With utility rates continually increasing in Idaho, it’s becoming ever more apparent that rooftop solar is essential for households to mitigate the effects of these increases. Home solar systems offer a powerful way not only to reduce reliance on the electric grid but also to protect yourself from rising power bills.
Idaho Power Seeks $110 Million Increase
In May 2025, Idaho Power requested an increase to the average residential rate of more than 17 percent, along with similar commercial and agricultural rate increases. The request sought funds for infrastructure growth, wildfire mitigation, and increasing energy storage capacity.
Folks in southern Idaho have experienced a dramatic shift in their day-to-day as tens of thousands of new homes, new offices, and new developments pour into our cities. Our infrastructure is bursting at the seams, and the cost to sustain this level of growth falls on individual rate payers, with the highest margin of increase falling on residences at nearly 10 percent, following the revised proposal filed in October.
To meet this growing demand, Idaho Power’s 20-year integrated resource plan (IRP) includes the addition of large quantities of resources, especially noting 1,445 Megawatts (MW) of solar and 885 MW of battery storage, Idaho Power would prefer to disincentivize local businesses and residences from purchasing and adding stability and additional infrastructure and chooses to hire out-of-state contractors to erect large solar and battery storage systems via PPAs that you as a consumer will directly pay for at a substantial premium (compared to installing your own resources on your own property).
In this IRP, Idaho Power has claimed that the forecasted growth rate for its service territory year over year until 2045 is a mere 1.7 percent, and only accounts for 2.4 percent growth in Boise to Nampa. However, according to census data, Nampa alone grew 16.8 percent from 2020 to 2024.
After a public hearing in November and further input from Idaho Power, Idaho’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) still needs to approve the rate change, but is expected to issue a decision soon.
The Importance of Using Solar Energy — and How to Make the Most of It
To better maximize your grid independence and minimize utility charges, rooftop solar is a smart investment. However, getting the most out of your solar panels isn’t just about generating energy — it’s about how and when you use it.
For those who already have solar panels installed, using solar energy strategically can help you become more grid-independent and save significantly on electricity bills. Here are some of our recommendations for using your solar energy wisely.
1. Understand Your Solar Production Pattern.
Solar energy generation follows the sun, peaking around midday and tapering off in the morning and evening. This means that between roughly 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March to October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the remaining months, a household’s solar system is likely producing the most power. To maximize grid independence, focus on using electricity during these hours.
2. Run Appliances During Solar Peak Hours.
Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and pool pumps can consume a lot of energy. Running them during solar peak hours ensures that your system’s output powers these tasks directly rather than relying on grid electricity. Here are some tips:
- Laundry: Run washers and dryers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible.
- Dishwashing: Start your dishwasher after lunch or dinner when production peaks.
- Pool pumps: Schedule circulation to run mid-day instead of overnight.
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging: If possible, charge during the day instead of at night. (An EV plugged into a Level 2 charger can be the single largest draw of energy for most homes. Do your best to charge your vehicle when you return home from work, or you should wait until the weekend to charge if you can.)
3. Track Your Energy Data Regularly.
Use your solar monitoring platform to identify when you’re drawing from the grid. These tools use built-in software to provide insights into data related to real-time energy use and historical production. Make sure you’re adjusting your habits to better align with solar availability.
4. Use Smart Devices and Timers.
Smart plugs, energy monitors, and programmable timers make it easy to automate when appliances turn on or off. This lets you optimize energy use without constant manual control.
EGT Solar installs systems with the primary intent to avoid the retail cost of the utility and assist with the production of clean energy, and we don’t intend to cause more work for homeowners. Almost all of the solar inverters and battery systems we install can integrate with home energy management systems that can automate energy usage based on solar production and electricity rates.
The Bottom Line
One thing is for certain: with rising energy rates, the more imported energy avoided, the better. So once you have a solar system installed, using solar energy wisely is about timing, efficiency, and technology.
By scheduling heavy energy use during daylight hours, leveraging smart automation, and reducing nighttime consumption, you can dramatically cut your reliance on the grid. If paired with battery storage, you may even achieve near-total energy independence — turning your home into its own micro power plant. Ready to get started? Contact us to discuss your options.
