374

 
57,858

Fuel stock (at average cost)
 
56,059

 
53,698

Prepayments
 
12,436

 
18,389

Current regulatory assets
 
82,275

 
62,570

Other
 
2,316

 
5,961

Total current assets
 
409,057

 
440,312

Investments
 
117,189

 
125,164

Property, Plant and Equipment:
 
 
 
 
Utility plant in service
 
5,758,081

 
5,732,044

Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
(2,016,360
)
 
(1,988,477
)
Utility plant in service - net
 
3,741,721

 
3,743,567

Construction work in progress
 
428,538

 
405,069

Utility plant held for future use
 
7,511

 
7,441

Other property, net of accumulated depreciation
 
15,810

 
15,922

Property, plant and equipment - net
 
4,193,580

 
4,171,999

Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
American Falls and Milner water rights
 
8,162

 
9,487

Company-owned life insurance
 
57,927

 
57,553

Regulatory assets
 
1,366,972

 
1,409,329

Long-term receivables (net of allowance of $402)
 
24,598

 
23,482

Other
 
52,463

 
52,571

Total other assets
 
1,510,122

 
1,552,422

Total
 
$
6,229,948

 
$
6,289,897


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$

 
$
1,064

Notes payable
 

 
21,800

Accounts payable
 
63,225

 
106,194

Taxes accrued
 
17,763

 
11,348

Interest accrued
 
21,406

 
22,377

Accrued compensation
 
27,411

 
45,787

Current regulatory liabilities
 
16,951

 
9,944

Advances from customers
 
22,738

 
21,438

Other
 
11,290

 
9,763

Total current liabilities
 
180,784

 
249,715

Other Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 
1,248,432

 
1,244,250

Regulatory liabilities
 
431,262

 
436,845

Pension and other postretirement benefits
 
417,780

 
411,523

Other
 
43,686

 
45,084

Total other liabilities
 
2,141,160

 
2,137,702

Long-Term Debt
 
1,744,991

 
1,744,614

Commitments and Contingencies
 

 

Equity:
 
 
 
 
IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value (120,000,000 shares authorized; 50,420,017 shares issued)
 
852,663

 
851,833

Retained earnings
 
1,328,489

 
1,323,198

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(20,411
)
 
(20,882
)
Treasury stock (29,337 and 23,244 shares at cost, respectively)
 
(1,592
)
 
(243
)
Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity
 
2,159,149

 
2,153,906

Noncontrolling interests
 
3,864

 
3,960

Total equity
 
2,163,013

 
2,157,866

Total
 
$
6,229,948

 
$
6,289,897

 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


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IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
33,006

 
$
25,530

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
37,728

 
36,145

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
 
4,394

 
6,425

Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities
 
33,049

 
5,075

Pension and postretirement benefit plan expense
 
7,340

 
7,425

Contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
(2,105
)
 
(1,654
)
(Earnings) losses of unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
(1,445
)
 
42

Distributions from unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
10,600

 
2,814

Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 
(5,232
)
 
(4,985
)
Other non-cash adjustments to net income, net
 
2,921

 
1,923

Change in:
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
 
494

 
4,728

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
 
(48,935
)
 
(43,305
)
Taxes accrued/receivable
 
8,264

 
5,225

Other current assets
 
29,952

 
10,782

Other current liabilities
 
6,447

 
13,929

Other assets
 
(2,043
)
 
(2,473
)
Other liabilities
 
(739
)
 
(1,450
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
113,696

 
66,176

Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(73,904
)
 
(54,659
)
Payments received from transmission project joint funding partners
 
701

 

Proceeds from the sale of emission allowances and renewable energy certificates
 
873

 
418

Purchase of available-for-sale securities
 
(2,771
)
 
(61
)
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities
 
1,120

 
1,085

Other
 
(72
)
 
(4
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(74,053
)
 
(53,221
)
Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Issuance of long-term debt
 

 
120,000

Retirement of long-term debt
 
(1,064
)
 
(1,064
)
Dividends on common stock
 
(28,087
)
 
(26,087
)
Net change in short-term borrowings
 
(21,800
)
 
3,300

Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(3,162
)
 
(3,084
)
Other
 

 
(1,139
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(54,113
)
 
91,926

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(14,470
)
 
104,881

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
 
61,480

 
114,802

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
47,010

 
$
219,683

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 
 

 
 
Income taxes
 
$
2

 
$
2

Interest (net of amount capitalized)
 
$
20,738

 
$
18,172

Non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment in accounts payable
 
$
20,416

 
$
17,993


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
851,833

 
$
849,112

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 

 
234

Other
 
830

 
(985
)
Balance at end of period
 
852,663

 
848,361

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
1,323,198

 
1,230,105

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 

 
(234
)
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
33,102

 
25,729

Common stock dividends ($0.55 and $0.51 per share)
 
(27,811
)
 
(25,713
)
Balance at end of period
 
1,328,489

 
1,229,887

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
(20,882
)
 
(21,276
)
Unfunded pension liability adjustment (net of tax)
 
471

 
564

Balance at end of period
 
(20,411
)
 
(20,712
)
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
(243
)
 
(57
)
Issued
 
1,813

 
3,112

Acquired
 
(3,162
)
 
(3,084
)
Balance at end of period
 
(1,592
)
 
(29
)
Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity at end of period
 
2,159,149

 
2,057,507

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
3,960

 
4,160

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(96
)
 
(199
)
Balance at end of period
 
3,864

 
3,961

Total equity at end of period
 
$
2,163,013

 
$
2,061,468


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
General business
 
$
270,232

 
$
253,380

Off-system sales
 
10,800

 
9,151

Other revenues
 
20,932

 
18,035

Total operating revenues
 
301,964

 
280,566

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Operation:
 
 
 
 
Purchased power
 
49,116

 
48,115

Fuel expense
 
36,252

 
35,764

Power cost adjustment
 
23,487

 
13,354

Other operations and maintenance
 
87,762

 
85,603

Energy efficiency programs
 
6,327

 
6,251

Depreciation
 
36,763

 
35,617

Taxes other than income taxes
 
8,678

 
8,738

Total operating expenses
 
248,385

 
233,442

Income from Operations
 
53,579

 
47,124

Other Income (Expense):
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 
5,232

 
4,985

Earnings (Losses) of unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
1,254

 
(93
)
Other expense, net
 
(526
)
 
(811
)
Total other income
 
5,960

 
4,081

Interest Charges:
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
 
20,298

 
20,897

Other interest
 
2,698

 
2,350

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 
(2,312
)
 
(2,244
)
Total interest charges
 
20,684

 
21,003

Income Before Income Taxes
 
38,855

 
30,202

Income Tax Expense
 
6,373

 
4,668

Net Income
 
$
32,482

 
$
25,534


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
32,482

 
$
25,534

Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 
 
 
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax
  of $302 and $361
 
471

 
564

Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
32,953

 
$
26,098


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 


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Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Plant:
 
 
 
 
In service (at original cost)
 
$
5,758,081

 
$
5,732,044

Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
(2,016,360
)
 
(1,988,477
)
In service - net
 
3,741,721

 
3,743,567

Construction work in progress
 
428,538

 
405,069

Held for future use
 
7,511

 
7,441

Electric plant - net
 
4,177,770

 
4,156,077

Investments and Other Property
 
99,728

 
107,379

Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
44,568

 
44,140

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
Customer (net of allowance of $1,405 and $968, respectively)
 
80,981

 
71,557

Other (net of allowance of $120 and $164, respectively)
 
5,287

 
7,555

Taxes receivable
 

 
23,334

Accrued unbilled revenues
 
52,645

 
80,738

Materials and supplies (at average cost)
 
59,374

 
57,858

Fuel stock (at average cost)
 
56,059

 
53,698

Prepayments
 
12,298

 
18,270

Current regulatory assets
 
82,275

 
62,570

Other
 
2,317

 
5,962

Total current assets
 
395,804

 
425,682

Deferred Debits:
 
 
 
 
American Falls and Milner water rights
 
8,162

 
9,487

Company-owned life insurance
 
57,927

 
57,553

Regulatory assets
 
1,366,972

 
1,409,329

Other
 
72,285

 
71,237

Total deferred debits
 
1,505,346

 
1,547,606

Total
 
$
6,178,648

 
$
6,236,744



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
Common stock equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $2.50 par value (50,000,000 shares
     authorized; 39,150,812 shares outstanding)
 
$
97,877

 
$
97,877

Premium on capital stock
 
712,258

 
712,258

Capital stock expense
 
(2,097
)
 
(2,097
)
Retained earnings
 
1,216,119

 
1,211,547

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(20,411
)
 
(20,882
)
Total common stock equity
 
2,003,746

 
1,998,703

Long-term debt
 
1,744,991

 
1,744,614

Total capitalization
 
3,748,737

 
3,743,317

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 

 
1,064

Notes payable
 

 
21,800

Accounts payable
 
63,110

 
105,846

Accounts payable to affiliates
 
250

 
1,056

Taxes accrued
 
19,634

 
11,348

Interest accrued
 
21,406

 
22,377

Accrued compensation
 
27,298

 
45,622

Current regulatory liabilities
 
16,951

 
9,944

Advances from customers
 
22,738

 
21,438

Other
 
10,927

 
9,103

Total current liabilities
 
182,314

 
249,598

Deferred Credits:
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 
1,355,738

 
1,351,415

Regulatory liabilities
 
431,262

 
436,845

Pension and other postretirement benefits
 
417,780

 
411,523

Other
 
42,817

 
44,046

Total deferred credits
 
2,247,597

 
2,243,829

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
6,178,648

 
$
6,236,744

 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in thousands)
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
32,482

 
$
25,534

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
  

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
37,577

 
35,993

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
 
4,021

 
6,217

Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities
 
33,049

 
5,075

Pension and postretirement benefit plan expense
 
7,340

 
7,425

Contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
(2,105
)
 
(1,654
)
(Earnings) losses of unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
(1,254
)
 
93

Distributions from unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
10,600

 
2,814

Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 
(5,232
)
 
(4,985
)
Other non-cash adjustments to net income, net
 
299

 
(204
)
Change in:
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
 
(8,271
)
 
3,012

Accounts payable
 
(48,727
)
 
(43,282
)
Taxes accrued/receivable
 
31,620

 
10,723

Other current assets
 
29,970

 
10,790

Other current liabilities
 
6,498

 
13,963

Other assets
 
(2,043
)
 
(2,473
)
Other liabilities
 
(568
)
 
(1,217
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
125,256

 
67,824

Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Additions to utility plant
 
(73,904
)
 
(54,657
)
Payments received from transmission project joint funding partners
 
701

 

Proceeds from the sale of emission allowances and renewable energy certificates
 
873

 
418

Purchase of available-for-sale securities
 
(2,771
)
 
(61
)
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities
 
1,120

 
1,085

Other
 
(72
)
 
(4
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(74,053
)
 
(53,219
)
Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Issuance of long-term debt
 

 
120,000

Retirement of long-term debt
 
(1,064
)
 
(1,064
)
Dividends on common stock
 
(27,911
)
 
(25,836
)
Net change in short term borrowings
 
(21,800
)
 

Other
 

 
(1,139
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(50,775
)
 
91,961

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
428

 
106,566

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
 
44,140

 
110,756

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
44,568

 
$
217,322

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 
 

 
 

Cash received from IDACORP related to income taxes
 
$
(22,861
)
 
$
(5,280
)
Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)
 
$
20,721

 
$
18,107

Non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment in accounts payable
 
$
20,416

 
$
17,993


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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IDACORP, INC. AND IDAHO POWER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of IDACORP, Inc. (IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power). Therefore, these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both IDACORP and Idaho Power.  However, Idaho Power makes no representation as to the information relating to IDACORP’s other operations.

Nature of Business
 
IDACORP is a holding company formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is Idaho Power. Idaho Power is an electric utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, and purchase of electric energy and capacity with a service area covering approximately 24,000 square miles in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Idaho Power is regulated primarily by the state utility regulatory commissions of Idaho and Oregon and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Idaho Power is the parent of Idaho Energy Resources Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company (BCC), which mines and supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by Idaho Power.
 
IDACORP’s other wholly-owned subsidiaries include IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments; Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West), an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA); and IDACORP Energy Services Co. (IESCo), which is the former limited partner of, and current successor by merger to, IDACORP Energy L.P., a marketer of energy commodities that wound down operations in 2003.
 
Regulation of Utility Operations
 
As a regulated utility, many of Idaho Power's fundamental business decisions are subject to the approval of governmental agencies, including the prices that Idaho Power is authorized to charge for its electric service. These approvals are a critical factor in determining IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition.

IDACORP's and Idaho Power's financial statements reflect the effects of the different ratemaking principles followed by the jurisdictions regulating Idaho Power. The application of accounting principles related to regulated operations sometimes results in Idaho Power recording expenses and revenues in a different period than when an unregulated enterprise would record such expenses and revenues. In these instances, the amounts are deferred or accrued as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities on the balance sheet and recorded on the income statement when recovered or returned through rates.  Additionally, regulators can impose regulatory liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers that are expected to be refunded. The effects of applying these regulatory accounting principles to Idaho Power's operations are discussed in more detail in Note 3.

Financial Statements
 
In the opinion of management of IDACORP and Idaho Power, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly each company's consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2017, consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. These adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These financial statements do not contain the complete detail or footnote disclosure concerning accounting policies and other matters that would be included in full-year financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. A change in management's estimates or assumptions could have a material impact on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's respective financial condition and results of operations during the period in which such change occurred.
 
Management Estimates
 
Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions include those related to rate regulation, retirement benefits, contingencies, litigation, asset impairment, income taxes, unbilled revenues, and bad debt. These estimates and assumptions

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affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic factors that are difficult to predict and are beyond management's control. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

In these consolidated financial statements, certain immaterial amounts in prior periods' consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

New and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 is intended to enable users of financial statements to better understand and consistently analyze an entity's revenue across industries, transactions, and geographies. Under the ASU, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. In addition, the ASU requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB amended certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 to clarify the implementation guidance, including clarifications related to principal versus agent considerations, licensing and identifying performance obligations, narrow scope improvements, and practical expedients. While the companies continue to assess the impacts of ASU 2014-09 on their financial statements, including disclosure requirements, the companies do not expect the new guidance to significantly affect revenue recognition for tariff-based sales, which represent a significant majority of the companies' general business revenue. Accordingly, the companies do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material effect on their financial statements. However, a number of industry-specific implementation issues are still unresolved and could affect the companies' accounting for contributions in aid of construction, sales of renewable energy credits, alternative revenue programs, and recognition of revenue when collectability is in question. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years (full retrospective approach) and the other requiring prospective application of the new standard including a cumulative-effect adjustment with disclosure of results under previous standards (modified-retrospective approach). IDACORP and Idaho Power plan to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified-retrospective approach.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), intended to improve financial reporting on leasing transactions. The ASU significantly changes the accounting model used by lessees to account for leases, requiring that all material leases be presented on the balance sheet. Under the current model, some leases are classified as capital leases and recorded on the balance sheet while other leases classified as operating leases are not recognized on the balance sheet. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. IDACORP and Idaho Power are evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on their financial statements. At this time, the companies do not know, and cannot reasonably estimate, the dollar impact of the adoption. Specifically, the companies are considering whether the new guidance will affect their accounting for purchase power agreements, easements and rights-of-way, utility pole attachments, and other utility industry-related areas.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), which amends ASC 230 to clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The FASB issued the ASU with the intent of reducing diversity in practice with respect to eight types of cash flows. The companies expect the ASU to affect the classification of proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and related costs, which will be classified as investing activities under the new guidance. The companies already present debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims (other than corporate-owned life insurance), and distributions received from equity-method investments in accordance with the new guidance. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard must be adopted retrospectively to all periods presented, unless impracticable to do so. IDACORP and Idaho Power do not believe the adoption will have a material impact on their financial statements.


