Idaho utilities commission approves increase in Avista gas, electric services

North Idaho residents will see an increase in their electric and natural gas service from Avista starting this month. 

On Sept. 5, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission announced its approval of a proposal to increase base revenues collected for natural gas service by about 2.7 % this month, and 0.01% in September next year. 

The approved proposal will also allow Avista to increase base revenues for electric service by approximately 8% this month and by about 1.4% in September of next year. 

In a press release Tuesday, the utilities commission said Avista needed the rate increases to recover costs for “fixed expenses and ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology and more.”

The utilities commission said the settlement allows Avista to operate sustainably while reducing the effects of rate increases on customers. While basic charges will increase, the commission said it believes customers will see more levelized summer and winter bills.

Additional information is available at puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6970 and puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/6971.