AVISTA: Fight the rate hikes

While many Idahoans juggle their bills simply to make ends meet, as they watch retirement savings dwindle right along with home values, it is alarming to see Idaho utility companies press for big rate increases.

Avista's current proposal to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) may not seem all that large on its surface - a 3.6 percent hike to electric customers' bills and 3.5 percent for natural gas next year - but let's remember that these will be on top of a 3.59 percent rate increase they received in 2010, a 3.92 percent one scheduled to hit Oct. 1 of this year and a 1.74 percent rate hitting in 2012.

The recent article "Avista customers could see price adjustments" (Aug. 16) misses this larger rate hike looming. Many Idaho consumers may not even be aware of the hike that could break their back during already rough times.

AARP is fighting this rate hike and urging our members and the public to get involved (people can visit www.puc.idaho.gov to comment on the case). Public hearings held by the PUC will help add the public voice to the debate, my bet is it won't be a happy voice, but it's sure the most important one the PUC should listen to.

JIM WORDELMAN

State Director

AARP Idaho