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In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation -- Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit costs and to disclose the amounts of net periodic benefit costs that are included in each income statement line item. The standard requires employers to present the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs and to present the other components of net periodic benefit costs (which include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credits and actuarial gains and losses) separately and outside a subtotal of operating income. In addition, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization. The amendments in ASU 2017-07 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities must use (1) a retrospective transition method to adopt the requirement for separate presentation in the income statement of service costs and other components and (2) a prospective transition method to adopt the requirement to limit the capitalization of benefit costs to the service cost component. IDACORP and Idaho Power are evaluating the impact of ASU 2017-07 on their financial statements.

2.  INCOME TAXES
 
In accordance with interim reporting requirements, IDACORP and Idaho Power use an estimated annual effective tax rate for computing their provisions for income taxes. An estimate of annual income tax expense (or benefit) is made each interim period using estimates for annual pre-tax income, income tax adjustments, and tax credits. The estimated annual effective tax rates do not include discrete events such as tax law changes, examination settlements, accounting method changes, or adjustments to tax expense or benefits attributable to prior years. Discrete events are recorded in the interim period in which they occur or become known. The estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to year-to-date pretax income to determine income tax expense (or benefit) for the interim period consistent with the annual estimate. In subsequent interim periods, income tax expense (or benefit) for the period is computed as the difference between the year-to-date amount reported for the previous interim period and the current period's year-to-date amount.

Income Tax Expense

The following table provides a summary of income tax expense for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
IDACORP
 
Idaho Power
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Income tax at statutory rates (federal and state)
 
$
15,360

 
$
11,768

 
$
15,192

 
$
11,809

Additional ADITC amortization
 
(1,875
)
 
(500
)
 
(1,875
)
 
(500
)
Share-based compensation
 
(1,559
)
 
(1,622
)
 
(1,530
)
 
(1,587
)
Other(1)
 
(5,743
)
 
(5,279
)
 
(5,414
)
 
(5,054
)
Income tax expense
 
$
6,183

 
$
4,367

 
$
6,373

 
$
4,668

Effective tax rate
 
15.7
%
 
14.6
%
 
16.4
%
 
15.5
%
(1) "Other" is primarily comprised of the net tax effect of Idaho Power's regulatory flow-through tax adjustments. These adjustments, which include the capitalized repairs deduction, are each listed in the rate reconciliation table in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The increases in income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, were primarily due to greater pre-tax income, net of increased additional accumulated deferred investment tax credit (ADITC) amortization under the regulatory mechanism described in Note 3. On a net basis, Idaho Power’s estimate of its annual 2017 regulatory flow-through tax adjustments is comparable to 2016.

3. REGULATORY MATTERS
 
Included below is a summary of Idaho Power's most recent general rate cases and base rate changes, as well as other recent or pending notable regulatory matters and proceedings.

Idaho and Oregon General Rate Cases and Base Rate Adjustments

Effective January 1, 2012, Idaho Power implemented new Idaho base rates resulting from its receipt of an order from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) approving a settlement stipulation that provided for a 7.86 percent authorized rate of return on an Idaho-jurisdiction rate base of approximately $2.36 billion. The settlement stipulation resulted in a $34.0 million overall increase in Idaho Power's annual Idaho-jurisdictional base rate revenues. Neither the IPUC's order nor the settlement stipulation specified an authorized rate of return on equity.

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Effective March 1, 2012, Idaho Power implemented new Oregon base rates resulting from its receipt of an order from the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) approving a settlement stipulation that provided for a $1.8 million base rate revenue increase, a return on equity of 9.9 percent, and an overall rate of return of 7.757 percent in the Oregon jurisdiction.

Idaho and Oregon base rates were subsequently adjusted again in 2012, in connection with Idaho Power's completion of the Langley Gulch power plant. In June 2012, the IPUC issued an order approving a $58.1 million increase in annual Idaho-jurisdiction base rate revenues, effective July 1, 2012, for inclusion of the investment and associated costs of the plant in rates. The order also provided for a $335.9 million increase in Idaho rate base. In September 2012, the OPUC issued an order approving a $3.0 million increase in annual Oregon jurisdiction base rate revenues, effective October 1, 2012, for inclusion of the investment and associated costs of the plant in Oregon rates.

In March 2014, the IPUC issued an order approving Idaho Power's application requesting an increase of approximately $106 million in the normalized or "base level" net power supply expense on a total-system basis to be used to update base rates and in the determination of the Idaho power cost adjustment (PCA) rate that became effective June 1, 2014. Approval of the order removed the Idaho-jurisdictional portion of those expenses (approximately $99 million) from collection via the PCA mechanism and instead results in collecting that portion through base rates.

Idaho Settlement Stipulation — Investment Tax Credits and Sharing Mechanism

In October 2014, the IPUC issued an order approving an extension, with modifications, of the terms of a December 2011 Idaho settlement stipulation for the period from 2015 through 2019, or until the terms are otherwise modified or terminated by order of the IPUC. The provisions of the October 2014 settlement stipulation are as follows:

If Idaho Power's annual return on year-end equity in the Idaho jurisdiction (Idaho ROE) in any year is less than 9.5 percent, then Idaho Power may amortize up to $25 million of additional ADITC to help achieve a 9.5 percent Idaho ROE for that year, and may amortize up to a total of $45 million of additional ADITC over the 2015 through 2019 period.
If Idaho Power's annual Idaho ROE in any year exceeds 10.0 percent, the amount of earnings exceeding a 10.0 percent Idaho ROE and up to and including a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE will be allocated 75 percent to Idaho Power's Idaho customers as a rate reduction to be effective at the time of the subsequent year's PCA and 25 percent to Idaho Power.
If Idaho Power's annual Idaho ROE in any year exceeds 10.5 percent, the amount of earnings exceeding a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE will be allocated 50 percent to Idaho Power's Idaho customers as a rate reduction to be effective at the time of the subsequent year's PCA, 25 percent to Idaho Power's Idaho customers in the form of a reduction to the pension regulatory asset balancing account (to reduce the amount to be collected in the future from Idaho customers), and 25 percent to Idaho Power.
If the full $45 million of additional ADITC contemplated by the settlement stipulation has been amortized the sharing provisions would terminate.
In the event the IPUC approves a change to Idaho Power's Idaho-jurisdictional allowed return on equity as part of a general rate case proceeding seeking a rate change effective prior to January 1, 2020, the Idaho ROE thresholds (9.5 percent10.0 percent, and 10.5 percent) will be adjusted prospectively, prorated for intra-year rate changes.

Under the October 2014 settlement stipulation, Idaho Power recorded $1.9 million of additional ADITC amortization during the first quarter of 2017 based on its estimate of Idaho ROE for the full-year 2017. During the first quarter of 2016, Idaho Power recorded $0.5 million of additional ADITC amortization which was reversed later in 2016 as actual financial results exceeded these early estimates.

Idaho Power Cost Adjustment Mechanisms

In both its Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions, Idaho Power's power cost adjustment mechanisms address the volatility of power supply costs and provide for annual adjustments to the rates charged to its retail customers. The power cost adjustment mechanisms compare Idaho Power's actual net power supply costs (primarily fuel and purchased power less off-system sales) against net power supply costs being recovered in Idaho Power's retail rates. Under the power cost adjustment mechanisms, certain differences between actual net power supply costs incurred by Idaho Power and costs being recovered in retail rates are recorded as a deferred charge or credit on the balance sheet for future recovery or refund. The power supply costs deferred primarily result from changes in contracted power purchase prices and volumes, changes in wholesale market prices and transaction volumes, fuel prices, and the levels of Idaho Power's own generation.


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In April 2017, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting a $10.6 million net increase in PCA rates, effective for the 2017-2018 PCA collection period from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. The requested net increase in PCA rates is primarily due to expected higher power supply costs resulting from new PURPA power purchase agreements and higher coal-fired generation costs and also last year’s lower-than-expected hydroelectric generation.  The requested net increase includes an offsetting $13.0 million refund of previously collected Idaho energy efficiency rider funds. As of the date of this report, the IPUC has not yet issued an order on the application. Previously, in May 2016, the IPUC issued an order approving a $17.3 million net increase in PCA rates, effective for the 2016-2017 PCA collection period from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.  The requested net increase in PCA rates included the application of (a) a customer rate credit of $3.2 million for sharing with customers for the year 2015 pursuant to the terms of the October 2014 settlement stipulation described above and (b) a $4.0 million reduction due to the transfer of Idaho energy efficiency rider funds.

Idaho Fixed Cost Adjustment Mechanism

The Idaho jurisdiction fixed cost adjustment (FCA) mechanism is designed to remove Idaho Power’s financial disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by separating (or decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the variable kilowatt-hour charge and instead linking it to a set amount per customer. The FCA mechanism is adjusted each year to collect, or refund, the difference between the authorized fixed-cost recovery amount and the actual fixed costs recovered by Idaho Power during the year. In March 2017, Idaho Power filed its annual FCA update with the IPUC, requesting an increase of $6.9 million in the FCA from $28.1 million to $35.0 million, with new requested rates effective for the period from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018. As of the date of this report, the IPUC has not yet issued an order on the application. Previously in May 2016, the IPUC issued an order approving Idaho Power's application requesting an increase of $11.2 million in the FCA from $16.9 million to $28.1 million, with new rates effective for the period from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.

Depreciation Rate Requests

In October and November 2016, Idaho Power filed applications with the IPUC and OPUC, respectively, requesting authorization to (a) accelerate depreciation for the North Valmy coal-fired power plant (Valmy Plant), to allow the plant to be fully depreciated by December 31, 2025, (b) establish a balancing account to track the incremental costs and benefits associated with the accelerated depreciation date, and (c) adjust customer rates to recover the associated incremental annual levelized revenue requirement.

On May 3, 2017, Idaho Power filed a settlement stipulation with the IPUC to resolve the issues among the parties to the Valmy Plant matter. The settlement stipulation, if approved, would provide for an increase in the Idaho jurisdictional revenue requirement of $13.3 million, effective June 1, 2017, to recover costs associated with the accelerated depreciation of existing investments for unit 1 and unit 2 at the Valmy Plant to be amortized through 2028 with an assumed Idaho Power cessation of coal-fired operations at unit 1 at the end of 2019 and unit 2 at the end of 2025. The costs also include forecasted investments for the Valmy Plant from 2017 through 2019 for unit 1, forecasted operation and maintenance costs savings, and decommissioning costs for unit 1 and unit 2. The settlement stipulation also contains provisions requiring future filings with the IPUC that may result in periodic adjustments to rates based upon prudence reviews of capital expenditures, true-ups of actual capital expenditures and decommissioning costs to forecasted costs, true-ups of operating and maintenance expense savings, and plant closure or joint ownership and operating agreement negotiations.

In October and November 2016, Idaho Power also filed applications with the IPUC and OPUC requesting approval to institute revised depreciation rates for Idaho Power's other electric plant-in-service and adjust base rates to reflect the revised depreciation rates applied to electric plant-in-service balances subject to the most recent general rate case. On May 3, 2017, Idaho Power filed a settlement stipulation with the IPUC to resolve the issues among the parties to the Idaho depreciation case. The settlement stipulation, if approved, would provide for new depreciation rates to go into effect on June 1, 2017, that would result in no required increase in Idaho jurisdictional revenue. Idaho Power expects the IPUC and the OPUC to enter final orders in both matters in 2017.

4. NOTES PAYABLE
 
Credit Facilities
 
IDACORP and Idaho Power have in place credit facilities that may be used for general corporate purposes and commercial paper backup. The terms and conditions of those credit facilities are as described in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


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At March 31, 2017, no loans were outstanding under either IDACORP's or Idaho Power's facilities. At March 31, 2017, Idaho Power had regulatory authority to incur up to $450 million in principal amount of short-term indebtedness at any one time outstanding. Balances (in thousands) and interest rates of IDACORP’s and Idaho Power's short-term borrowings were as follows at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
IDACORP
 
Idaho Power
 
Total
 
IDACORP
 
Idaho Power
 
Total
Commercial paper outstanding
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
21,800

 
$
21,800

Weighted-average annual interest rate
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
1.13
%
 
1.13
%

5. COMMON STOCK
 
IDACORP Common Stock
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, IDACORP granted 72,397 restricted stock unit awards to employees and 12,050 restricted stock awards to directors, but made no original issuances of shares of common stock pursuant to the IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan. As directed by IDACORP, plan administrators of the IDACORP, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and Idaho Power Company Employee Savings Plan use market purchases of IDACORP common stock, as opposed to original issuance of common stock from IDACORP, to acquire shares of IDACORP common stock for the plans. However, IDACORP may determine at any time to use original issuances of common stock under those plans.

Restrictions on Dividends
 
Idaho Power’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock held by IDACORP and IDACORP’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock are limited to the extent payment of such dividends would violate the covenants in their respective credit facilities or Idaho Power’s Revised Policy and Code of Conduct. A covenant under IDACORP’s credit facility and Idaho Power’s credit facility requires IDACORP and Idaho Power to maintain leverage ratios of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, as defined therein, of no more than 65 percent at the end of each fiscal quarter. At March 31, 2017, the leverage ratios for IDACORP and Idaho Power were 45 percent and 47 percent, respectively. Based on these restrictions, IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s dividends were limited to $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2017. There are additional facility covenants, subject to exceptions, that prohibit or restrict the sale or disposition of property without consent and any agreements restricting dividend payments to the applicable company from any material subsidiary. At March 31, 2017, IDACORP and Idaho Power were in compliance with the financial covenants.
 
