Public urged to weigh in on Avista’s rate hike proposal

SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista has proposed raising electric rates by 25% over the next four years and gas rates by 10% during that time frame. The average electric customer would pay $17 more a month starting next year, and $4 more for gas. The proposal would have to be approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Its hosting a public comment hearing for people who want to weigh in on Thursday, August 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.

The Zoom information can be found here.

Thursday, Attorney General Nick Brown urged ratepayers to join that meeting and has been critical of the general rate increase proposal.

He posted a video to X, claiming “Most of that money has nothing to do with improving your service. It’s going to large investment firms in Wall Street.”

Brown said his office’s alternate plan would still make Avista money and charge ratepayers less, “our plan would save customers about $600 million over the next four years.”

Here’s Avista’s own breakdown of the increase:

If approved, the average Washington residential electric customer using 925 kWh per month would see an increase from $124.23 today to $157.94 in 2030, with an initial $17.21 increase in 2027 and smaller amounts each year after.

The average Washington residential natural gas customer using 61 therms per month would see an increase from $91.06 today to $100.46 in 2030, with an initial $4.14 increase in 2027 and smaller amounts each year after.

The company’s post about the rate increase can be found here. Avista the proposal aims to deliver predictable costs while addressing grid upgrades, wildfire resiliency, and higher power supply expenses. It has specifically cited compliance with Washington’s Climate Commitment Act as one of the reasons for the increase.

A spokesperson added in a statement today:

“Avista’s proposal is needs-based and reflects our commitment to safety, reliability and affordability. Characterizing it as primarily benefiting Wall Street does not accurately reflect the filing before regulators; the case is about recovering prudent costs to serve customers today and prepare the energy system for the future amid rising power supply costs, wildfire mitigation needs, aging infrastructure and compliance requirements.

We respect the Commission’s process and look forward to the public comment period, while remaining focused on providing safe, reliable and resilient energy to the customers and communities we serve.”