Avista customers could soon see a change to their monthly bill

If you’re an Avista customer, you might soon notice a significant change to your bill if Washington regulators approve the company’s request to adjust electricity rates.

The utility company has submitted rate adjustment requests to the Washington Utility and Transportation Commission that would affect how customers heat their homes during the colder months. The changes depend on regulatory approval and could take effect soon.

Under the proposed changes, the average monthly natural gas bill would drop to around $87, a decrease of almost $10 from current rates. The reduction stems from lower wholesale natural gas costs that Avista can pass along to customers.

However, electricity customers would see their average monthly bills rise to nearly $127, an increase of about $3. While the monthly increase appears modest, electricity customers would pay roughly $17 more per month compared to last year’s rates.

Avista said the proposed electricity rate increase would support the company’s Low-Income Rate Assistance Program.

“This rate increase is necessary to support the continuation and expansion of all Low-Income Rate Assistance Program components, which includes both an income-based bill discount as well as offerings intended to help customers manage their past due balances,” Avista stated.

Some customers expressed frustration with the proposed changes.

“I don’t like it at all. Rates going up all the time, we barely had a pay raise this year,” said Josua Schuh, an Avista customer.

Ann Varnam, another customer, shared similar concerns about rising costs.

“Bills keep going up. Some of these companies, I feel like the top people are making mucho bucks,” Varnam said.

The Washington Utility and Transportation Commission could approve these rate adjustments as early as Thursday. The timing would allow the changes to take effect before peak winter heating season begins.

Additional rate increases are already scheduled for early 2026. Starting at the beginning of next year, both electric and gas rates will increase by less than $2 each, changes that the commission has already approved.