Idaho Power’s Revised Policy and Code of Conduct relating to transactions between and among Idaho Power, IDACORP, and other affiliates, which was approved by the IPUC in April 2008, provides that Idaho Power will not pay any dividends to IDACORP that will reduce Idaho Power’s common equity capital below 35 percent of its total adjusted capital without IPUC approval. At March 31, 2017, Idaho Power's common equity capital was 54 percent of its total adjusted capital. Further, Idaho Power must obtain approval of the OPUC before it can directly or indirectly loan funds or issue notes or give credit on its books to IDACORP.
 
Idaho Power’s articles of incorporation contain restrictions on the payment of dividends on its common stock if preferred stock dividends are in arrears. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power has no preferred stock outstanding.

In addition to contractual restrictions on the amount and payment of dividends, the Federal Power Act prohibits the payment of dividends from "capital accounts." The term "capital account" is undefined in the Federal Power Act or its regulations, but Idaho Power does not believe the restriction would limit Idaho Power's ability to pay dividends out of current year earnings or retained earnings.
 

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6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The table below presents the computation of IDACORP’s basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except for per share amounts).
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
$
33,102

 
$
25,729

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
 
50,356

 
50,299

Effect of dilutive securities
 
41

 
38

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
 
50,397

 
50,337

Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.51

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.51


7. COMMITMENTS
 
Purchase Obligations
 
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's purchase obligations did not change materially, outside of the ordinary course of business, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, except that Idaho Power entered into an agreement with a biomass PURPA-qualifying facility which increased contractual payment obligations by approximately $25 million over the 20-year life of the contract.

Guarantees
 
Through a self-bonding mechanism, Idaho Power guarantees its portion of reclamation activities and obligations at BCC, of which IERCo owns a one-third interest. This guarantee, which is renewed annually with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, was $71 million at March 31, 2017, representing IERCo's one-third share of BCC's total reclamation obligation. BCC has a reclamation trust fund set aside specifically for the purpose of paying these reclamation costs. At March 31, 2017, the current value of the reclamation trust fund was $85 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the reclamation trust fund made no distributions for reclamation activity costs associated with the BCC surface mine. BCC periodically assesses the adequacy of the reclamation trust fund and its estimate of future reclamation costs. To ensure that the reclamation trust fund maintains adequate reserves, BCC has the ability to add a per-ton surcharge to coal sales, all of which are made to the Jim Bridger plant. Starting in 2010, BCC began applying a nominal surcharge to coal sales in order to maintain adequate reserves in the reclamation trust fund. Because of the existence of the fund and the ability to apply a per-ton surcharge, the estimated fair value of this guarantee is minimal.
 
IDACORP and Idaho Power enter into financial agreements and power purchase and sale agreements that include indemnification provisions relating to various forms of claims or liabilities that may arise from the transactions contemplated by these agreements. Generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in the indemnification provisions and, therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnification provisions cannot be reasonably estimated. IDACORP and Idaho Power periodically evaluate the likelihood of incurring costs under such indemnities based on their historical experience and the evaluation of the specific indemnities. As of March 31, 2017, management believes the likelihood is remote that IDACORP or Idaho Power would be required to perform under such indemnification provisions or otherwise incur any significant losses with respect to such indemnification obligations. Neither IDACORP nor Idaho Power has recorded any liability on their respective condensed consolidated balance sheets with respect to these indemnification obligations.
 
8. CONTINGENCIES
 
IDACORP and Idaho Power have in the past and expect in the future to become involved in various claims, controversies, disputes, and other contingent matters, some of which involve litigation and regulatory or other contested proceedings. The ultimate resolution and outcome of litigation and regulatory proceedings is inherently difficult to determine, particularly where (a) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate, (b) the proceedings are in the early stages or the substantive issues have not been well developed, or (c) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties. In accordance

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with applicable accounting guidance, IDACORP and Idaho Power, as applicable, establish an accrual for legal proceedings when those matters proceed to a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, IDACORP and Idaho Power do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's accruals for loss contingencies are not material to their financial statements as a whole; however, future accruals could be material in a given period. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's determination is based on currently available information, and estimates presented in financial statements and other financial disclosures involve significant judgment and may be subject to significant uncertainty. For matters that affect Idaho Power’s operations, Idaho Power intends to seek, to the extent permissible and appropriate, recovery through the ratemaking process of costs incurred.

IDACORP and Idaho Power are parties to legal claims and legal and regulatory actions and proceedings in the ordinary course of business and, as noted above, record an accrual for associated loss contingencies when they are probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report, the companies believe that resolution of those matters will not have a material adverse effect on their respective consolidated financial statements. Idaho Power is also actively monitoring various pending environmental regulations and the recently issued executive orders related to environmental matters that may have a significant impact on its future operations. Given uncertainties regarding the outcome, timing, and compliance plans for these environmental matters, Idaho Power is unable to estimate the financial impact of these regulations.

9. BENEFIT PLANS

Idaho Power has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (pension plan) and two nonqualified defined benefit plans for certain senior management employees called the Security Plan for Senior Management Employees I and Security Plan for Senior Management Employees II (collectively, SMSP). Idaho Power also has a nonqualified defined benefit pension plan for directors that was frozen in 2002. Remaining vested benefits from that plan are included with the SMSP in the disclosures below. The benefits under the pension plan are based on years of service and the employee’s final average earnings. Idaho Power also maintains a defined benefit postretirement benefit plan (consisting of health care and death benefits) that covers all employees who were enrolled in the active-employee group plan at the time of retirement as well as their spouses and qualifying dependents. The following table shows the components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension, SMSP, and postretirement benefits plans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands). 
 
 
Pension Plan
 
SMSP
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016
Service cost

$
8,626


$
8,117


$
190


$
307


$
289


$
293

Interest cost

9,763


9,423


1,078


1,069


690


696

Expected return on plan assets

(11,388
)

(10,170
)





(570
)

(620
)
Amortization of prior service cost

7


13


32


42


7


7

Amortization of net loss

3,383


3,384


741


883





Net periodic benefit cost

10,391


10,767


2,041


2,301


416


376

Regulatory deferral of net periodic benefit cost(1)

(9,796
)

(10,307
)


 

 

 

Previously deferred pension costs recognized(1)
 
4,288

 
4,288

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost recognized for financial reporting(1)

$
4,883


$
4,748


$
2,041


$
2,301


$
416


$
376

 (1) Net periodic benefit costs for the pension plan are recognized for financial reporting based upon the authorization of each regulatory jurisdiction in which Idaho Power operates. Under IPUC order, the Idaho portion of net periodic benefit cost is recorded as a regulatory asset and is recognized in the income statement as those costs are recovered through rates.

Idaho Power has no minimum contribution requirement to its defined benefit pension plan in 2017, and during the three months ended March 31, 2017, made no contributions. Idaho Power plans to contribute between $20 million and $40 million to its defined benefit pension plan during 2017 in a continued effort to balance the regulatory collection of these expenditures with the amount and timing of contributions and to mitigate the cost of being in an underfunded position. The primary impact of pension contributions is on the timing of cash flows, as the timing of cost recovery lags behind contributions.

Idaho Power also has an Employee Savings Plan that complies with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covers substantially all employees. Idaho Power matches specified percentages of employee contributions to the Employee Savings Plan.


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10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Commodity Price Risk
 
Idaho Power is exposed to market risk relating to electricity, natural gas, and other fuel commodity prices, all of which are heavily influenced by supply and demand. Market risk may be influenced by market participants’ nonperformance of their contractual obligations and commitments, which affects the supply of or demand for the commodity. Idaho Power uses derivative instruments, such as physical and financial forward contracts, for both electricity and fuel to manage the risks relating to these commodity price exposures. The primary objectives of Idaho Power’s energy purchase and sale activity are to meet the demand of retail electric customers, maintain appropriate physical reserves to ensure reliability, and make economic use of temporary surpluses that may develop.
 
All of Idaho Power's derivative instruments have been entered into for the purpose of economically hedging forecasted purchases and sales, though none of these instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges. Idaho Power offsets fair value amounts recognized on its balance sheet and applies collateral related to derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Idaho Power does not offset a counterparty's current derivative contracts with the counterparty's long-term derivative contracts, although Idaho Power's master netting arrangements would allow current and long-term positions to be offset in the event of default. Also, in the event of default, Idaho Power's master netting arrangements would allow for the offsetting of all transactions executed under the master netting arrangement. These types of transactions may include non-derivative instruments, derivatives qualifying for scope exceptions, receivables and payables arising from settled positions, and other forms of non-cash collateral (such as letters of credit). These types of transactions are excluded from the offsetting presented in the derivative fair value and offsetting table that follows.

The table below presents the gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands).
 
 
 
 
Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income(1)
 
 
Location of Realized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Financial swaps
 
Off-system sales
 
$
1,478

 
$
1,446

Financial swaps
 
Purchased power
 
(447
)
 
(13
)
Financial swaps
 
Fuel expense
 
670

 
(2,815
)
Financial swaps
 
Other operations and maintenance
 
(26
)
 
(115
)
Forward contracts
 
Purchased power
 
(1
)
 

Forward contracts
 
Fuel expense
 

 
(4
)
(1) Excludes unrealized gains or losses on derivatives, which are recorded on the balance sheet as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities.

Settlement gains and losses on electricity swap contracts are recorded on the income statement in off-system sales or purchased power depending on the forecasted position being economically hedged by the derivative contract. Settlement gains and losses on contracts for natural gas are reflected in fuel expense. Settlement gains and losses on diesel derivatives are recorded in other operations and maintenance expense. See Note 11 for additional information concerning the determination of fair value for Idaho Power’s assets and liabilities from price risk management activities.

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Derivative Instrument Summary

The table below presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recorded on the balance sheets and reconciles the gross amounts of derivatives recognized as assets and as liabilities to the net amounts presented in the balance sheets at March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (in thousands).
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Gross Fair Value
 
Amounts Offset
 
Net Assets
 
Gross Fair Value
 
Amounts Offset
 
Net Liabilities
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Financial swaps
 
Other current assets
 
$
2,411

 
$
(101
)
 
$
2,310

 
$
101

 
$
(101
)
 
$

Financial swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
320

 
(320
)
 

 
662

 
(425
)
(1) 
237

Forward contracts
 
Other current assets
 
5

 

 
5

 

 

 

Long-term:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial swaps
 
Other assets
 
7

 

 
7

 

 

 

Financial swaps
 
Other liabilities
 

 

 

 
190

 

 
190

Total
 
 
 
$
2,743

 
$
(421
)
 
$
2,322

 
$
953

 
$
(526
)
 
$
427

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Financial swaps
 
Other current assets
 
$
8,134

 
$
(2,183
)
(2) 
$
5,951

 
$
302

 
$
(302
)
 
$

Total
 
 
 
$
8,134

 
$
(2,183
)
 
$
5,951

 
$
302

 
$
(302
)
 
$

(1) Current liability derivative amount offset includes $0.1 million of collateral receivable for the period ending March 31, 2017.
(2) Current asset derivative amount offset includes $1.9 million of collateral payable for the period ending December 31, 2016.

The table below presents the volumes of derivative commodity forward contracts and swaps outstanding at March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands of units).
 
 
 
 
March 31,
Commodity
 
Units
 
2017
 
2016
Electricity purchases
 
MWh
 
128

 
500

Electricity sales
 
MWh
 
173

 
18

Natural gas purchases
 
MMBtu
 
8,130

 
13,723

Natural gas sales
 
MMBtu
 

 
150

Diesel purchases
 
Gallons
 
885

 
802


Credit Risk
 
At March 31, 2017, Idaho Power did not have material credit risk exposure from financial instruments, including derivatives. Idaho Power monitors credit risk exposure through reviews of counterparty credit quality, corporate-wide counterparty credit exposure, and corporate-wide counterparty concentration levels. Idaho Power manages these risks by establishing credit and concentration limits on transactions with counterparties and requiring contractual guarantees, cash deposits, or letters of credit from counterparties or their affiliates, as deemed necessary. Idaho Power’s physical power contracts are commonly under Western Systems Power Pool agreements, physical gas contracts are usually under North American Energy Standards Board contracts, and financial transactions are usually under International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. contracts. These contracts contain adequate assurance clauses requiring collateralization if a counterparty has debt that is downgraded below investment grade by at least one rating agency.

Credit-Contingent Features
 
Certain Idaho Power derivative instruments contain provisions that require Idaho Power's unsecured debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. If Idaho Power's

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unsecured debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position at March 31, 2017, was $0.8 million. Idaho Power posted $0.1 million cash collateral related to this amount. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on March 31, 2017, Idaho Power would have been required to pay or post collateral to its counterparties up to an additional $1.3 million to cover the open liability positions as well as completed transactions that have not yet been paid.

11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
IDACORP and Idaho Power have categorized their financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
 
• Level 1: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that IDACORP and Idaho Power have the ability to access.
 
•   Level 2: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c) pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
d) pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
IDACORP and Idaho Power Level 2 inputs are based on quoted market prices adjusted for location using corroborated, observable market data.
 
•      Level 3: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s assessment of a particular input's significance to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. An item recorded at fair value is reclassified among levels when changes in the nature of valuation inputs cause the item to no longer meet the criteria for the level in which it was previously categorized. There were no transfers between levels or material changes in valuation techniques or inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The table below presents information about IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands).
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IDACORP
 
$
700

 
$

 
$

 
$
700

 
$
15,000

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,000

Idaho Power
 
40,050

 

 

 
40,050

 
29,967

 

 

 
29,967

Derivatives
 
2,317

 
5

 

 
2,322

 
5,951

 

 

 
5,951

Trading securities: Equity securities
 
104

 

 

 
104

 
111

 

 

 
111

Available-for-sale securities: Equity securities
 
25,599

 

 

 
25,599

 
23,908

 

 

 
23,908

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
427

 

 

 
427

 

 

 

 


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Idaho Power’s derivatives are contracts entered into as part of its management of loads and resources. Electricity derivatives are valued on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) with quoted prices in an active market. Natural gas and diesel derivatives are valued using New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and ICE pricing, adjusted for location basis, which are also quoted under NYMEX and ICE pricing. Trading securities consist of employee-directed investments held in a Rabbi trust and are related to an executive deferred compensation plan. Available-for-sale securities are related to the SMSP, are held in a Rabbi trust, and are actively traded money market and exchange traded funds with quoted prices in active markets.

The table below presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value, as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies (in thousands).
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
IDACORP
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes receivable(1)
 
$
3,804

 
$
3,804

 
$
3,804

 
$
3,804

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Long-term debt(1)
 
1,744,991

 
1,867,331

 
1,745,678

 
1,858,666

Idaho Power
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Long-term debt(1)
 
1,744,991

 
1,867,331

 
1,745,678

 
1,858,666

 (1) Notes receivable and long-term debt are categorized as Level 3 and Level 2, respectively, of the fair value hierarchy, as defined earlier in this Note 11.

