Comment sought on Avista rate decrease proposals

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking comments on four Avista Utilities applications that, combined, would decrease natural gas customer rates by 8 percent and electric rates by about 2 percent.

If Avista's two gas rate decreases are adopted, residential gas customers using the company average 60 therms per month would see about a $4.42 per month decrease.

If the two electric decreases are adopted, a residential customer using the company average of 939 kilowatt-hours per month would see a monthly decrease of about $1.09.

Avista proposes all adjustments become effective Oct. 1.

Customer rates are divided into several components.

Variable rates are adjusted usually annually to account for changing conditions such as wholesale electric and gas prices, transportation costs and hydroelectric conditions.

Another component of rates is the base rate, which covers fixed costs such as personnel and equipment.

Those wanting to submit comments can do so via e-mail at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions About a Case." Specific information on each of the four applications is also available at the website. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 10-21, depending on the application.

Avista, headquartered in Spokane, serves about 125,000 electric customers and about 75,000 natural gas customers in North Idaho.