Avista seeks surcharge reduction

Avista’s Washington customers could see a slight rate reduction beginning Aug. 1 as a result of changes to surcharges that pay for the electric and gas utility’s energy efficiency programs. Avista is seeking the decreases to balance funds in a program that pays out rebates and incentives to customers who cut their power use by installing energy-efficient appliances and furnaces, insulating their homes or other means. The changes must be reviewed and approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. If the utility’s request is approved, typical residential electric customers would see a 1.9 percent decrease on their bills, for a $1.47 monthly reduction. Typical residential natural gas customers would see a 1.3 percent decrease on their bills, for a 79 cent monthly reduction. Avista paid out $11.4 million in rebates to more than 28,000 Washington customers last year.