Idaho builders and utilities advance energy efficiency

More people are discovering the beauty of Idaho and are looking to put down roots in the state. This means there is a steeper demand for housing and more energy is being consumed.

To conserve Earth’s resources, reduce carbon footprints and save people money, there are a variety of energy efficiency technologies being used in today’s home construction.

In addition, utility companies are brainstorming and implementing new ways to supply residents and business owners around Idaho with reliable electricity in renewable and innovative ways.

Utility companies finding solutions

Paris Dickerson, economic and community development manager for Idaho Power shared, “Idaho Power continues to experience robust growth across all customer types. Over the last few years, Idaho Power has added new generation resources in accordance with our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). We’re also continuing to push forward with much needed transmission ties to our neighboring regions. There is no single solution for continuing our rich tradition of providing energy that is safe, reliable and affordable. Instead, Idaho Power has focused on a variety of options to meet the growing demand for energy.”

Idaho Power also offers energy efficiency incentives and frequent education on how customers can save energy and money. Through the company’s energy efficiency offerings and incentive programs, customers saved 143,599 MWh of energy last year alone — enough to power about 12,600 average-sized homes within their service area for one year.

Jared Ellsworth, transmission, distribution and resource planning director at Idaho Power said that hydroelectric power remains the foundation of the company’s resource portfolio.

“We have 17 hydro projects on the Snake River and its tributaries, and we continue to maintain and optimize that resource for the benefit of customers,” he said. “Hydro’s flexibility helps us balance the variability of the growing amount of solar and wind on our system. We also plan to have about 800 megawatts of four-hour battery storage by 2027. Much of this storage is already in service.”

Idaho Power also plans to add 600 MW of wind capacity in 2027. That will bring the total amount of wind capacity on the system to about 1,300 MW. The company also utilizes battery storage projects to continue to serve customers after sundown. Solar, plus storage, is cost effective today, but with the amount of growth that Idaho anticipates in the coming years, it may need to be creative to offer other resources such as long-duration storage or already proven technologies like natural-gas-powered power plants.

Potential challenges and adjustments ahead

There is a lot that goes into the need for more power. Idaho Power shared that moving energy from where it is produced to where it is being used requires transmission.
Getting transmission lines permitted and built is a large undertaking and requires years of dedicated work. Experts at Idaho Power stated that the process of building Boardman to Hemingway (B2H), which moves energy between the Idaho region and the Pacific Northwest, began more than two decades ago.

The company also shared that another challenge is addressing the growing winter demand, and utilizing solar power during that time simply isn’t as effective. To assist with that need, the proposed Southwest Intertie Project could allow for better connections with abundant solar resources in the desert. The project would include constructing and operating a 500kV transmission line from the Midpoint Substation near Shoshone, Idaho, to a new proposed substation in the Dry Lake Valley near Las Vegas, Nevada. There would also be a crosstie route constructed from the Ely, Nevada, area to a point near Delta, Utah.

A commitment to sustainable building

Residential home builders of all kinds across Idaho are working to incorporate energy-efficient building techniques into their designs. Even college students and professors are putting their heads together to come up with technologies that make housing more affordable. As such, the University of Idaho is working on combining sawdust and other wood byproducts and Idaho wood waste with bio-based glue to cultivate a medium for 3D-printing buildings and stackable bricks.

Solitude Homes also spoke of their commitment to sustainable designs. For this company, sustainability begins with well-insulated foundations, attics and walls, then continues with advanced framing methods, high-performance windows and tight building envelopes. The team also uses energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, tankless water heaters and smart home technology.

For roofing, they use radiant barriers and offer optional solar-ready designs for long-term energy savings. All these things ultimately translate to saved energy and less electricity used.

“Every detail is thoughtfully planned to create a more efficient, comfortable and environmentally responsible home,” said Cody Weight, president of Solitude Homes. “The greatest benefits of energy-efficient homebuilding goes beyond just cost savings. They include increased comfort, reduced environmental impact and long-term value. At Solitude Homes, we believe forward thinking plan designs benefit everyone. That’s why we thoughtfully design each home to be energy efficient and free of wasted square footage. By optimizing the floor plan from the start, we reduce unnecessary space, which not only lowers construction costs, but also results in homes that are easier and more affordable to heat and cool.”

Weight also discussed that people are beginning to understand what “price per square foot” really means.

“Savvy homeowners are recognizing that wasted square footage doesn’t just increase the initial cost of building it also drives up long-term expenses for heating, cooling and maintenance,” he said. “As sustainable products and technologies become more affordable and accessible, and as homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer, these energy efficient investments truly pay off.”

Benefits abound

The United States Department of Energy estimates that the national average electricity consumption is about 1,000 kWh/month. There are many ways to reduce electricity usage in the home, including purchasing energy-efficient lighting, appliances, windows and more. Properly insulating and sealing the home’s windows, doors and ductwork is also key.

Idaho Power experts recommend that customers think about their energy use and how it relates to the sun. For example, when the sun is up, Idaho Power and the grid, likely have a lot of solar power being generated. During those times, the cost of power is usually lower. When the sun starts to go down, power costs are higher. This is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when it comes to using electricity or when you’re considering efficiency upgrades.

“If energy efficiency is important to you, start by asking the right questions and seek out a custom builder who can offer a more flexible range of options to help you achieve the most efficient floor plan possible within your budget,” Weight suggested. “A well-designed, energy-efficient home isn’t just about saving on monthly utility bills – it also increases long-term comfort, improves indoor air quality and adds value to your investment. Look for builders who understand how to reduce wasted square footage, optimize insulation and window placement, and integrate the latest in sustainable technologies. These upfront investments often pay for themselves over time through reduced energy costs and a more comfortable living environment.”