Notes receivable are related to Ida-West and are valued based on unobservable inputs, including discounted cash flows, which are partially based on forecasted hydroelectric conditions. Long-term debt is not traded on an exchange and is valued using quoted rates for similar debt in active markets. Carrying values for cash and cash equivalents, deposits, customer and other receivables, notes payable, accounts payable, interest accrued, and taxes accrued approximate fair value.

12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
IDACORP’s only reportable segment is utility operations. The utility operations segment’s primary source of revenue is the regulated operations of Idaho Power. Idaho Power’s regulated operations include the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electricity. This segment also includes income from IERCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Idaho Power that is also subject to regulation and is a one-third owner of BCC, an unconsolidated joint venture.
 
IDACORP’s other operating segments are below the quantitative and qualitative thresholds for reportable segments and are included in the "All Other" category in the table below. This category is comprised of IFS’s investments in affordable housing and historic rehabilitation projects, Ida-West’s joint venture investments in small hydroelectric generation projects, the remaining activities of IESCo, the successor to which wound down its energy marketing operations in 2003, and IDACORP’s holding company expenses.
 
The table below summarizes the segment information for IDACORP’s utility operations and the total of all other segments, and reconciles this information to total enterprise amounts (in thousands). 
 
 
Utility
Operations
 
All
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
301,964

 
$
580

 
$

 
$
302,544

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
32,482

 
620

 

 
33,102

Total assets as of March 31, 2017
 
6,178,648

 
74,472

 
(23,172
)
 
6,229,948

Three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
280,566

 
$
390

 
$

 
$
280,956

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
25,534

 
195

 

 
25,729



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13. CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The table below presents changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands). Items in parentheses indicate charges to AOCI.
 
 
Defined Benefit Pension Items
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
(20,882
)
 
$
(21,276
)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI
 
471

 
564

Balance at end of period
 
$
(20,411
)
 
$
(20,712
)

The table below presents amounts reclassified out of components of AOCI and the income statement location of those amounts reclassified during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands). Items in parentheses indicate increases to net income.
 
 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Details About AOCI
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Amortization of defined benefit pension items(1)
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 
$
32

 
$
42

Net loss
 
741

 
883

Total before tax
 
773

 
925

Tax benefit(2)
 
(302
)
 
(361
)
Net of tax
 
471

 
564

Total reclassification for the period
 
$
471

 
$
564

(1) Amortization of these items is included in IDACORP's condensed consolidated income statements in other operating expenses and in Idaho Power's condensed consolidated income statements in other expense, net.
(2) The tax benefit is included in income tax expense in the condensed consolidated income statements of both IDACORP and Idaho Power.


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
IDACORP, Inc.
Boise, Idaho
 
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2017, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 23, 2017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boise, Idaho
May 4, 2017
 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Idaho Power Company
Boise, Idaho
 
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2017, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, retained earnings, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 23, 2017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boise, Idaho
May 4, 2017
 
 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) in this report, the general financial condition and results of operations for IDACORP, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company and its subsidiary (collectively, Idaho Power) are discussed. While reading the MD&A, please refer to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and Idaho Power. Also refer to "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this report for important information regarding forward-looking statements made in this MD&A and elsewhere in this report. This discussion updates the MD&A included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and should also be read in conjunction with the information in that report. The results of operations for an interim period generally will not be indicative of results for the full year, particularly in light of the seasonality of Idaho Power's sales volumes, as discussed below.

INTRODUCTION
 
IDACORP is a holding company formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is Idaho Power. IDACORP’s common stock is listed and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "IDA". Idaho Power is an electric utility whose rates and other matters are regulated by the Idaho Public Utility Commission (IPUC), Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Idaho Power generates revenues and cash flows primarily from the sale and distribution of electricity to customers in its Idaho and Oregon service territories, as well as from the wholesale sale and transmission of electricity. Idaho Power experiences its highest retail energy sales during the summer irrigation and cooling season, with a lower peak in the winter that generally results from heating demand. Idaho Power’s rates are established through regulatory proceedings that affect its ability to recover its costs and the potential to earn a return on its investment.

Idaho Power is the parent of Idaho Energy Resources Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company (BCC), which mines and supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by Idaho Power. IDACORP’s other subsidiaries include IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments; Ida-West Energy Company, an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA); and IDACORP Energy Services Co., which is the former limited partner of, and successor by merger to, IDACORP Energy L.P., a marketer of energy commodities that wound down operations in 2003.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Management's Outlook and Company Initiatives

In the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's management included a brief overview of their outlook and initiatives for the companies for 2017 and beyond, under the headings "Executive Overview - Management's Outlook" and "2016 Accomplishments and 2017 Initiatives" in the MD&A. As of the date of this report, management's outlook remains consistent with that discussion. Most notably:

Idaho Power continues to expect positive customer growth in its service area, and continues to participate in and support state and local economic development initiatives aimed at responsible and sustainable growth. During the first three months of 2017, Idaho Power's customer count grew by approximately 1,500 customers, and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, the customer growth rate was 1.9 percent.
Idaho Power expects substantial capital investments, with expected total capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 billion over the five-year period from 2017 (including the expenditures incurred so far in 2017) through 2021.
Idaho Power continues to execute on three core focuses for 2017 - improving Idaho Power's core business, growing revenues, and positioning the company for the future through enhancing its brand.
Idaho Power continues to focus on timely recovery of costs and earning a reasonable return on investment, including working to evaluate and ensure that its rate design and regulatory mechanisms properly reflect the cost to provide electric service.

Overview of General Factors and Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Financial Condition

IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition are affected by a number of factors, and the impact of those factors is discussed in more detail later in this MD&A. To provide context for the discussion elsewhere in this report, some of the more notable factors include the following:

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Regulation of Rates and Cost Recovery: The price that Idaho Power is authorized to charge for its electric and transmission service is a critical factor in determining IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition. Those rates are established by state regulatory commissions and the FERC, and are intended to allow Idaho Power an opportunity to recover its expenses and earn a reasonable return on investment. Because of the significant impact of ratemaking decisions, and in pursuit of its goal of advancing a purposeful regulatory strategy, Idaho Power focuses on timely recovery of its costs through filings with the company's regulators, working to put in place innovative regulatory mechanisms, and on the prudent management of expenses and investments. Idaho Power has a regulatory settlement stipulation in Idaho that includes provisions for the amortization of additional accumulated deferred income tax credits (ADITCs) to help achieve a minimum 9.5 percent return on year-end equity in the Idaho jurisdiction (Idaho ROE). Also during 2017, Idaho Power continues to assess the need to file a general rate case in Idaho and Oregon to change base rates.

Economic Conditions and Loads: Economic conditions impact consumer demand for electricity and revenues, collectability of accounts, the volume of off-system sales, and the need to construct and improve infrastructure, purchase power, and implement programs to meet customer load demands. In recent years, Idaho Power has seen growth in both the number of customers in its service area—over the last 12 months customer count grew by 1.9 percent—and in employment in Idaho Power's service area, which grew by approximately 2.0 percent over the last twelve months, based on Idaho Department of Labor preliminary March 2017 data. Idaho Power expects its number of customers to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Idaho Power has in recent years supported State of Idaho-coordinated efforts to promote economic development with an emphasis on attracting industrial and commercial customers to its service area.
    
Idaho Power is currently preparing its 2017 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Idaho Power's long-term forecast of loads and resources. The load forecast assumptions Idaho Power expects to use in the 2017 IRP are included in the table below. For comparison purposes, the analogous average annual growth rates used in the prior two IRPs are included.
 
 
2016-2021 Period
 
20-Year Forecast
 
 
Annual Growth Rate: Retail Sales
(Billed MWh)
Annual Growth Rate: Annual Peak
(Peak Demand)
 
Annual Growth Rate: Retail Sales
(Billed MWh)
Annual Growth Rate: Annual Peak
(Peak Demand)
2017 IRP
 
1.3%
1.4%
 
1.0%
1.4%
2015 IRP
 
1.1%
1.6%
 
1.2%
1.5%
2013 IRP
 
1.2%
1.6%
 
1.1%
1.4%

Rate Base Growth and Infrastructure Investment: As noted above, the rates established by the IPUC and OPUC are determined so as to provide an opportunity for Idaho Power to recover authorized operating expenses and earn a reasonable return on "rate base." Rate base is generally determined by reference to the original cost (net of accumulated depreciation) of utility plant in service, subject to various adjustments for deferred taxes and other items. Over time, rate base is increased by additions to utility plant in service and reduced by depreciation and retirement of utility plant and write-offs as authorized by the IPUC and OPUC. In recent years, Idaho Power has been pursuing significant enhancements to its utility infrastructure, including major ongoing transmission projects such as the Boardman-to-Hemingway and Gateway West projects, in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of electricity, to provide service to new customers, and to maintain system reliability. Idaho Power's existing hydroelectric and thermal generation facilities also require continuing upgrades and component replacement, and the company is undertaking a significant relicensing effort for the Hells Canyon Complex (HCC), its largest hydroelectric generation resource. Idaho Power expects to include completed capital projects in its next general rate case or, in circumstances where appropriate, a single-issue rate case for individual projects with a significant capital cost. Depending on the outcome of the regulatory process and factors such as the rate of return authorized by the IPUC and OPUC, this growth in rate base has the potential to increase Idaho Power's revenues and earnings.

Weather Conditions: Weather and agricultural growing conditions have a significant impact on Idaho Power's energy sales and the seasonality of those sales. Relatively low and high temperatures result in greater energy use for heating and cooling, respectively. During the agricultural growing season, which in large part occurs during the second and third quarters, irrigation customers use electricity to operate irrigation pumps, and weather conditions can impact the timing and extent of use of those pumps. Idaho Power also has tiered rates and seasonal rates, which contribute to increased revenues during higher-load periods, most notably during the third quarter of each year when overall customer demand is highest. Much of the adverse or favorable impact of weather on sales of energy to residential and

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small commercial customers is mitigated through the Idaho fixed cost adjustment (FCA) mechanism. Temperatures in Idaho Power's service area were below normal in the first quarter of 2017 and were significantly colder than first quarter 2016 temperatures, which increased sales volumes on a per-customer basis. The positive revenue impact of increased sales volumes was partially offset by the application of the FCA mechanism.

Further, as Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities comprise nearly one-half of Idaho Power's nameplate generation capacity, precipitation levels impact the mix of Idaho Power's generation resources. When hydroelectric generation is reduced, Idaho Power must rely on more expensive generation sources and purchased power. When favorable hydroelectric generating conditions exist for Idaho Power, they also may exist for other Pacific Northwest hydroelectric facility operators, lowering regional wholesale market prices and impacting the revenue Idaho Power receives from off-system sales of its excess power. Much of the adverse or favorable impact of this volatility is addressed through the Idaho and Oregon power cost adjustment mechanisms. For 2017, Idaho Power expects generation from its hydroelectric resources to be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0 million MWh, compared with 20-year average annual hydroelectric generation of 7.6 million MWh. Under median water conditions, Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities would currently provide annual generation of approximately 8.4 million MWh.

Mitigation of Impact of Fuel and Purchased Power Expense: In addition to hydroelectric generation, Idaho Power relies significantly on coal and natural gas to fuel its generation facilities and power purchases in the wholesale markets. Fuel costs are impacted by electricity sales volumes, the terms of contracts for fuel, Idaho Power's generation capacity, the availability of hydroelectric generation resources, transmission capacity, energy market prices, and Idaho Power's hedging program for managing fuel costs. Over the past few years, low natural gas prices have made operation of Idaho Power's natural gas power plants more economical, resulting in increased operation of those plants and decreased operation of coal-fired plants. Idaho Power is assessing the early closure of the North Valmy coal-fired power plant, of which Idaho Power owns a 50-percent interest, and in October and November 2016 filed applications with the IPUC and OPUC, respectively, requesting accelerated depreciation of the facility. Purchased power costs are impacted by the terms of contracts for purchased power, the rate of expansion of alternative energy generation sources such as wind or solar energy, and wholesale energy market prices. The Idaho and Oregon power cost adjustment mechanisms mitigate in large part the potential adverse impacts of fluctuations in power supply costs to Idaho Power.

Changes in legislation, regulation, and government policy as a result of the new federal administration: The federal administration's proposed changes with respect to legislation, regulation, and government policy could significantly impact IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s businesses and the electric utility industry. Specific legislative and regulatory proposals discussed before and after the 2016 presidential and congressional elections that could have a material impact on IDACORP and Idaho Power include, but are not limited to, reform of the federal tax code, infrastructure renewal programs, modifications to public company reporting requirements, and environmental regulation. During the first three months of 2017, the new federal administration issued executive orders directed at changing or eliminating federal regulations that may affect Idaho Power's operations and environmental-related expenses, as described in "Environmental Matters" in this MD&A.

Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Costs: Idaho Power is subject to extensive federal and state laws, policies, and regulations, as well as regulatory actions and audits by agencies and quasi-governmental agencies, including the FERC and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Compliance with these requirements directly influences Idaho Power's operating environment and affects Idaho Power's operating costs. Environmental laws and regulations, in particular, may increase the cost of operating generation plants and constructing new facilities, may require that Idaho Power install additional pollution control devices at existing generating plants, or may require that Idaho Power cease operating certain generation plants. For instance, the Boardman coal-fired power plant, in which Idaho Power owns a 10-percent interest, is scheduled to cease coal-fired operations by the end of 2020, a decision driven in large part by the substantial cost of environmental controls required by existing regulations.
 
Water Management and Relicensing of the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project: Because of Idaho Power's reliance on stream flow in the Snake River and its tributaries, Idaho Power participates in numerous proceedings and venues that may affect its water rights, seeking to preserve the long-term availability of its rights for its hydroelectric projects. Also, Idaho Power is involved in renewing its long-term federal license for the HCC, its largest hydroelectric generation source. Given the number of parties and issues involved, Idaho Power's relicensing costs have been and will continue to be substantial. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power cannot determine the ultimate terms of, and costs associated with, any resulting long-term license.


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Summary of Financial Results

The following is a summary of Idaho Power's net income, net income attributable to IDACORP, and IDACORP's earnings per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except earnings per share amounts):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Idaho Power net income
 
$
32,482

 
$
25,534

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.
 
$
33,102

 
$
25,729

Average outstanding shares – diluted
 
50,397

 
50,337

IDACORP, Inc. earnings per diluted share
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.51


The table below provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to IDACORP for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 (items are in millions and are before related income tax impact unless otherwise noted).
 
