PUC Docket Tracker
Idaho Public Utilities Commission proceedings linked to affected municipalities and energy projects. Track how utility filings — rate cases, interconnections, and licenses — impact communities and infrastructure across Idaho.
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IDOwyhee
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WYMountain Home Economic Development Project
The Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) Sustainable Water Supply Project is a critical infrastructure initiative designed to secure a long-term, resilient water source for the installation. Historically, the base and the surrounding Elmore County region have relied heavily on the declining Mountain Home Aquifer, which has faced significant depletion. To mitigate this, the project involves the construction of a new water treatment plant and a pump station capable of processing 3.5 million gallons per day of surface water diverted from the Snake River. The project is a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR). As of mid-2026, the project has reached substantial completion, providing a reliable water supply for the base's population of over 5,200 people and its mission-critical operations. The purpose is to decouple the base's water dependency from the stressed local aquifer, thereby ensuring operational continuity and supporting the broader economic stability of Elmore County, where the base contributes approximately $800 million annually to the local economy.
- • A 200-275MW AI data center is reportedly under construction in Mountain Home, Idaho.
- • The facility's power demand is equivalent to approximately 2,500 residential homes.
- • Idaho's water stress is rated as Medium-High, raising concerns about data center cooling needs.
- • Downtown revitalization in Mountain Home is projected to add 26.8 jobs and $1.7M in annual output.
- • Proposals exist for utilizing Idaho public lands for massive data center projects.
- • The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have been involved in assessing the resort and economic development market in the area.
- • Idaho's energy grid currently relies on a 55.1% renewable mix with 632 lb/MWh CO2 emissions.
South Fork Boise River Diversion Project
The South Fork Boise River (SFBR) Diversion Project is an infrastructure initiative spearheaded by Elmore County, Idaho, designed to address critical water shortages in the Mountain Home area. The project aims to divert up to 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water from the Anderson Ranch Reservoir during flood flow operations. This water would be transported to the Little Camas Reservoir and subsequently directed through existing canal systems to designated aquifer recharge facilities. The primary purpose is to replenish the rapidly depleting aquifer that supports local agriculture and the Mountain Home Air Force Base. The project is currently in the planning and permitting phase, with Elmore County acting as the primary owner and operator. It involves the construction of a new pump station at Anderson Ranch Reservoir and the utilization of existing canal infrastructure. While distinct from the state-led Anderson Ranch Dam raise project, the two are often discussed in the context of regional water reliability.
- • Elmore County holds an approved permit to divert 200 cfs of floodwater from the South Fork Boise River.
- • The project aims to recharge the rapidly depleting Mountain Home aquifer to prevent water right curtailments.
- • Water would be pumped from Anderson Ranch Reservoir to Little Camas Reservoir.
- • The estimated average annual diversion is 7,500 acre-feet, available approximately every other year.
- • The project faces opposition from the Idaho Conservation League.
- • Estimated water costs are significantly higher than current irrigation costs, ranging from $90 to over $200 per acre-foot.
- • The project is currently in the preliminary design and engineering phase for the pump station and pipeline.
Microsoft Cheyenne Data Center Expansion
The Microsoft Cheyenne Data Center expansion is a large-scale cloud and AI infrastructure project located in Laramie County, Wyoming. Microsoft has operated data centers in Cheyenne since 2012, with the current expansion involving the proposed acquisition of approximately 3,200 acres of land to scale capacity for growing cloud and AI workloads. The project is managed by Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation division. The infrastructure includes high-density server facilities, advanced cooling systems, and significant off-site utility improvements, such as new pump stations and municipal water infrastructure. The project is currently in the planning and public engagement phase, with Microsoft submitting applications for expansion sites, including a 385-acre site east of College. The purpose of the expansion is to meet the surging demand for digital services, cloud computing, and AI, while positioning Cheyenne as a key hub in Microsoft’s global infrastructure network.
- • Microsoft is expanding its data center operations in Cheyenne, Wyoming, including a 3,460-acre annexation approved by the City Council.
- • The expansion is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and long-term tech jobs.
- • Microsoft plans to use direct evaporative cooling and claims it will replenish more water than it uses.
- • Residents have raised significant concerns about water use, environmental degradation, and noise/light pollution.
- • The Cheyenne City Council voted 9-1 against a moratorium on new data center development.
- • Microsoft has donated $4.7 million to local organizations since 2018.
- • A recent incident involving another data center developer contaminating the sewer system has heightened environmental concerns.