North Idaho residents could see spike in Avista rates this fall. Here’s how to get involved in decision.

By: Mia Maldonado - July 19, 2023 4:15 am

Avista is seeking approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase in natural gas and electric services in 2023 and 2024. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host public hearings throughout North Idaho in late July to receive testimony about Avista’s proposal to increase natural gas and electricity rates, according to a press release.

Avista is asking the utilities commission to approve an increase in base rates for natural gas customers and electric customers in 2023 and 2024.

If approved, natural gas customers would see an increase of approximately 2.7% this September, and they would see an additional increase of 0.01% beginning September 2024.

Electricity customers would also see an increase of 8% beginning September and an additional increase of 1.4% next year.

The utilities commission may approve the proposed rate change, deny it or modify it.

The hearings will take place in Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. Those who plan to submit testimony are required to attend in-person, and a call-in option is available for those interested in listening only to the testimony.

Public hearings are at the following locations:

Lewiston

Elks Lodge
3444 Country Drive Club Drive
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25

To listen, call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2632 065 8514 when prompted.

Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College, Meyer 106 Lecture Hall
1000 W. Garden Ave.
When: 6-9 p.m. July 25

To listen, call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2632 824 2575 when prompted.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint Community Hall
204 S. First Ave.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26

To listen, call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2631 407 0012 when prompted.

The utilities commission is also accepting written comments until July 26. Comments must be filed at the commission’s website or by email.

Click on the following links to learn more about Avista’s applications to increase its natural gas and electric prices.

To submit comments on applications online, visit the commission’s homepage, click on the “Case Comment Form” link on the upper left side of the page and use case number AVU-G-23-01 to comment on the proposed natural gas rate increase. To comment on the proposed electric rate increase, use case number AVU-E-23-01.

To file by email, comments should be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. Customers can also mail their comments to the utilities commission at P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0074.

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Mia Maldonado

Mia Maldonado joined the Idaho Capital Sun after working as a breaking news reporter at the Idaho Statesman covering stories related to crime, education, growth and politics. She previously interned at the Idaho Capital Sun through the Voces Internship of Idaho, an equity-driven program for young Latinos to work in Idaho news. Born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Mia moved to the Treasure Valley for college where she graduated from the College of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international political economy.