Carbon emissions intensity is a measure of the pounds of CO₂ emitted per megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy generated. It’s a helpful measure for tracking the impact of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions relative to growing power demand — one that we’ve measured and actively reduced since 2010.

• We started with a goal to reduce emissions intensity 10-15% from 2005 levels (our baseline year).
• We then increased it to 15-20% for the period of 2010-2020.
• We are working to reduce emissions intensity 35% for the period 2021-2025 from 2005 levels.

Our average CO₂ emissions intensity for 2021 and 2022 from Idaho Power-owned generation sources was 886 pounds per MWh (837 and 935 pounds per MWh, respectively) — representing a 25% reduction from 2005.

Our 2022 carbon emissions intensity of our total energy mix was 779 pounds per MWh, a 35% reduction from 2005.

The following chart/table shows our emissions intensity reduction from Idaho Power generation sources over the past two decades.

Idaho Power is a joint owner of two operating coal plants. With upcoming anticipated coal plant retirements, and the addition of renewable energy resources, we are poised to see impressive reductions in both our total carbon emissions and emission intensity in the next 10 years.

• • The Boardman plant in Oregon, co-owned by Idaho Power (10%) and Portland General Electric (90%), ceased coal-fired operations in October 2020.
  • The North Valmy plant in Nevada includes two generating units, which are co-owned by Idaho Power and NV Energy. Idaho Power ended its participation in North Valmy unit 1 in 2019 and has an agreement to exit unit 2 by 2025. Both companies own 50% of the plant; NV Energy is the operating partner.
  • The Jim Bridger plant in Wyoming is owned by Idaho Power (one-third) and PacifiCorp (two-thirds). Under our 2021 Integrated Resource Plan, Idaho Power is scheduled to exit all four Bridger coal units by the end of 2028, with two Bridger units planned for conversion to natural gas by 2024.

CO₂ Emissions Reduction Report

Idaho Power has been a leader in clean energy generation for over 100 years. Today, more than half of our energy mix comes from CO₂ emissions-free resources, including Idaho Power-owned hydro resources and the energy we buy through long-term contracts with wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and small-scale hydro generators. In addition to our current low-carbon profile, Idaho Power has established short-term, medium-term and long-term targets for further CO₂ reductions. Idaho Power’s CO₂ Reduction Report outlines our carbon reduction goals in more detail.