Idaho

rPlus Energies secures PPA with Idaho Power

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2024

rPlus Energies secures PPA with Idaho Power

Pleasant Valley Solar 2’s ground-breaking is set for early 2025. Credit: Piotr Swat via Shutterstock.

Renewable energy development company rPlus Energies has finalised a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with distribution company Idaho Power for its 125MW Pleasant Valley Solar 2 facility located in Ada County of Idaho, US.

This facility is a continuation of the 200MW Pleasant Valley Solar 1 project currently under construction. Idaho Power also holds a PPA for the 200MW Pleasant Valley Solar 1 with rPlus Energies, making Pleasant Valley Solar the largest contracted solar facility within the Idaho Power system.

Both projects will supply renewable energy to Idaho Power’s grid and support Meta, a technology company, to operate its data centre in Kuna, Idaho, using 100% renewable energy.

Meta clean and renewable energy global head Urvi Parekh said: “We’re excited to expand our work with Idaho Power and rPlus Energies to add new renewable energy to the Idaho grid with Pleasant Valley Solar 2. Efforts like these are important as we continue to support our operations with 100% clean and renewable energy.”

The Pleasant Valley Solar project is part of Idaho Power’s Clean Energy Your Way – Construction Program. This initiative offers businesses a pathway to achieve their sustainability and carbon emission reduction targets.

rPlus Energies president and CEO Luigi Resta said: “We’re excited to be partnering again with Idaho Power and Meta on Pleasant Valley Solar 2.

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“Strong partnerships make all stages of development and construction smoother, and we certainly have that with these two. We look forward to breaking ground in the coming months and contributing another significant project to Idaho’s renewable energy landscape.”

Pleasant Valley Solar 2 is expected to provide economic benefits to the local community. The project plans to work with numerous local vendors, enhancing revenue in the region, and is anticipated to create approximately 200 construction-related jobs.

Pleasant Valley Solar 1, which is now primarily owned by Matrix Renewables, is expected to commence commercial operations in early 2025.

The key investors and commercial partners of Pleasant Valley Solar 1 have raised $123,000 for the Local First and Energy First scholarships. These funds aid Ada County students attending Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho.

The initiative to support education and workforce development is expected to continue with the development of Pleasant Valley Solar 2.

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Idaho

Idaho silversmiths craft wearable works of art inspired by the West

Published

4 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Idaho silversmiths craft wearable works of art inspired by the West

From artisan jewelry to cowboy boot spurs, women silversmiths in Idaho turn raw metal into works of art. As part of a special Expressive Idaho series, we are revisiting a gathering of Idaho artisans called the “Cowgirl Congress.”

This story was made to be heard. Click or tap the ‘Listen’ button above for the full audio.

Transcript:

CERISE: I wanted every piece to be hand forged and individual and unique. It’s very rare that I make two pieces that are exactly the same. My name is Mary Cerise and I am the owner of Hanging Moon Silver, which is a silver company. I make fine and very wearable art out of sterling and fine silver. I am not originally from Salmon, but it’s been my home for 16 years and I really enjoy that little kind of nook of the world that is off the beaten path. And it is definitely a destination.

Arlie Sommer

Idaho Commission on the Arts

Mary Cerise of Hanging Moon Silver in Salmon leading the presentation on Building the Artist Road Map.

WANGSGARD: I’m Annie Wangsgard and I live in Milad, Idaho. And I’m a silversmith and I’ve been silversmithing for 12 years, I think, right around there. My favorite part about probably the whole process of anything that I make is the design, you know, the design process, and trying to come up with something that has never been done before, I guess I rate my success on whether I’m able to take the image in my brain and the idea and then bring it to life. And if I can do that, then it’s success.

CERISE: I use a lot of opals and turquoise. I’m very particular about my sourcing of stones, so I use very ethically sourced, I know all of my miners and my lapidary cutters, and that’s very important to me that I’m buying right from the guys who dig it out of the ground.

