Hearing in Boise on sale of Avista

COEUR d’ALENE — In response to public outcry over the proposed sale of Avista to Toronto-based Hydro One, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission has agreed to a technical hearing to further address the issue.

The hearing will take place at the commission offices in Boise at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time on Monday, July 23. It may include live testimony by company officials on points raised at public hearings in Coeur d’Alene, Moscow and Sandpoint, and in 370 written comments received by the commission.

Commission spokesman Matt Evans explained that “A technical hearing is a public hearing where parties present witnesses and their prepared testimony and exhibits. It’s a chance for the commissioners to ask questions of all who provided testimony in the case, and for the parties’ attorneys to question witnesses who have provided testimony.”

Evans said the hearing will be open to the public, but the commission is not equipped to stream it online.

“The only testimony and questioning will come from attorneys, witnesses and commissioners,” Evans added.

A new customer advocacy group known as Avista Customers Group has petitioned the commission to become full party to the proposed sale, and to participate at the July 23 hearing. ACG attorney Norm Semanko wrote on Wednesday, “ACG’s participation as an intervenor would allow for meaningful cross-examination of the witnesses at hearing, which is not otherwise likely to occur given the posture of the existing parties, who have all agreed to support the proposed settlement filed in this matter.”