Idaho regulators announce settlement in Avista rate case

Parties involved in an Avista Utilities rate case have reached a settlement that reduces the utility’s requested rate increase for electric and natural gas service for Idaho customers.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday announced the proposed settlement, which if approved by the agency would increase electric rates by an average of 5.6 percent in 2018 and 2.3 percent in 2019, while increasing the basic monthly service charge by 25 cents, to $6.

Avista had sought an average increase of 7.9 percent for electric customers in 2018 and 4.2 percent in 2019, along with the 25-cent increase to the service charge.

For natural gas customers, the settlement would lead to an average rate increase of 1.9 percent in 2018 and 1.8 percent in 2019, down from the company’s original proposal of 5.7 percent in 2018 and 3.3 percent in 2019. The settlement agreement also calls for an increase of 75 cents to the basic charge, raising it to $6 per month.

Avista officials said the utility needs higher rates to pay for ongoing capital spending to replace or upgrade aging infrastructure.

The IPUC has scheduled a public hearing on the case from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Coeur D’Alene School District’s midtown center meeting room, 1505 N. Fifth St. Customers’ hearing testimony will be put into the case record.

A technical hearing, during which those involved in the case can present testimony and evidence, is set for Dec. 8 in Boise. Written comments will be accepted until the conclusion of the technical hearing.

Customers can submit written comments at www.puc.idaho.gov by clicking on “Case Comment Form” under the electric or natural gas heading. Comments also can be mailed to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074.