Avista seeks natural gas price change in Idaho, Washington

Avista has filed with utility commissions in Washington and Idaho to increase overall natural gas revenue 12.6% and 10.5%, respectively, effective July 1.

"These filings have no impact on Avista’s earnings," a press release said.

Purchased Gas Cost Adjustment requests are typically filed annually to balance the actual cost of wholesale natural gas purchased by Avista to serve customers with the amount presently included in customer’s rates, the release said.

Avista does not make a profit on, or markup, the wholesale cost of natural gas; PGAs ensure customers pay what Avista pays, dollar for dollar, only at a more predictable and stable rate throughout the year, according to the press release.

"Since the last PGA filings were made, the price of wholesale natural gas has continued to rise with dramatic sustained increases since late March, with prices reaching levels not seen in over 13 years," the release said.

About 40% of an Avista natural gas customer's bill is the combined cost of purchasing natural gas on the wholesale market and transporting it to Avista's system.

If approved, Idaho residential natural gas customers using an average of 63 therms per month would see their monthly bills change from $55.86 to $61.30, an increase of $5.44 per month, or about 9.7%.

If approved, Washington residential natural gas customers using an average of 67 therms per month would see their monthly bills change from $64.86 to $72.66, an increase of $7.80 per month, or about 11.7%.