Whitman County Gazette 

Avista rate increase was approved and set for Oct. 1

 

September 30, 2021



OLYMPIA — Avista was approved for a rate increase but the amount was less than they wanted.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved an increase on Sept. 27 “that will result in no changes to customer bills,” stated a spokesperson.

The changes take effect on Oct. 1.

“Avista originally requested revenue increases of $44.2 million for electric and $12.8 million for natural gas, but state regulators approved $13.6 million and $8.1 million,” stated a WUTS spokesperson. “The commission’s decision will not result in an increase in customer bills due to changes Avista made in its tax accounting to reduce the impact on customers.”

The changes include providing enough extra money to allow Avista to improve plans in response to wildfires.

The WUTC approved a contract between Avista and Inland Empire Paper, their biggest customer consuming 10 megawatts. If Avista lost them, the lost revenue would impact the rest of Avista customers, according to the WUTC.

The order allows Avista to set up an electric vehicle program, increase funding by 7% for low-income bill assistance, but it denied Avista increasing rates to recover lost investment funds for a Montana coal-fired electricity plant.

The commission received 16 public comments about the proposed rate increases, 15 were opposed and one favored commission staff’s proposed rate decrease.

 

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