Idaho Power, the state’s largest electric utility, is preparing for a busy fall season as energy consumption trends shift alongside national headlines. One surprising factor drawing attention across the country isn’t just the rising demand for power but the renewed excitement surrounding the return of the McDonald’s Monopoly game, a promotion that has captured millions of consumers for decades.
While these two industries may seem worlds apart, energy companies like Idaho Power are carefully tracking consumer behavior trends that stem from national promotions such as the Monopoly McDonald’s game, which encourages increased dining, mobile app usage, and even travel. Each of these activities ultimately ties back into energy usage — from powering restaurants and data servers to fueling transportation systems.
Idaho Power at the Center of Regional Growth
Idaho Power serves more than 600,000 customers across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. With record population growth in Boise and other communities, the company has faced increasing pressure to balance reliable service with clean energy commitments. Officials have emphasized that the utility’s focus is on renewable integration while managing peak demand during promotional events and seasonal activities.
Just as McDonald’s Monopoly sparks consumer spending nationwide, utility companies like Idaho Power are forced to adjust to demand spikes brought on by events that increase commercial activity. Restaurants, data centers, and digital platforms all rely heavily on steady electricity supply, and Idaho Power’s role in maintaining that balance is critical.
McDonald’s Monopoly Returns After Nearly a Decade
Nationally, the big news is that McDonald’s Monopoly game is back for the first time in nearly ten years. The promotion, which begins October 6, has shifted from traditional board-style gameplay to a digital-first experience through the McDonald’s mobile app. Customers collect pieces by purchasing food items and then scan or “peel” them digitally to unlock prizes.
Among the rewards are major incentives, including $1 million in cash, a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and American Airlines miles. For McDonald’s, the Monopoly McDonald’s game is more than nostalgia; it’s a strategy to boost loyalty program sign-ups, app downloads, and overall sales.
The timing of this revival is especially important for Idaho Power and other utilities, as businesses experience surges in both in-person and digital activity. Fast food chains see longer lines, app servers handle heavier traffic, and nationwide excitement leads to higher energy consumption across sectors.
A Lesson from the McMillions Scandal
The return of McDonald’s Monopoly also carries lessons from the past. In the 1990s, the game was marred by the infamous “McMillions” scam, in which insiders at a marketing firm rigged the top prizes, funneling millions away from customers. Today, McDonald’s has moved the Monopoly McDonald’s game fully digital, aiming to increase security, transparency, and engagement while avoiding scandals that once plagued the promotion.
For Idaho Power, the broader lesson resonates: both food giants and utilities must adapt to shifting customer expectations while protecting trust. Whether it’s ensuring the fairness of a game or guaranteeing reliable electricity delivery, transparency remains a cornerstone of public confidence.
Economic Boost and Energy Connection
The revival of the Monopoly McDonald’s game is expected to bring a short-term economic boost to restaurants nationwide. In Idaho, where communities continue to expand, the increased demand for dining out and mobile ordering could indirectly raise energy use across the state. Idaho Power executives note that electricity consumption is closely tied to consumer activity, whether at shopping centers, entertainment venues, or food chains participating in national promotions.
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