1 of 4
— 2026 Expressive Idaho – Silverwork

Erica Brewer jewelry of Rowdy Jeans Designs in Tendoy.

Arlie Sommer / Idaho Commission on the Arts

2 of 4
— 2026 Expressive Idaho – Silverwork

Erica Brewer jewelry of Rowdy Jeans Designs in Tendoy.

Arlie Sommer / Idaho Commission on the Arts

3 of 4
— 2026 Expressive Idaho – Silverwork

Jewelry by Annie Wangsgard of Silver Dust Silver Co. based out of Malad.

Arlie Sommer / Idaho Commission on the Arts

4 of 4
— 2026 Expressive Idaho – Silverwork

Jewelry by Annie Wangsgard of Silver Dust Silver Co. based out of Malad.

Arlie Sommer / Idaho Commission on the Arts

WANGSGARD: When I first got started, I was really drawn to rings. I, a little bit got branded as a ring maker, you know, a western ring maker, which is great, I’ll make lots of different things. I’ve made spurs. And I’ve made a bit. And um, it’s definitely a lot different than just silversmithing. Working with steel is a lot dirtier than working with silver.

Annie Wangsgard of Silver Dust Silver Company in Malad.

CERISE: This Idaho Cowgirl Congress. And there’s something about being with other makers, even if they’re not silversmiths, maybe they’re not metal workers, they’re leather workers or fiber artists, fine artists. We travel along the same path a lot. I love the opportunity for collaboration, and I just want to continually learn. That’s my definition of success, is continually striving to learn more and push harder. Some of the hardest days give me the best pieces of work because usually those are the most beautiful times. We have similar difficulties with or challenges that we face, right? Having these businesses and being an artist. And we also have big successes, and those are the people that celebrate your successes. So I would say, it feels like coming home.

This Expressive Idaho episode was produced by Lauren Paterson, with interviews recorded by Arlie Sommer and edited by Sáša Woodruff. Music by Lobo Loco.

The web article was written and edited by Katie Kloppenburg and Lacey Daley.

Expressive Idaho is made in partnership with the Idaho Commission on the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program. This program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Idaho

Brush fire prompts temporary railroad closure north of Idaho Falls – East Idaho News

Published

16 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Brush fire prompts temporary railroad closure north of Idaho Falls – East Idaho News

IDAHO FALLS — A large brush fire prompted the closure of a section of railroad tracks on Wednesday.

According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, firefighters responded to the brush fire around 1:50 p.m. near the tracks off of North Haroldsen Drive. The fire reportedly threatened nearby structures and businesses.

When crews arrived, they encountered “multiple spot fires and burning debris across a dry grass area,” which created quickly changing conditions and challenging access.

Officials believe the fire was caused by metal work in the area, which produced sparks that ignited nearby dry grass.

The fire burned about 150 yards long and 800 feet wide, extending from a fence line toward the railroad tracks. Due to multiple spot fires, the total affected area has not yet been measured.

A large brush fire North of Idaho Falls prompted the closure of a railroad Wednesday morning. | Idaho Falls Fire Department

Fire crews deployed two Type 3 brush trucks, one Type 6 brush truck, one tactical tender, three Type 1 engines and a ladder truck. Dispatch coordinated with the railroad to halt train traffic in the area during suppression efforts.

Crews quickly contained the fire and stayed on scene to monitor conditions, extinguish hot spots and prevent rekindling due to continued wind. No significant property damage was reported.

“This was a fast-moving fire in a complex area to access, and our crews executed a strong, coordinated response,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Johan Olson in the release. “They did an outstanding job stopping the fire before it could impact nearby businesses or cause significant loss. With the unusually dry conditions we’re experiencing, we urge the public to treat current conditions more like mid-summer. Please use extreme caution with anything that could create sparks around dry vegetation.”

The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents that increased heat, wind and dry conditions significantly elevate fire risk. Avoid activities that may produce sparks near dry grass, and report any signs of fire immediately.