The board approved a new Large Load Tariff requiring data centers and similar high-load users to cover their own infrastructure costs rather than shifting them to existing ratepayers. Take-or-pay relief periods were approved for fall 2026, allowing growers to return up to 7% of their apportionment without penalty during the last two weeks of September through December. The board also adopted the 2026 Water Conservation Plan for submission to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The board approved procurement of long-lead items for the Yucca repowering project (overall estimate ~$247M), replacing a dormant 75-MW unit with 94 MW capacity targeted for June 1, 2030. Three La Quinta-area substation transformer replacement projects totaling roughly $23.5M were also approved. Staff said the water cost-of-service study is due in the coming months, with a 2027 rate update process planned.
The board approved a local emergency declaration after the Aug. 12 monsoon damaged 17 substations, ~160 poles, and impacted 5,300+ customers. The board also set Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 public hearings on proposed TOU changes: a new ag TOU option and a proposed removal of the winter 5–9 a.m. peak (rate-neutral). Final action may return in October.
Final EIS for post-2026 Colorado River ops affirms applicable laws (Law of the River/priority absent voluntary deals), favorable to IID/California; Record of Decision expected within weeks. Deficit irrigation peaks in ~2 weeks; first payments mid-month. 2025 on-farm program ~99% contracted; water-use underrun continues increasing.
The district is running ~20,000 acre-feet underrun after submitting a revised water order, with ~95% of DIP contracts executed and 65,000 acres enrolled. The on-farm efficiency program is nearly complete for 2025, with 2026 contracts rolling out soon. The FLOW grant deadline was extended to end of July 2026 to allow local agencies more time for board consideration.
