Avista files four-year rate plan in Washington to support reliable service and maintain critical infrastructure

Core Viewpoint - Avista has filed a four-year general rate case with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to address rising costs and ensure reliable energy service while making necessary grid upgrades and enhancing wildfire resiliency [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for Rate Increase - The proposal aims to maintain safe and reliable energy service, reflecting long-term planning commitments [2]. - It addresses increased costs related to grid modernization, compliance with clean energy laws, and investments in hydropower infrastructure [2][4]. - The need for recovery of operating and maintenance costs, as well as funding for critical investments, drives the request for a rate increase [4][6]. Group 2: Proposed Rate Increases - Proposed annual percentage increases for electric and natural gas services are outlined for the years 2027 to 2030, with the first year seeing the largest increase due to past investments and updated power supply costs [5][7]. - For electric service, the proposed increases are 13.9% in 2027, followed by 4.7% in 2028, 3.5% in 2029, and 2.8% in 2030 [5]. - For natural gas service, the proposed increases range from 5.0% in 2027 to 1.1% in 2030 [7]. Group 3: Customer Impact - An average residential electric customer using 925 kWh per month would see their bill rise from $124.23 today to $157.94 by 2030, with an initial increase of $17.21 in 2027 [8]. - An average residential natural gas customer using 61 therms per month would experience an increase from $91.06 today to $100.46 by 2030, starting with a $4.14 increase in 2027 [8]. Group 4: Customer Assistance Programs - The company offers various programs to assist customers in managing their energy costs, including personalized bill discounts, flexible billing options, and energy-saving tools [9][12]. - Community support initiatives provide emergency grants and home weatherization upgrades for qualifying customers [12]. Group 5: Company Overview - Avista Corp. is involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, serving 422,000 electric customers and 383,000 natural gas customers across a service territory of 30,000 square miles [10]. - The company is committed to improving energy reliability and efficiency while complying with state and regional energy requirements [6].