IDAHO FALLS — The city of Idaho Falls is inviting the public to burn a $96 million mortgage tonight at the Colonial Theater, at an event called “Celebrate Our Hydropower Heritage.”
One of the city’s I.F. 150 events, the free, community-wide celebration is to mark the retirement of $96 million in bonds used to build the four dams the city owns and operates. The program at the Colonial will be followed by a “Bond Fire” at Idaho Falls Power headquarters, 140 S. Capital Ave.
The annual Public Power Open House will take place Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. at IFP headquarters. The free event will feature safety demonstrations, bucket truck rides, tours of the City Plant, free food, live music, a classic car show and a number of raffle prizes from local businesses.
Idaho Falls’ tradition of public power dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when a generator on the city canal, now South Boulevard, powered street lamps (on nights with a full moon, the streetlights would be left off.) The first full-fledged power plant was built in 1912. The Upper and Lower Power Plants came were built before World War II and served the city until the Teton Dam Flood in 1976. Water and debris from that disaster destroyed the City Plant near the Broadway Bridge and severely damaged the Upper and Lower plants.
That was the moment of truth, when Idaho Falls could decide get out of the public power business. Mayor S. Eddie Pedersen and the city council opted instead to ask the voters to pass $48 million in bonds that would allow them to rebuild the hydro dams. The vote wasn’t even close — 90 percent of the voters said yes, and they said yes again in the mid-1980s, voting for $48 million to build the Gem State Hydropower Plant.
Both bonds were retired this year, resulting in significant savings to the community.
The event tonight is free and open to the public and will include a historical reading, an award presentation and a panel discussion with former Idaho Falls Mayor Tom Campbell; former Electrical Engineer Jeff Paine; and former Idaho Falls Council members Mel Erickson, Paul Hovey and Art Chandler.
The utility’s largest customers and schools who have recently partnered with Idaho Falls Power in energy efficiency initiatives will receive substantial rebate checks and will be showcased at the event, these include: Busch Agricultural Resources, Integrow Malt (Modelo) and Idaho Falls School District 91. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) will also be recognized for its longstanding commitment to energy efficiency.
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