Avista seeking rate increase

Avista Utilities has submitted an application to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission seeking approval of a rate increase that would pay for energy efficiency programs offered to customers.

Avista proposes to increase rates by about 7.7%. If the application is approved by the Commission as filed, residential customers using an average of 939 kilowatt-hours per month would see their monthly bills increase from $115.54 to $124.44.

The rate increase would generate about $25.2 million and allow the utility to recover 2025 energy efficiency program costs that exceeded what was collected in rates. The increase also would allow Avista to fund programs in 2026, a press release said.

The Commission is accepting written comments on Avista’s application until March 27. To submit comments online, visit puc.idaho.gov and click the “Case Comment Form” link on the upper left side of the page. Use case number AVU‑E‑26‑01 when completing the form.