Idaho
Hydropower is key in making Idaho electricity rates low – Local News 8
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – While natural gas heating costs are up for Idaho, the state’s electricity prices are still among the nation’s lowest, largely due to inexpensive hydropower.
A recent study says Idaho has the highest increases in winter heating prices, at almost 72% over a four-year period. A recent study from thisoldhouse.com says Idaho has the highest increases in winter heating prices, at almost 72% over four years.
The study says winter heating costs from each state were determined by examining natural gas consumption and gas prices in each state. According to the study, Western states have the highest widespread use of natural gas for heating.
The study does not mention Idaho’s low electricity rates, with the third lowest average electricity prices in the country. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says part of this is due to “relatively inexpensive hydropower,” making up 51% of Idaho’s power generation in 2022.
“Hydro is inexpensive in the most basic of terms because you’re using falling water to generate electricity through hydroelectric dams, so your fuel source is free,” said Douglas Johnson, media relations for Bonneville Power Administration.
Johnson said there are about 140 utilities that Bonneville Power Administration sells to throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“We can sell that through spot markets to other entities in the Northwest and other entities throughout the Western interconnection, which is another way that we keep rates low is by selling that to other entities. Again, we’re a Federal nonprofit, so every dollar we make goes back into keeping rates low rather than providing money to shareholders or other parties.”
Idaho Falls Power is one of the utilities Bonneville Power Administration sells electricity to.
While Idaho Falls Power purchases electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration through long-term contracts, the city says it can produce some inexpensive hydropower of its own. Idaho Falls Power owns and operates five hydroelectric projects along the Snake River.
Overall, hydroelectric production accounts for 85.96% of the City’s electric requirements, and the case for hydropower is reflected in electric costs. The City of Idaho Falls says they can keep prices around 6.9 cents a kilowatt-hour, while the national average electricity rate is 23 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Idaho
No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend
IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.
According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.
Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.
NoKings.org
On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.
Idaho
Idaho Senate introduces new bill to give local municipalities authority to control rat populations
BOISE, Idaho — A new bill in the Idaho Senate aims to let local municipalities take action to control rat populations. This, after a previous bill to combat rat infestations across Idaho, died in the House.
Rats have been spreading throughout the Treasure Valley in recent years, but previous attempts at legislation to deal with the problem have failed.
WATCH: Senior Reporter Roland Beres provides an update on the new rat bill
New bill would allow local governments to combat rats
Residents in Eagle and Boise have been tracking an alarming rise in rat populations recently.
Rep. John Gannon (D – District 17) introduced new legislation today that would essentially permit local governments to act in order to control rat populations if they want to, without creating a mandate.
Gannon said some cities complained that they did not have the authority to do the job themselves.
The bill was introduced with a dose of humor.
“I’m going to support this. It’s very late in the session, but I think this might just squeak through,” said Sen. Ben Adams (R – District 12). “Well. Unless it encounters a trap along the way.”
ALSO READ | ‘I’ve never seen something that big’: Boise neighbors finding rats in their backyards
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Idaho
Penny Lee Brown Obituary March 25, 2026 – Eckersell Funeral Home
Penny Lee Brown, age 72, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Ririe, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
Penny was born October 18, 1953, in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, a daughter to William and Luella Cooper Artemenko. She attended schools in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate from Eastern Idaho Technical College.
She married Donal A. Brown in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events, puzzles, collecting cat memorabilia, crafting, baking, and caring for others.
She is survived by her husband Donal A. Brown, children: Jared Brown (Krystal) of Boise, Marcus Brown (Misty) of Weippe, Idaho, Scott Brown of Idaho Falls, Douglas Brown of Idaho Falls, Jamie Brown of Williston, North Dakota, Steven Brown (Claire) of Idaho Falls. A brother Kenneth Artemenko (Nancy) of White Horse, YK, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her Father William Artemenko and her mother Luela Cooper and a brother Levern Artemenko.
Funeral services will be held Monday March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perry Ward Chapel 285 2nd West, Ririe, Idaho. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.
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