 
Three months ended
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2016
 
 
 
$
25.7

 Change in Idaho Power net income:
 
 
 
 

Usage per customer, net of associated power supply costs and PCA mechanism impacts
 
9.1

 
 
FCA revenues
 
(6.1
)
 
 
Changes in revenues per MWh due to customer usage
 
1.5

 
 
Customer growth, net of associated power supply costs and PCA mechanism impacts
 
2.7

 
 

Third-party use of electric property, wheeling, and other revenue
 
2.8

 
 
Other operating and maintenance expenses
 
(2.2
)
 
 
Depreciation expense
 
(1.1
)
 
 
Other changes in operating revenues and expenses, net
 
(0.2
)
 
 
Increase in Idaho Power operating income
 
6.5

 
 
Earnings of unconsolidated equity-method investments
 
1.3

 
 
Changes in other non-operating income and expenses
 
0.8

 
 
Income tax expense (excluding additional ADITC amortization)
 
(3.1
)
 
 
Additional ADITC amortization
 
1.4

 
 
Total increase in Idaho Power net income
 
 
 
6.9

 Other changes (net of tax)
 
 
 
0.5

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2017
 
 
 
$
33.1


IDACORP's net income increased $7.4 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016. The increase was driven primarily by a $6.9 million increase in Idaho Power's net income.
At Idaho Power, an increase in sales volumes on a per-customer basis contributed $9.1 million to operating income in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016, but was largely offset by a $6.1 million decrease in revenues from the application of the FCA mechanism. Temperatures in Idaho Power's service area were colder than normal in the first quarter of 2017 and were significantly colder than first quarter 2016 temperatures. The cold weather resulted in increased sales volumes on a per-customer basis and caused an increase in the proportion of residential sales in higher rate categories under Idaho Power's tiered rate structure. These higher tiered rates drove a $1.5 million increase in operating income. Customer growth drove higher sales volumes, lifting operating income by $2.7 million, as the number of Idaho Power customers grew by 1.9 percent over the prior twelve months. In addition to these changes in general business revenues, Idaho Power benefited from a $2.8 million increase in third-party use of electric property, wheeling, and other revenue due to a new long-term wheeling agreement as well as an increase in Idaho Power's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) rates, which was effective in October 2016.


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Partly offsetting these increases, other operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses were $2.2 million higher, compared with the same period in the prior year. Weather affected the timing and amount of certain operating and maintenance expenses during the quarter.
The increase in income tax expense was principally the result of higher income before income taxes, partially offset by an increase in additional ADITC amortization. Based on Idaho Power's current expectations of full-year 2017 results, Idaho Power recorded $1.9 million of additional ADITC amortization under its Idaho regulatory settlement stipulation during the first quarter of 2017 compared with $0.5 million in first quarter of 2016. Idaho Power currently expects to use less than $10 million of additional ADITC for the full-year 2017.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This section of MD&A takes a closer look at the significant factors that affected IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2017. In this analysis, the results for the three months ended March 31, 2017, are compared with the same period in 2016.

Utility Operations
 
The table below presents Idaho Power’s energy sales and supply (in thousands of MWh) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
General business sales
3,408

 
3,165

Off-system sales
754

 
507

Total energy sales
4,162

 
3,672

Hydroelectric generation
2,362

 
1,847

Coal generation
837

 
776

Natural gas and other generation
331

 
516

Total system generation
3,530

 
3,139

Purchased power
907

 
815

Line losses
(275
)
 
(282
)
Total energy supply
4,162

 
3,672


Sales Volume and Generation: In the first three months of 2017, general business sales volumes increased 0.2 million MWh, or 8 percent, compared with the same period in the prior year. The sales increase was due primarily to colder weather in the first three months of 2017 compared with the first three months of 2016, which increased the use of electricity for heating purposes. Heating degree days were 18 percent higher in the first three months of 2017 compared with the first three months of 2016, and 4 percent above normal for the first quarter of 2017. In addition to usage, customer growth contributed to increased sales volumes in 2017 compared with 2016, with the number of Idaho Power's customers growing by approximately 1.9 percent over the prior twelve months.

Off-system sales volumes increased 0.2 million MWh, or 49 percent, during the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, hydroelectric generation comprised 67 percent of Idaho Power's total system generation, compared with 59 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Generation from Idaho Power's hydroelectric plants increased in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 due to significantly greater precipitation in 2017. Precipitation in Boise, Idaho (measured in inches) was 138 percent higher in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016, and 201 percent of normal for the first quarter of 2017. For 2017, Idaho Power estimates annual generation from its hydroelectric facilities will be between 8.0 million MWh and 10.0 million MWh. An increase in output from hydroelectric resources throughout the region increased surplus power available for sale and decreased wholesale power sales prices approximately 21 percent, partially offsetting the revenue benefit of the increase in sales volumes.

The financial impacts of fluctuations in off-system sales, purchased power, fuel expense, and other power supply-related expenses are addressed in Idaho Power's Idaho and Oregon power cost adjustment mechanisms, which are described later in this MD&A.

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General Business Revenues: The table below presents Idaho Power’s general business revenues (in thousands) and MWh sales volumes (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the number of customers as of March 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Residential
 
$
152,155

 
$
141,113

Commercial
 
74,278

 
71,250

Industrial
 
45,458

 
42,697

Irrigation
 
925

 
904

Total
 
272,816

 
255,964

Deferred revenue related to HCC relicensing AFUDC(1)
 
(2,584
)
 
(2,584
)
Total general business revenues
 
$
270,232

 
$
253,380

Volume of Sales (MWh)
 
 

 
 

Residential
 
1,541

 
1,388

Commercial
 
1,027

 
975

Industrial
 
830

 
792

Irrigation
 
10

 
10

Total MWh sales
 
3,408

 
3,165

Number of customers at period end
 
 

 
 

Residential
 
445,808

 
437,085

Commercial
 
69,485

 
68,460

Industrial
 
121

 
119

Irrigation
 
20,634

 
20,317

Total customers
 
536,048

 
525,981

(1) As part of its January 30, 2009 general rate case order, the IPUC is allowing Idaho Power to recover the allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) on construction work in progress related to the HCC relicensing process, even though the relicensing process is not yet complete and the costs have not been moved to electric plant in service. Idaho Power is collecting approximately $10.7 million annually in the Idaho jurisdiction, but is deferring revenue recognition of the amounts collected until the license is issued and the accumulated license costs are placed in service.

Changes in rates, changes in customer demand, and changes in FCA revenues are the primary reasons for fluctuations in general business revenue from period to period. The primary influences on customer demand for electricity are weather and economic conditions. Extreme temperatures increase sales to customers who use electricity for cooling and heating, while moderate temperatures decrease sales. Precipitation levels and the timing of precipitation during the agricultural growing season also affect sales to customers who use electricity to operate irrigation pumps. Rates are also seasonally adjusted, providing for higher rates during peak load periods, and residential customer rates are tiered, providing for higher rates based on higher levels of usage. The seasonal and tiered rate structures contribute to seasonal fluctuations in revenues and earnings. For purposes of illustration, Boise, Idaho weather-related information for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is presented in the table that follows.
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Normal (2)
Heating degree-days(1)
2,591

 
2,189

 
2,480

Cooling degree-days(1)

 

 

(1) Heating and cooling degree-days are common measures used in the utility industry to analyze the demand for electricity and indicate when a customer would use electricity for heating and air conditioning. A degree-day measures how much the average daily temperature varies from 65 degrees. Each degree of temperature above 65 degrees is counted as one cooling degree-day, and each degree of temperature below 65 degrees is counted as one heating degree-day. While Boise, Idaho weather conditions are not necessarily representative of weather conditions throughout Idaho Power's service area, the greater Boise area has the majority of Idaho Power's customers.
(2) Normal heating degree-days and cooling degree-days elements are, by convention, the arithmetic mean of the elements computed over 30 consecutive years. The normal amounts are the sum of the monthly normal amounts. These normal amounts are computed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.



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General business revenues increased $16.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. Factors affecting general business revenues during the period are discussed below.

Rates: Rate changes increased general business revenue by $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Colder temperatures caused an increase in the proportion of residential sales in higher rate categories under Idaho Power's tiered rate structure. Also, the customer rates include recovery of the prior-year power cost adjustment deferral, which increased revenue $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. The recovery of the prior-year power cost adjustment deferral in rates has no effect on operating income as it is amortized into expense in the same period it is recovered through rates.
Customers: Customer growth increased general business revenue by $4.1 million compared with the first quarter of 2016. Total customers increased 1.9 percent during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017.
Usage: Higher usage (on a per customer basis), primarily by residential and industrial customers, increased general business revenue by $16.5 million for the first quarter of 2017 when compared with the first quarter of 2016. Increased usage was primarily the result of the additional number of heating degree-days in the first quarter of 2017 when compared with the same period in 2016, as noted in the table above.
FCA Revenue: Partially offsetting higher usage per customer, the Idaho FCA mechanism decreased revenues by $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Idaho Power accrued $5.2 million of FCA revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared with $11.3 million in the same period in 2016.

Off-System Sales: Off-system sales consist primarily of long-term sales contracts and opportunity sales of surplus system energy. The table below presents Idaho Power’s off-system sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except for per MWh amounts). 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
10,800

 
$
9,151

MWh sold
754

 
507

Revenue per MWh
$
14.32

 
$
18.05

 
In the first quarter of 2017, off-system sales revenue increased by $1.6 million, or 18 percent, compared with the same period in 2016. Off-system sales volumes increased 49 percent for the first three months of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 as generation from Idaho Power's hydroelectric plants increased due to significantly greater precipitation in 2017. The average price of off-system sales for the first quarter of 2017 was 21 percent lower compared with the same period in 2016 due to an increase in output from hydroelectric resources and additional output from new wind and solar projects throughout the region increasing surplus power available for sale and decreasing wholesale power market prices.

Other Revenues: The table below presents the components of other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands). 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Transmission services and other
$
14,605

 
$
11,784

Energy efficiency
6,327

 
6,251

Total other revenues
$
20,932

 
$
18,035


Other revenues increased $2.9 million, or 16 percent, in the first quarter of 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. The increase was the result of long-term wheeling agreement as well as an increase in Idaho Power's OATT rates, which was effective in October 2016.

Most energy efficiency activities are funded through a rider mechanism on customer bills. Energy efficiency program expenditures funded through the rider are reported as an operating expense with an equal amount of revenues recorded in other revenues, resulting in no net impact on earnings. The cumulative variance between expenditures and amounts collected through the rider is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability pending future collection from, or obligation to, customers. A liability balance indicates that Idaho Power has collected more than it has spent and an asset balance indicates that Idaho Power has

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spent more than it has collected. At March 31, 2017, Idaho Power's energy efficiency rider balances were a $15.0 million regulatory liability in the Idaho jurisdiction and a $5.5 million regulatory asset in the Oregon jurisdiction. As described in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this report, the requested net increase in PCA rates, effective for the 2017-2018 PCA collection period from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, included a $13.0 million refund of previously collected Idaho energy efficiency rider funds.

Purchased Power: The table below presents Idaho Power’s purchased power expenses and volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except for per MWh amounts).
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Expense
 
 
 
 
PURPA contracts
 
$
30,840

 
$
34,255

Other purchased power (including wheeling)
 
18,276

 
13,860

Total purchased power expense
 
$
49,116

 
$
48,115

MWh purchased
 
 
 
 
PURPA contracts
 
519

 
554

Other purchased power
 
388

 
261

Total MWh purchased
 
907

 
815

Cost per MWh from PURPA contracts
 
$
59.42

 
$
61.83

Cost per MWh from other sources
 
$
47.10

 
$
53.10

Weighted average - all sources
 
$
54.15

 
$
59.04

 
Purchased power expense increased $1.0 million, or 2 percent, in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. The increase for the first quarter of 2017 was due to an 11 percent increase in MWh purchased, offset partially by an 8 percent decrease in costs per MWh.

Idaho Power is required by federal law to purchase power from some PURPA generation projects at a specified price regardless of the then-current load demand or wholesale energy market prices. The intermittent, non-dispatchable nature of most PURPA generation increases the likelihood that Idaho Power will at times be required to reduce output from its lower-cost hydroelectric and fossil fuel-fired generation resources and may be required to sell its excess power in the wholesale power market at a significant loss. The other purchased power cost per MWh often exceeds the off-system sales revenue per MWh because Idaho Power generally needs to purchase more power during heavy load periods than during light load periods, and conversely has less energy available for off-system sales during heavy load periods than light load periods. Market energy prices are typically higher during heavy load periods than during light load periods. Also, in accordance with Idaho Power's risk management policy, Idaho Power may purchase or sell energy several months in advance of anticipated delivery. The regional energy market price is dynamic and additional energy purchase or sale transactions that Idaho Power makes at current market prices may be noticeably different than the advance purchase or sale transaction prices. Most of the non-PURPA purchased power and substantially all of the PURPA power purchase costs are recovered through base rates and Idaho Power's power cost adjustment mechanisms.


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Fuel Expense: The table below presents Idaho Power’s fuel expenses and generation at its thermal generating plants for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except for per MWh amounts).
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Expense
 
 

 
 

Coal
 
$
27,856

 
$
23,665

Natural gas(1)
 
8,396

 
12,099

Total fuel expense
 
$
36,252

 
$
35,764

MWh generated
 
 

 
 

Coal
 
837

 
776

Natural gas(1)
 
331

 
516

Total MWh generated
 
1,168

 
1,292

Cost per MWh - Coal
 
$
33.28

 
$
30.50

Cost per MWh - Natural gas
 
$
25.37

 
$
23.45

Weighted average, all sources
 
$
31.04

 
$
27.68

(1)Includes a negligible amount of expense and generation related to the Salmon diesel-fired generation plant.

The majority of the fuel for Idaho Power’s jointly-owned coal-fired plants is purchased through long-term contracts, including purchases from BCC, a one-third owned joint venture of IERCo. The price of coal from BCC is subject to fluctuations in mine operating expenses, geologic conditions, and production levels. BCC supplies up to two-thirds of the coal used by the Jim Bridger plant.  Natural gas is mainly purchased on the regional wholesale spot market at published index prices. In addition to commodity (variable) costs, both natural gas and coal expense include costs that are more fixed in nature for items such as capacity charges, transportation, and fuel handling. Period to period variances in fuel expense per MWh are noticeably impacted by these fixed charges when generation output is substantially different between the periods.

Fuel expense increased $0.5 million, or 1 percent, in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Natural gas, coal and other thermal costs were higher primarily due to increased price per MWh.

