Avista devalues customers

Avista chides its customers in frequent letters making comparisons with “neighbors.” It does not take into account the situation of the individual customer. In my case, my husband was a double amputee, with multiple health issues. To keep the house at the suggested temperature would have been contrary to his needs.

Ironically, Avista’s urging to curb/conserve power use results in less income for the company, so they request rate increases on gas and electricity from the UTC. These increases are generally much higher than the cost of living increases for those of us on a fixed income.

Avista will state bluntly that one reason for the rate increases is to be sure their shareholders are getting a good return on their investment. Obviously, Avista values its shareholders above its customers.

Margaret Herzog

Spokane