Avista Corporation has asked Idaho regulators to approve an increase in electric rates for its 133,000 residential customers in the Gem State.
In its request filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Spokane-based utility proposes what amounts to be a 3.5 percent monthly increase – or $2.89 – for a typical household in Idaho using an average of 898 kilowatt hours per month. The utility said the increase, targeted for January 1st, would allow it to recover costs related to investments in infrastructure, system maintenance, and technology.
Among the projects listed on the rate request is modernization of the distribution grid, which includes rebuilding and upgrading each electric distribution feeder in the system; replacing old equipment such as poles, conductors, and transformers to improve service reliability; capture energy-efficiency savings; and improve operational ability.
Avista last filed a general rate request with IPUC in June 2017.
Regulators have up to nine months to review Avista’s request, a time frame that will include opportunity for public comment.
A copy of the application is available for public review online and at IPUC and Avista offices. (Spokesman-Review)