Power Cost Adjustment Mechanisms: Idaho Power's power supply costs (primarily purchased power and fuel expense, less off-system sales) can vary significantly from year to year. Volatility of power supply costs arises from factors such as weather conditions, wholesale market prices, and volumes of power purchased and sold in the wholesale markets, Idaho Power's hydroelectric and thermal generation volumes and fuel costs, generation plant availability, and retail loads. To address the volatility of power supply costs, Idaho Power's power cost adjustment mechanisms in the Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions allow Idaho Power to recover from or refund to customers most of the fluctuations in power supply costs. The Idaho jurisdiction power cost adjustment (PCA) includes a cost or benefit sharing ratio that allocates the deviations in net power supply expenses between customers (95 percent) and Idaho Power (5 percent), with the exception of PURPA power purchases and demand response program incentives, which are allocated 100 percent to customers. The Idaho deferral period, or PCA year, runs from April 1 through March 31. Amounts deferred during the PCA year are primarily recovered or refunded during the subsequent June 1 through May 31 period. Because of the power cost adjustment mechanisms, the primary financial impacts of power supply cost variations is that cash is paid out but recovery from customers does not occur until a future period, or cash that is collected is refunded to customers in a future period, resulting in fluctuations in operating cash flows from year to year.

The table that follows presents the components of the Idaho and Oregon power cost adjustment mechanisms for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands). 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Idaho power supply cost accrual
 
$
13,863

 
$
5,295

Amortization of prior year authorized balances
 
9,624

 
8,059

Total power cost adjustment expense
 
$
23,487

 
$
13,354

 
The power supply accruals represent the portion of the power supply cost fluctuations accrued under the power cost adjustment mechanisms. When actual power supply costs are lower than the amount forecasted in power cost adjustment rates, which was the case for all periods presented, most of the difference is accrued. The amortization of the prior year’s balances represents the

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offset to the amounts being collected or refunded in the current power cost adjustment year that were deferred or accrued in the prior power cost adjustment year (the true-up component of the power cost adjustment).

Other O&M Expenses: Other O&M expense increased $2.2 million, or 3 percent, in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016. Weather affected the timing and amount of certain operating and maintenance expenses during the quarter.

Income Taxes

IDACORP's and Idaho Power's income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017, when compared with the same period in 2016, increased $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, primarily as a result of greater pre-tax income, net of increased additional ADITC amortization under the regulatory mechanism described in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this report. For information relating to IDACORP's and Idaho Power's computation of income tax expense and estimated annual effective tax rate, see Note 2 - "Income Taxes" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview
 
Idaho Power has been pursuing significant enhancements to its utility infrastructure in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of electricity, to provide service to new customers, and to maintain system reliability. Idaho Power's existing hydroelectric and thermal generation facilities also require continuing upgrades and component replacement. Idaho Power expects these substantial capital expenditures to continue, with expected total capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 billion over the five-year period from 2017 (including expenditures incurred to-date in 2017) through 2021.

Idaho Power funds its liquidity needs for capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, debt offerings, commercial paper markets, credit facilities, and capital contributions from IDACORP. Idaho Power periodically files for rate adjustments for recovery of operating costs and capital investments to provide the opportunity to align Idaho Power's earned returns with those allowed by regulators. Idaho Power uses operating and capital budgets to control operating costs and capital expenditures. During the first three months of 2017, Idaho Power continued its efforts to optimize operations, control costs, and generate operating cash inflows to meet operating expenditures, contribute to capital expenditure requirements, and pay dividends to shareholders.

As of April 28, 2017, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's access to debt, equity, and credit arrangements included:

their respective $100 million and $300 million revolving credit facilities;
IDACORP's shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 20, 2016, which may be used for the issuance of debt securities and common stock;
Idaho Power's shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on May 20, 2016, which may be used for the issuance of first mortgage bonds and debt securities; $500 million is available for issuance pursuant to state regulatory authority; and
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's issuance of commercial paper, which may be issued up to an amount equal to the available credit capacity under their respective credit facilities.

IDACORP and Idaho Power monitor capital markets with a view toward opportunistic debt and equity transactions, taking into account current and potential future long-term needs. As a result, IDACORP may issue debt securities or common stock, and Idaho Power may issue debt securities or first mortgage bonds, if the companies believe terms available in the capital markets are favorable and that issuances would be financially prudent.

Based on planned capital expenditures and operating and maintenance expenses, the companies believe they will be able to meet capital and debt service requirements and fund corporate expenses during at least the next twelve months with a combination of existing cash, operating cash flows generated by Idaho Power's utility business, availability under existing credit facilities, and access to commercial paper and debt markets.

IDACORP and Idaho Power seek to maintain capital structures of approximately 50 percent debt and 50 percent equity, and maintaining this ratio influences IDACORP's and Idaho Power's debt and equity issuance decisions. As of March 31, 2017, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's capital structures, as calculated for purposes of applicable debt covenants, were as follows:

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IDACORP
 
Idaho Power
Debt
 
45%
 
47%
Equity
 
55%
 
53%

IDACORP and Idaho Power generally maintain their cash and cash equivalents in highly liquid investments, such as U.S. Treasury Bills, money market funds, and bank deposits.

Operating Cash Flows
 
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s operating cash inflows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $114 million and $125 million, respectively, increases of $48 million and $57 million, respectively, compared with the same period in 2016. Significant items that affected the comparability of the companies' operating cash flows in the first three months of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 were as follows:

a $7 million increase in net income;
changes in regulatory assets and liabilities, mostly related to the relative amounts of power supply and fixed costs deferred and collected under the Idaho power cost adjustment and FCA mechanisms, increased operating cash flows by $28 million;
Idaho Power received an $11 million distribution from IERCo's investment in BCC for the first three months of 2017, as compared to a $3 million distribution for the first three months of 2016. Changes in distributions from period to period are primarily driven by changes in the timing of cash needs associated with BCC;
a $2 million decrease from changes in deferred taxes and investment tax credits for both companies was more than offset by a $3 million increase from changes in taxes receivable for IDACORP and a $21 million increase from changes in taxes accrued for Idaho Power, combining to increase operating cash flows by $1 million and $19 million for IDACORP and Idaho Power, respectively; and
comparative changes in working capital balances and other assets and liabilities increased cash flows by $2 million for IDACORP and decreased cash flows by $5 million for Idaho Power, primarily related to changes in accounts receivable due to timing of payments.

Investing Cash Flows
 
Investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures related to new construction and improvements to Idaho Power’s generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s net investing cash outflows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were $74 million. Investing cash outflows for 2017 and 2016 were primarily for construction of utility infrastructure needed to address Idaho Power’s aging plant and equipment, customer growth, and environmental and regulatory compliance requirements. Idaho Power has a Rabbi trust designated to provide funding for obligations of its nonqualified defined benefit plans. In the first three months of 2017, related to activity in the Rabbi trust, Idaho Power purchased $3 million of available-for-sale securities and received $1 million of proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities.

Financing Cash Flows
 
Financing activities provide supplemental cash for both day-to-day operations and capital requirements as needed. Idaho Power funds liquidity needs for capital investment, working capital, managing commodity price risk, and other financial commitments through cash flows from operations, debt offerings, commercial paper markets, credit facilities, and capital contributions from IDACORP. IDACORP funds its cash requirements, such as payment of taxes, capital contributions to Idaho Power, and non-utility expenses allocated to IDACORP, through cash flows from operations, commercial paper markets, sales of common stock, and credit facilities.

IDACORP's and Idaho Power's financing cash outflows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were $54 million and $51 million, respectively. In the first three months of 2017, IDACORP and Idaho Power paid cash dividends of $28 million and had a net reduction in commercial paper of $22 million.


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Financing Programs and Available Liquidity

IDACORP Equity Programs: In recent years, IDACORP has entered into sales agency agreements under which IDACORP could offer and sell shares of its common stock from time to time through a third-party agent. The most recent sales agency agreement terminated in May 2016. In May 2016, IDACORP filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, which became effective upon filing, for the potential offer and sale of an unspecified amount of shares of common stock. IDACORP has no current plans to issue equity securities other than under its equity compensation plans during 2017, and as of the date of this report, the company has not pursued the execution of a new sales agency agreement.  

Idaho Power First Mortgage Bonds: Idaho Power's issuance of long-term indebtedness is subject to the approval of the IPUC, OPUC, and Wyoming Public Service Commission (WPSC). In April and May 2016, Idaho Power received orders from the IPUC, OPUC, and WPSC authorizing the company to issue and sell from time to time up to $500 million in aggregate principal amount of debt securities and first mortgage bonds, subject to conditions specified in the orders. Authority from the IPUC is effective through May 31, 2019, subject to extension upon request to the IPUC. The OPUC’s and WPSC’s orders do not impose a time limitation for issuances, but the OPUC order does impose a number of other conditions, including a requirement that the interest rates for the debt securities or first mortgage bonds fall within either (a) designated spreads over comparable U.S. Treasury rates or (b) a maximum interest rate limit of seven percent.

In September 2016, Idaho Power entered into a selling agency agreement with seven banks named in the agreement in connection with the potential issuance and sale from time to time of up to $500 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds, secured medium term notes, Series K (Series K Notes), under Idaho Power’s Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1937, as amended and supplemented (Indenture). At the same time, Idaho Power entered into the Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 2016, to the Indenture (Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture). The Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture provides for, among other items, (a) the issuance of up to $500 million in aggregate principal amount of Series K Notes pursuant to the Indenture and (b) the increase of the maximum amount of obligations to be secured by the Indenture to $2.5 billion (which maximum amount may be further increased or decreased by Idaho Power without the consent of the holders of first mortgage bonds). As of the date of this report, Idaho Power had not sold any first mortgage bonds, including Series K Notes, or debt securities under the selling agency agreement.

The Indenture limits the amount of first mortgage bonds at any one time outstanding to $2.5 billion, and as a result the maximum amount of additional first mortgage bonds Idaho Power could issue as of March 31, 2017 was limited to approximately $759 million. Separately, the Indenture also limits the amount of additional first mortgage bonds that Idaho Power may issue to the sum of (a) the principal amount of retired first mortgage bonds and (b) 60 percent of total unfunded property additions, as defined in the Indenture. As of March 31, 2017, Idaho Power could issue approximately $1.7 billion of additional first mortgage bonds based on retired first mortgage bonds and total unfunded property additions.

IDACORP and Idaho Power Credit Facilities: In November 2015, IDACORP and Idaho Power entered into Credit Agreements for $100 million and $300 million credit facilities, respectively, replacing prior credit agreements. Each of the credit facilities may be used for general corporate purposes and commercial paper back-up. IDACORP's facility permits borrowings under a revolving line of credit of up to $100 million at any one time outstanding, including swingline loans not to exceed $10 million at any time and letters of credit not to exceed $50 million at any time. IDACORP's facility may be increased, subject to specified conditions, to $150 million. Idaho Power's facility permits borrowings through the issuance of loans and standby letters of credit of up to $300 million at any one time outstanding, including swingline loans not to exceed $30 million at any one time and letters of credit not to exceed $100 million at any one time outstanding. Idaho Power's facility may be increased, subject to specified conditions, to $450 million. While the credit facilities currently provide for a maturity date of November 5, 2021, the credit agreements grant IDACORP and Idaho Power the right to request an additional one-year extension, subject to certain conditions. Other terms and conditions of the credit facilities are described in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, in Part II, Item 7 - "MD&A - Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Each facility contains a covenant requiring each company to maintain a leverage ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization equal to or less than 65 percent as of the end of each fiscal quarter. In determining the leverage ratio, "consolidated indebtedness" broadly includes all indebtedness of the respective borrower and its subsidiaries, including, in some instances, indebtedness evidenced by certain hybrid securities (as defined in the credit agreement). "Consolidated total capitalization" is calculated as the sum of all consolidated indebtedness, consolidated stockholders' equity of the borrower and its subsidiaries, and the aggregate value of outstanding hybrid securities. At March 31, 2017, the leverage ratios for IDACORP and Idaho Power were 45 percent and 47 percent, respectively. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's ability to utilize the credit facilities is conditioned upon their continued compliance with the leverage ratio covenants included in the credit facilities. There are additional covenants, subject to exceptions, that prohibit certain mergers, acquisitions, and investments, restrict the

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creation of certain liens, and prohibit entering into any agreements restricting dividend payments from any material subsidiary. At March 31, 2017, IDACORP and Idaho Power believe they were in compliance with all facility covenants. Further, IDACORP and Idaho Power do not believe they will be in violation or breach of their respective debt covenants during 2017.

Without additional approval from the IPUC, the OPUC, and the WPSC, the aggregate amount of short-term borrowings by Idaho Power at any one time outstanding may not exceed $450 million. Idaho Power has obtained approval of the state public utility commissions of Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming for the issuance of short-term borrowings through November 2022.

IDACORP and Idaho Power Commercial Paper: IDACORP and Idaho Power have commercial paper programs under which they issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the available capacity under their respective credit facilities, described above. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's credit facilities are available to the companies to support borrowings under their commercial paper programs. The commercial paper issuances are used to provide an additional financing source for the companies' short-term liquidity needs. The maturities of the commercial paper issuances will vary, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Individual instruments carry a fixed rate during their respective terms, although the interest rates are reflective of current market conditions, subjecting the companies to fluctuations in interest rates.

Available Short-Term Borrowing Liquidity

The table below outlines available short-term borrowing liquidity as of the dates specified (in thousands).
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
IDACORP(2)
 
Idaho Power
 
IDACORP(2)
 
Idaho Power
Revolving credit facility
 
$
100,000

 
$
300,000

 
$
100,000

 
$
300,000

Commercial paper outstanding
 

 

 

 
(21,800
)
Identified for other use(1)
 

 
(24,245
)
 

 
(24,245
)
Net balance available
 
$
100,000

 
$
275,755

 
$
100,000

 
$
253,955

(1) Port of Morrow and American Falls bonds that Idaho Power could be required to purchase prior to maturity under the optional or mandatory purchase provisions of the bonds, if the remarketing agent for the bonds is unable to sell the bonds to third parties.
(2) Holding company only.
 
At April 28, 2017, IDACORP and Idaho Power had no loans outstanding under their credit facilities and no commercial paper outstanding. The table below presents additional information about short-term commercial paper borrowing during the three months ended March 31, 2017 (in thousands).
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
IDACORP(1)
 
Idaho Power
Commercial paper:
 
 
 
 
Period end:
 
 
 
 
Amount outstanding
 
$

 
$

Weighted average interest rate
 
%
 
%
Daily average amount outstanding during the period
 
$

 
$
3,402

Weighted average interest rate during the period
 
%
 
1.12
%
Maximum month-end balance
 
$

 
$

(1) Holding company only.
 
Impact of Credit Ratings on Liquidity and Collateral Obligations
 
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s access to capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs in those markets, depend in part on their respective credit ratings. There have been no changes to IDACORP's or Idaho Power's ratings or ratings outlook by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service from those included in the companies' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. However, any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides that the circumstances warrant the change.  
 

