Idaho Power constructing new $6.5M building on East Benton Street

POCATELLO — Idaho Power is working to construct a new building on East Benton Street.

Idaho Power spokesperson Jordyn Neerdaels recently told the Idaho State Journal that the historic building Idaho Power occupies on Yellowstone Avenue will be destroyed in the near future and that the company has plans to build a new location nearby where it will move all of its local employees and resources.

The 1100 Yellowstone Ave. building in question was built in 1954. Construction for the new building is in the process of being completed and should be finished by the end of 2024, Neerdaels said.

The reason for the move is for the safety and the future of the company and its employees, according to Neerdaels.

"The current operation center where everyone's working right now, there were concerns about modern American with Disabilities Act access and making sure that there was enough adequate space for members of the public to come in and meet with Idaho Power staff, or to hear any sort of like community meetings or community outreach," she said.

Neerdaels added, "It was determined that there was a need for a new building based on the repairs and other things that would be required in the existing building.

The $6.5 million project will increase the square footage, provide larger meeting rooms and make the appropriate modern and ADA improvements needed to help modernize and provide the safety measures for Idaho Power to continue to run a successful business.

According to Neerdaels, the decision to repair or build a new building ultimately comes down to cost.

"After careful consideration, it was determined that constructing a new building was the most cost-effective solution,” Neerdaels said. “This decision was made with our ratepayers in mind, ensuring that the necessary repairs and upgrades could be made to provide a safe and comfortable working environment for everyone.”