Avista files multi-year electric and natural gas rate plan in Idaho

Core Viewpoint - Avista has filed a multi-year rate plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to recover costs for infrastructure investments and fixed expenses, with new rates proposed to take effect in September 2025 and September 2026 [1][4]. Rate Plan Details - The proposed two-year rate plan includes a stay-out period where no new general rate case will be filed before September 2027, providing customers with predictability in energy prices [4]. - If approved, the electric general rate request aims to increase annual base revenues by $43.0 million (14.4%) effective September 1, 2025, and $17.7 million (5.2%) effective September 1, 2026 [5]. - The natural gas general rate request seeks to increase annual revenues by $8.8 million (10.3%) effective September 1, 2025, and $1.0 million (1.0%) effective September 1, 2026 [5]. Infrastructure Investments - Avista plans to replace aging infrastructure and invest in technology to enhance reliability and service, including the replacement of 240,000 electric distribution wood poles and ongoing projects to replace natural gas distribution pipes installed before 1987 [7][8]. - The company is also focusing on wildfire resiliency through grid hardening and enhanced vegetation management [8]. Customer Impact - Residential electric customers in Idaho using an average of 939 kilowatt hours per month could see a total billed increase of 14.7% ($15.36) in September 2025, and 5.3% ($6.36) in September 2026, leading to a revised monthly bill of $126.02 [9]. - Residential natural gas customers using an average of 66 therms per month could expect a total billed increase of 10.4% ($6.29) in September 2025, and 1.3% ($0.88) in September 2026, resulting in a revised monthly bill of $67.80 [10]. Proposed Changes by Service Schedule - The requested electric increases by service schedule range from 13.4% to 14.7% in September 2025 and from 4.9% to 5.3% in September 2026 [11]. - The requested natural gas increases by service schedule range from 0.0% to 10.3% in September 2025 and from 0.0% to 1.3% in September 2026 [11]. Customer Resources - Avista offers various services to assist customers in managing their energy bills, including comfort level billing, payment arrangements, and energy efficiency programs [12].