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Idaho Power maintains margin agreements relating to its wholesale commodity contracts that allow performance assurance collateral to be requested of and/or posted with certain counterparties. As of March 31, 2017, Idaho Power had posted $0.1 million performance assurance collateral related to these contracts. Should Idaho Power experience a reduction in its credit rating on its unsecured debt to below investment grade, Idaho Power could be subject to requests by its wholesale counterparties to post additional performance assurance collateral, and counterparties to derivative instruments and other forward contracts could request immediate payment or demand immediate ongoing full daily collateralization on derivative instruments and contracts in net liability positions. Based upon Idaho Power’s current energy and fuel portfolio and market conditions as of March 31, 2017, the amount of additional collateral that could be requested upon a downgrade to below investment grade is approximately $2.3 million. To minimize capital requirements, Idaho Power actively monitors its portfolio exposure and the potential exposure to additional requests for performance assurance collateral through sensitivity analysis.

Capital Requirements
 
Idaho Power's construction expenditures, excluding allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), were $72 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The table below presents Idaho Power's expected cash requirements for construction, excluding AFUDC, for 2017 (including amounts incurred to-date) through 2021 (in millions).
 
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019-2021
Expected capital expenditures (excluding AFUDC)
 
$290-300
 
$285-295
 
$900-950

Major Infrastructure Projects: Idaho Power is engaged in the development of a number of significant projects and has entered into arrangements with third parties concerning joint infrastructure development. The discussion below provides a summary of developments in certain of those projects since the discussion of these matters included in Part II, Item 7 - "MD&A - Capital Requirements" in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The discussion below should be read in conjunction with that report.

Boardman-to-Hemingway Transmission Line: The Boardman-to-Hemingway line, a proposed 300-mile, 500-kV transmission project between a station near Boardman, Oregon and the Hemingway station near Boise, Idaho, would provide transmission service to meet future resource needs. In January 2012, Idaho Power entered into a joint funding agreement with PacifiCorp and the Bonneville Power Administration to pursue permitting of the project. The joint funding agreement provides that Idaho Power's interest in the permitting phase of the project would be approximately 21 percent, and that during future negotiations relating to construction of the transmission line Idaho Power would seek to retain that percentage interest in the completed project. Assuming both other participants fund their full share of the total cost of the permitting phase of the project, Idaho Power's estimated share of the cost of the permitting phase of the project is approximately $45 million, including Idaho Power's AFUDC. Total cost estimates for the project are between $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion, including Idaho Power's AFUDC. This cost estimate excludes the impacts of inflation and price changes of materials and labor resources that may occur following the date of the estimate. Idaho Power's share of the permitting phase of the project (excluding AFUDC) is included in the capital requirements table above in addition to approximately $45 million of Idaho Power's share of costs related to early construction efforts primarily included in the periods 2019-2021. These preliminary estimates of Idaho Power’s share of early construction costs could significantly change as the construction timeline nears and as the project participants further align on future activities and estimates.

Approximately $89 million, including AFUDC, has been expended on the Boardman-to-Hemingway project through March 31, 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the joint funding arrangements, Idaho Power has received approximately $43 million of that amount as reimbursement from the project participants as of March 31, 2017. Idaho Power has accrued in receivables approximately $17 million more that will be billed by Idaho Power in the future to the project participants for expenses Idaho Power has incurred, for a total amount reimbursable by joint permitting participants of $60 million. In addition to the $60 million amount, $6 million is subject to reimbursement at a later date from the joint permitting participants, assuming their continued participation in the project, for expenses Idaho Power incurred prior to execution of the joint funding arrangements. Joint permitting participants are obligated to reimburse Idaho Power for their share of any future project permitting expenditures incurred by Idaho Power.

The permitting phase of the Boardman-to-Hemingway project is subject to federal review and approval by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Navy, the Army Corps of Engineers, and certain other federal agencies. The BLM, as the lead federal agency on the National Environmental Policy Act review, issued a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project in November 2016. As of the date of this report, the BLM's schedule provides for the issuance of a record of decision in 2017.


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In the separate Oregon state permitting process, Idaho Power expects its amended preliminary application for site certificate to be deemed complete by the Oregon Department of Energy in 2017. Idaho Power is unable to determine an in-service date for the line but, given the status of ongoing permitting activities, expects the in-service date would be in 2024 or beyond.

Gateway West Transmission Line: Idaho Power and PacifiCorp are pursuing the joint development of the Gateway West project, a 500-kV transmission project between a station located near Douglas, Wyoming and the Hemingway station located near Boise, Idaho. In January 2012, Idaho Power and PacifiCorp entered a joint funding agreement for permitting of the project. Idaho Power's estimated cost for the permitting phase of the Gateway West project is approximately $60 million, including AFUDC. Idaho Power has expended approximately $33 million, including AFUDC, on the permitting phase of the project through March 31, 2017. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power estimates the total cost for its share of the project (including both permitting and construction) to be between $200 million and $400 million, including AFUDC. Idaho Power's share of the permitting phase of the project (excluding AFUDC) is included in the capital requirements table above in addition to approximately $35 million of Idaho Power's share of costs related to early construction efforts primarily in the periods 2019-2021. These preliminary estimates of Idaho Power’s share of early construction costs could significantly change as the construction timeline nears and as the project participants further align on future activities and estimates.

The permitting phase of the Gateway West project is subject to review and approval of the BLM. The BLM released its record of decision in November 2013 for eight of the ten transmission line segments. In September 2016, the U.S. Department of Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) affirmed the BLM's November 2013 record of decision, which was challenged by certain third-parties. In January 2017, the BLM released its record of decision for the remaining two transmission line segments, which was appealed to the IBLA in February 2017 by the state of Idaho and other third parties. In April 2017, the IBLA issued an order setting aside the BLM's January 2017 record of decision and remanding the matter related to the remaining two transmission line segments to the BLM for further consideration.

Furthermore, in March 2017, a legislative bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 1728), to modify the boundaries of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and issue the project a right-of-way across BLM land. The routes set forth in HR 1728 align with the routes supported by the state of Idaho and the project proponents.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Contributions

Idaho Power estimates that it has no minimum contribution requirement for 2017, though it plans to contribute between $20 million and $40 million during 2017 to its defined benefit pension plan in a continued effort to balance the regulatory collection of these expenditures with the amount and timing of contributions and to mitigate the cost of being in an underfunded position. The primary impact of pension contributions is on the timing of cash flows, as the timing of cost recovery lags behind contributions.

Contractual Obligations
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's contractual obligations, outside the ordinary course of business, did not change materially from the amounts disclosed in their Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, except that Idaho Power entered into an agreement with a biomass PURPA-qualifying facility which increased Idaho Power's contractual payment obligations by approximately $25 million over the 20-year life of the contract.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

IDACORP's and Idaho Power's off-balance sheet arrangements have not changed materially from those reported in MD&A in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


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REGULATORY MATTERS
 
Introduction

Idaho Power's development of regulatory filings takes into consideration short-term and long-term needs for rate relief and involves several factors that can affect the timing of rate filings. These factors include, among others, in-service dates of major capital investments, the timing of changes in major revenue and expense items, and customer growth rates. Idaho Power's most recent general rate cases in Idaho and Oregon were filed during 2011, and Idaho Power filed a large single-issue rate case for the Langley Gulch power plant in Idaho and Oregon in 2012. These significant rate cases resulted in the resetting of base rates in both Idaho and Oregon during 2012. Idaho Power also reset its base-rate power supply expenses in the Idaho jurisdiction for purposes of updating the collection of costs through retail rates in 2014, but without a resulting net increase in rates. Between general rate cases, Idaho Power relies upon customer growth, power cost adjustment mechanisms, tariff riders, and other mechanisms to reduce the impact of regulatory lag, which refers to the period of time between making an investment or incurring an expense and recovering that investment or expense and earning a return. Management's regulatory focus in recent years has been largely on regulatory settlement stipulations and the design of rate mechanisms. Idaho Power continues to assess the need and timing of filing a general rate case in its two retail jurisdictions, based on its consideration of factors such as those described above.

The outcomes of significant proceedings are described in part in this report and further in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. In addition to the discussion below, which includes notable regulatory developments since the discussion of these matters in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, refer to Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information relating to Idaho Power's regulatory matters and recent regulatory filings and orders.

Notable Retail Rate Changes During 2017

During 2017 to-date, Idaho Power has filed rate change applications in notable pending regulatory matters summarized in the table below.
Description
 
Status
 
Estimated Rate Impact(1)
 
Notes
Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism - Idaho
 
Filed April 14, 2017; Pending
 
$10.6 million PCA increase for the period from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018
 
The potential revenue impact of rate increases and decreases associated with the Idaho PCA mechanism is largely offset by associated increases and decreases in actual power supply costs and amortization of deferred power supply costs.
Fixed Cost Adjustment Mechanism - Idaho
 
Filed March 15, 2017; Pending
 
$6.9 million FCA increase for the period from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018
 
The FCA is designed to remove Idaho Power’s financial disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by partially separating (or decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the volumetric kilowatt-hour charge and instead linking it to a set amount per customer.
(1) The annual amount collected in rates is typically not recovered on a straight-line basis (i.e., 1/12th per month), and is instead recovered in proportion to general business sales volumes.

Idaho Earnings Support from Idaho Settlement Stipulation

In October 2014, the IPUC issued an order approving an extension, with modifications, of the terms of a December 2011 Idaho settlement stipulation for the period from 2015 through 2019, or until the terms are otherwise modified or terminated by order of the IPUC or the full $45 million of additional ADITC contemplated by the settlement stipulation has been amortized. The more specific terms and conditions of the October 2014 Idaho settlement stipulation are described in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. IDACORP and Idaho Power believe that the terms allowing amortization of additional ADITC in the October 2014 settlement stipulation provide the companies with a greater degree of earnings stability than would be possible without the terms of the stipulation in effect.

Idaho Power recorded $1.9 million of additional ADITC amortization during the first three months of 2017 based on its estimate of Idaho ROE for the full-year 2017. Idaho Power currently estimates that it will record less than $10 million of additional ADITC amortization for the full year 2017.


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Change in Deferred Net Power Supply Costs and the Power Cost Adjustment Mechanisms

Deferred power supply costs represent certain differences between Idaho Power's actual net power supply costs and the costs included in its retail rates, the latter being based on annual forecasts of power supply costs. Deferred power supply costs are recorded on the balance sheets for future recovery or refund through customer rates.

The table that follows summarizes the change in deferred net power supply costs during the three months ended March 31, 2017 (in thousands).
 
 
Idaho
 
Oregon(1)
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
53,442

 
$
428

 
$
53,870

Current period net power supply costs accrued
 
(13,863
)
 

 
(13,863
)
Prior amounts recovered through rates
 
(7,295
)
 
(664
)
 
(7,959
)
SO2 allowance and renewable energy certificate sales
 
(798
)
 
(2
)
 
(800
)
Interest and other
 
141

 
39

 
180

Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
31,627

 
$
(199
)
 
$
31,428

(1) Oregon power supply cost deferrals are subject to a statute that specifically limits rate amortizations of deferred costs to six percent of gross Oregon revenue per year (approximately $3 million). Deferrals are amortized sequentially.

Idaho Power's power cost adjustment mechanisms in its Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions address the volatility of power supply costs and provide for annual adjustments to the rates charged to retail customers. The power cost adjustment mechanisms and associated financial impacts are described in "Results of Operations" in this MD&A and in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. With the exception of power supply expenses incurred under PURPA and certain demand response program costs that are passed through to customers substantially in full, the Idaho PCA mechanism allows Idaho Power to pass through to customers 95 percent of the differences in actual net power supply expenses as compared with forecasted base net power supply expenses, whether positive or negative. Thus, the primary financial statement impact of power supply cost deferrals is that cash is paid out but recovery of those costs from customers does not occur until a future period, impacting operating cash flows from year to year.

Depreciation Rate Requests

In October and November 2016, Idaho Power filed applications with the IPUC and OPUC, respectively, requesting authorization to (a) accelerate depreciation for the North Valmy coal-fired power plant (Valmy Plant), to allow the plant to be fully depreciated by December 31, 2025, (b) establish a balancing account to track the incremental costs and benefits associated with the accelerated depreciation date, and (c) adjust customer rates to recover the associated incremental annual levelized revenue requirement. On May 3, 2017, Idaho Power filed a settlement stipulation with the IPUC to resolve the issues among the parties to the Valmy Plant matter. The settlement stipulation, if approved, would provide for an increase in the Idaho jurisdictional revenue requirement of $13.3 million, effective June 1, 2017, to recover costs associated with the accelerated depreciation of existing investments for unit 1 and unit 2 at the Valmy Plant to be amortized through 2028 with an assumed Idaho Power cessation of coal-fired operations at unit 1 at the end of 2019 and unit 2 at the end of 2025. The more specific terms and conditions of the settlement stipulation are described in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters - Depreciation Rate Requests" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

In October and November 2016, Idaho Power also filed applications with the IPUC and OPUC requesting approval to institute revised depreciation rates for Idaho Power's other electric plant-in-service and adjust base rates to reflect the revised depreciation rates applied to electric plant-in-service balances subject to the most recent general rate case. On May 3, 2017, Idaho Power filed a settlement stipulation with the IPUC that, if approved, would provide for new depreciation rates to go into effect on June 1, 2017, that would result in no required increase in Idaho jurisdictional revenue. Idaho Power expects the IPUC and the OPUC to enter final orders in both matters in 2017.


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Renewable and Other Energy Contracts

Idaho Power has contracts for the purchase of electricity produced by third-party owned generation facilities, most of which produce energy with the use of renewable generation sources such as wind, solar, biomass, small hydroelectric and geothermal. The majority of these contracts are entered into as mandatory purchases under PURPA. As of March 31, 2017, Idaho Power had contracts to purchase energy from 128 on-line PURPA projects and one additional project expected to come on-line by June 1, 2017. An additional three contracts are with non-PURPA projects, including the Elkhorn Valley wind project with a 101 MW nameplate capacity. The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2017, the resource type and nameplate capacity of Idaho Power's signed agreements for power purchases from PURPA and non-PURPA generating facilities. These agreements have original contract terms ranging from one to 35 years.
Resource Type
 
Total On-line (MW)
 
Under Contract but not yet On-line (MW)
 
Total Projects under Contract (MW)
 
Began Operating During 2017 (MW)
PURPA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wind
 
627
 
 
627
 
50
Solar
 
290
 
9
 
299
 
120
Hydroelectric
 
148
 
8
 
156
 
Other
 
50
 
5
 
55
 
Total
 
1,115
 
22
 
1,137
 
170
Non-PURPA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wind
 
101
 
 
101
 
Geothermal
 
35
 
 
35
 
Total
 
136
 
 
136
 

Relicensing of Hydroelectric Projects

In connection with Idaho Power's efforts to relicense the HCC, as described in more detail in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, in Part II, Item 7 - "Regulatory Matters," Idaho Power has filed water quality certification applications, required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), with the states of Idaho and Oregon requesting that each state certify that any discharges from the project comply with applicable state water quality standards. Section 401 of the CWA requires that a state either approve or deny a Section 401 water quality certification application within one year of the filing of the application or the state may be considered to have waived its certification authority under the CWA. As a consequence, Idaho Power has been filing and withdrawing its Section 401 certification applications with Oregon and Idaho on an annual basis while it has been working with the states to identify measures that will provide reasonable assurance that discharges from the HCC will adequately address applicable water quality standards. In the 2016 Section 401 certification application process, Oregon required Idaho Power to comply with fish passage and reintroduction conditions. Idaho's water quality certification, however, specifically forbids Idaho Power from reintroducing certain fish protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into Idaho's waters. In April 2017, the governors of Oregon and Idaho jointly requested that Idaho Power withdraw and resubmit its Section 401 certification applications in both states, to allow the states additional time to negotiate a potential resolution of the disputed issues. Idaho Power subsequently withdrew its Section 401 certification applications in both states. In the joint request, the governors of Oregon and Idaho stated that they expect the states to conclude discussions by September 2017. 

