Movers & Shakers

Commission staff to host customer workshop on Avista application to increase electric and natural gas rates

Idaho Public Utilities Commission staff will hold an online customer workshop at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, to share information on an application from Avista to increase the rates it charges for natural gas and electric service.

If the utility’s application is approved by the commission, rates would increase for residential natural gas customers and residential electric customers in 2023 and 2024.

In 2023, residential electric customers using an average of 927 kilowatt hours per month could expect to see an increase of 15.4%, or $13.18. The total monthly bill would be $98.58, up from $85.40. In 2024, residential electric customers who are also using an average of 927 kilowatt hours per month could expect to see an increase of 4.7%, or $4.66 per month. The monthly bill would be $103.24, up from $98.58.

In 2023, residential natural gas customers using an average of 64 therms per month could expect to see an increase of 3.5%, or $2.60. The monthly bill would be $76.02, up from $73.42. In 2024, residential natural gas customers who also are using an average of 64 therms per month could expect to see an increase of 0.2%, or $0.14. The monthly bill would increase to $76.16, up from $76.02.

Commission staff will present information on the application and answer questions. To participate online, visit idahogov.webex.com, and enter meeting number 2459 362 1261. Click on the green “Join” button. At the next window, enter the password AvistaWorkshop. Then click on the green “Join Webinar” button. At the next window, enter your name and email address, and then click on the “next” button. Then click on the green “Join Webinar” button. To participate over the phone, please call 1-415-655-0001, enter meeting number 2459 362 1261 when prompted, then enter the numeric password 284 78 296.

Avista said the rate increases would allow it to recover costs for fixed expenses, ongoing investments in infrastructure, investments in technology and other expenses. The commission can approve, deny or modify the application.

For additional information, please visit puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6970.

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