Heyburn Council reviews BPA Provider of Choice options, delays Tier 2 election to July 22

At a July 8 special meeting, the Heyburn City Council heard a presentation from Michael Darrington of United Electric Co-op, Inc. on the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Provider of Choice contract and the city's upcoming Tier 2 power supply election. Darrington reviewed the four available contract options (A–D) and outlined the trade-offs in risk, cost exposure and flexibility associated with each option.

Councilmembers and staff focused their discussion on the city's risk tolerance, how future market pricing could affect municipal costs, and potential resource acquisitions to manage supply. No formal action was taken. Council agreed to receive a separate BPA presentation later that evening and to revisit the Tier 2 election at the July 22 council meeting after United Electric provides its recommendation and additional analysis.

The outcome leaves the city with more information-gathering steps before a binding decision: staff and United Electric are expected to supply comparative cost projections and recommended contract choices ahead of the July 22 meeting.