Costs for the relicensing of Idaho Power's hydroelectric projects are recorded in construction work in progress until new multi-year licenses are issued by the FERC, at which time the charges are transferred to electric plant in service. Idaho Power expects to seek recovery of relicensing costs through the ratemaking process. Relicensing costs of $256 million for the HCC, Idaho Power's largest hydroelectric complex and a major relicensing effort, were included in construction work in progress at March 31, 2017. As of the date of this report, the IPUC authorizes Idaho Power to include in its Idaho jurisdiction rates approximately $10.7 million of AFUDC annually relating to the HCC relicensing project. Collecting these amounts currently will reduce future collections when HCC relicensing costs are approved for recovery in base rates. As of March 31, 2017, Idaho Power's regulatory liability for collection of AFUDC relating to the HCC was $107 million. Idaho Power is unable to predict the timing of issuance of a new license for the HCC, or the financial or operational requirements of a new license. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power estimates that the annual costs it will incur to obtain a new long-term license for the HCC, including AFUDC but excluding costs expected to be incurred for complying with the license after issuance, are likely to range from $25 million to $35 million until issuance of the license. In December 2016, Idaho Power filed an application with the

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IPUC requesting a determination that Idaho Power's expenditures of $220.8 million through year-end 2015 on relicensing of the HCC were prudently incurred, and thus eligible for future inclusion in retail rates. As of the date of this report, the IPUC has not yet issued an order on the application.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
Overview

Idaho Power is subject to a broad range of federal, state, regional, and local laws and regulations designed to protect, restore, and enhance the environment, including the Clean Air Act, the CWA, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and the ESA, among other laws. Current and pending environmental legislation relates to, among other issues, climate change, greenhouse gas, mercury and other emissions, air quality, hazardous wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, and threatened and endangered species. These laws are administered by a number of federal, state, and local agencies. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and associated costs, these laws and regulations provide authority to regulators to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, injunctive relief, and other sanctions. Idaho Power's three coal-fired power plants and three natural gas-fired combustion turbine power plants are subject to many of these regulations. Idaho Power's 17 hydroelectric projects are also subject to a number of water discharge standards and other environmental requirements.

Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may:

increase the operating costs of generating plants;
increase the construction costs and lead time for new facilities;
require the modification of existing generation plants, which could result in additional costs;
require the curtailment or shut-down of existing generating plants; or
reduce the output from current generating facilities.

Current and future environmental laws and regulations will increase the cost of operating fossil fuel-fired generation plants and constructing new generation and transmission facilities, in large part through the substantial cost of permitting activities and the required installation of additional pollution control devices. In many parts of the United States, some higher-cost, high-emission coal-fired plants have ceased operation or the plant owners have announced a near-term cessation of operation, as the cost of compliance makes the plants uneconomical to operate. The decision to agree to cease operation of the Boardman coal-fired plant, in which Idaho Power owns a 10 percent interest, by the end of 2020, was based in part on the significant future cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, in light of the uncertainty resulting from pending environmental regulation and the substantial estimated cost of selective catalytic reduction equipment (SCR) installation, Idaho Power is assessing whether to move forward with the installation of SCR on units 1 and 2 at the Jim Bridger power plant. Beyond increasing costs generally, these environmental laws and regulations could affect IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition if the costs associated with these environmental requirements and early plant retirements cannot be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Part I - "Business - Environmental Regulation and Costs" in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes a summary of Idaho Power's expected capital and operating expenditures for environmental matters during the period from 2017 to 2019. Given the uncertainty of future environmental regulations, Idaho Power is unable to predict its environmental-related expenditures beyond that time, though they could be substantial.

A summary of notable environmental matters impacting, or expected to potentially impact, IDACORP and Idaho Power, is included in Part II, Item 7 - "MD&A - Environmental Issues" and "MD&A - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Requirements - Environmental Regulation Costs" in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Included below is a summary of notable developments in environmental and related issues impacting Idaho Power since the discussion in that report.

Executive Order on Environmental Matters

In March 2017, President Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the Clean Power Plan (CPP), the greenhouse gas new source performance standards (GHG NSPS), and the proposed Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for CPP and, if appropriate, to propose rules suspending, revising, or rescinding the CPP, GHG NSPS, and proposed FIP within 45 to 120 days after the date of the order. The order also directs the Secretary of the Interior to lift the moratorium on federal land for coal leasing activities and revoke certain Obama Administration directives regarding the nature and extent of mitigation required for projects on federal lands. The order also addresses other climate-related issues, including rescinding the technical support documents that estimate the social cost of carbon, rescinding the

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National Environmental Policy Act guidance on greenhouse gases, and rescinding climate-related actions undertaken by the previous presidential administration, among other issues. Shortly after the orders were issued, the EPA notified each state’s governor that if any deadlines under the CPP become relevant in the future, the EPA will toll its requirement for states to comply with the regulation.

As of the date of this report and in light of these executive actions, Idaho Power believes it is unlikely that it will be required to comply with the CPP in the near term. The outcome of EPA’s review, however, in other areas covered by the executive order is more difficult to predict. Changes to or elimination of regulations may lower Idaho Power's costs of operating and maintaining fossil fuel-fired generation plants and transmission lines, due to the potential environmental infrastructure upgrades or reduction or elimination of permitting requirements. The lifting of the moratorium on federal land for coal leasing activities may also improve access to federal coal leases for BCC. The executive order and resulting federal regulations could, on the other hand, be affected by Congressional action and challenged in court. Further, state and local governmental authorities could choose to replace the federal regulations or bolster environmental compliance and enforcement efforts at the local level, and therefore, Idaho Power is uncertain whether and to what extent the order could affect its operations and environmental-related expenditures. Idaho Power plans to continue to monitor actions associated with or resulting from the executive order.

OTHER MATTERS
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's discussion and analysis of their financial condition and results of operations are based upon their condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires IDACORP and Idaho Power to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, IDACORP and Idaho Power evaluate these estimates, including those estimates related to rate regulation, retirement benefits, contingencies, litigation, asset impairment, income taxes, unbilled revenue, and bad debt. These estimates are based on historical experience and on other assumptions and factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. IDACORP and Idaho Power, based on their ongoing reviews, make adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate.

IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s critical accounting policies are reviewed by the audit committees of the boards of directors. These policies have not changed materially from the discussion of those policies included under "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
For a listing of new and recently adopted accounting standards, see Note 1 - "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
IDACORP is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, changes in commodity prices, credit risk, and equity price risk. The following discussion summarizes material changes in these risks since December 31, 2016, and the financial instruments, derivative instruments, and derivative commodity instruments sensitive to changes in interest rates, commodity prices, and equity prices that were held at March 31, 2017. IDACORP has not entered into any of these market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
IDACORP manages interest expense and short- and long-term liquidity through a combination of fixed rate and variable rate debt. Generally, the amount of each type of debt is managed through market issuance, but interest rate swap and cap agreements with highly-rated financial institutions may be used to achieve the desired combination.
 
Variable Rate Debt: As of March 31, 2017, IDACORP had no net floating rate debt, as the carrying value of short-term investments exceeded the carrying value of outstanding variable-rate debt. The fair market value of this debt approximates the net carrying amount as the cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current market rates. Assuming no change in financial structure, if variable interest rates were to average one percentage point higher than the average rate on March 31, 2017, annual interest expense would increase and pre-tax earnings would decrease by an insignificant amount for IDACORP.

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Fixed Rate Debt: As of March 31, 2017, IDACORP had $1.7 billion in fixed rate debt, with a fair market value of approximately $1.8 billion. These instruments are fixed rate and, therefore, do not expose the companies to a loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $260.6 million if market interest rates were to decline by one percentage point from their March 31, 2017 levels.

Commodity Price Risk

IDACORP's exposure to changes in commodity prices is related to Idaho Power's ongoing utility operations that produce electricity to meet the demand of its retail electric customers. These changes in commodity prices are mitigated in large part by Idaho Power's Idaho and Oregon power cost adjustment mechanisms. To supplement its generation resources and balance its supply of power with the demand of its retail customers, Idaho Power participates in the wholesale marketplace. IDACORP's commodity price risk as of March 31, 2017, had not changed materially from that reported in Item 7A of IDACORP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Information regarding Idaho Power’s use of derivative instruments to manage commodity price risk can be found in Note 10 – "Derivative Financial Instruments" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
 
Credit Risk
 
IDACORP is subject to credit risk based on Idaho Power's activity with market counterparties. Idaho Power is exposed to this risk to the extent that a counterparty may fail to fulfill a contractual obligation to provide energy, purchase energy, or complete financial settlement for market activities. Idaho Power mitigates this exposure by actively establishing credit limits; measuring, monitoring, and reporting credit risk using appropriate contractual arrangements; and transferring of credit risk through the use of financial guarantees, cash, or letters of credit. Idaho Power maintains a current list of acceptable counterparties and credit limits.
 
The use of performance assurance collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit, or guarantees is common industry practice. Idaho Power maintains margin agreements relating to its wholesale commodity contracts that allow performance assurance collateral to be requested of and/or posted with certain counterparties. As of March 31, 2017, Idaho Power had posted $0.1 million performance assurance collateral related to these contracts. Should Idaho Power experience a reduction in its credit rating on Idaho Power's unsecured debt to below investment grade Idaho Power could be subject to requests by its wholesale counterparties to post additional performance assurance collateral. Counterparties to derivative instruments and other forward contracts could request immediate payment or demand immediate ongoing full daily collateralization on derivative instruments and contracts in net liability positions. Based upon Idaho Power's energy and fuel portfolio and market conditions as of March 31, 2017, the amount of collateral that could be requested upon a downgrade to below investment grade was approximately $2.3 million. To minimize capital requirements, Idaho Power actively monitors the portfolio exposure and the potential exposure to additional requests for performance assurance collateral calls through sensitivity analysis.
 
IDACORP's credit risk related to uncollectible accounts, net of amounts reserved, as of March 31, 2017, had not changed materially from that reported in Item 7A of IDACORP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Additional information regarding Idaho Power’s management of credit risk and credit contingent features can be found in Note 10 – "Derivative Financial Instruments" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Equity Price Risk

IDACORP is exposed to price fluctuations in equity markets, primarily through Idaho Power's defined benefit pension plan assets, a mine reclamation trust fund owned by an equity-method investment of Idaho Power, and other equity security investments at Idaho Power. The equity securities held by the pension plan and in such accounts are diversified to achieve broad market participation and reduce the impact of any single investment, sector, or geographic region. Idaho Power has established asset allocation targets for the pension plan holdings, which are described in Note 11 - "Benefit Plans" to the consolidated financial statements included in IDACORP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
IDACORP: The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of IDACORP, based on their evaluation of IDACORP’s disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of March 31, 2017, have concluded that IDACORP’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective as of that date.
 
Idaho Power: The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Idaho Power, based on their evaluation of Idaho Power’s disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2017, have concluded that Idaho Power’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective as of that date.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in IDACORP's or Idaho Power's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, IDACORP's or Idaho Power's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
None

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
The factors discussed in Part I - Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 could materially affect IDACORP’s and Idaho Power's business, financial condition, or future results. In addition to those risk factors and other risks discussed in this report, see "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this report for additional factors that could have a significant impact on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's operations, results of operations, or financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Restrictions on Dividends

See Note 5 - "Common Stock" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for a description of restrictions on IDACORP's and Idaho Power's payment of dividends.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, IDACORP effected the following repurchases of its common stock:
Period
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
(b)
Average Price Paid per Share
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1, 2017 - January 31, 2017
7,174

$
80.55



February 1, 2017 - February 28, 2017
31,137

82.77



March 1, 2017 - March 31, 2017
90

82.96



Total
38,401

$
82.36



(1) These shares were withheld for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock.


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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits for IDACORP and Idaho Power are listed in the Exhibit Index at the end of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  
 
 
IDACORP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 4, 2017
By:
 /s/ Darrel T. Anderson
 
 
 
Darrel T. Anderson
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 4, 2017
By:
 /s/ Steven R. Keen
 
 
 
Steven R. Keen
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
 
 
 
Officer, and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 4, 2017
By:
 /s/ Darrel T. Anderson
 
 
 
Darrel T. Anderson
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 4, 2017
By:
 /s/ Steven R. Keen
 
 
 
Steven R. Keen
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
 
 
 
Officer, and Treasurer
 
 
 
 


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EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed or furnished, as applicable, with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit No.
Date
Included Herewith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.11
Idaho Power Company Security Plan for Senior Management Employees II, as amended and restated February 9, 2017
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.31
2/23/2017
 
10.21
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan, as amended and restated February 9, 2017
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.41
2/23/2017
 
10.31
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement (Time Vesting)
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.42
2/23/2017
 
10.41
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement (Performance with Total Shareholder Return Goal)
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.43
2/23/2017
 
10.51
IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan - Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement (Performance with Cumulative Earnings Per Share Goal)
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.44
2/23/2017
 
10.61
IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company Compensation for Non-Employee Directors of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2017
10-K
1-14465; 1-3198
10.51
2/23/2017
 
12.1
IDACORP, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
 
 
X
12.2
Idaho Power Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
 
 
X
15.1
Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information
 
 
 
 
X
15.2
Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information
 
 
 
 
X
31.1
Certification of IDACORP, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
31.2
Certification of IDACORP, Inc. Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
31.3
Certification of Idaho Power Company Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
31.4
Certification of Idaho Power Company Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.1
Certification of IDACORP, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.2
Certification of IDACORP, Inc. Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.3
Certification of Idaho Power Company Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.4
Certification of Idaho Power Company Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
95.1
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
 
X
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X

1 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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