Cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene and "extravagantly catered" meals are among the reasons staff of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission is suggesting Avista shift half of the $1.2 million annually it spends for its board of directors from ratepayers to shareholders. The recommendation is contained within almost 300 pages of testimony filed recently by IPUC staff suggesting how Avista could trim its proposed increases in electrical and gas rates. ... "Some board members fly to board meetings via first class and receive limousine transportation from the airport. Also board retreats consisted of extravagantly catered lunches and dinners along with cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene," according to (Donn English, senior IPUC auditor)testimony/Elaine Williams, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Does Avista do all that it can to cut expenses that it passes along to consumers?