SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista customers may see a rate increase on their power bills for the next two years. However, the increase won't be as much as was originally estimated.
In January, Avista filed a two-year rate proposal plan with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) that would increase electricity costs in Washington households by nearly 11% over the next two years. Avista said this increase aimed to recover costs for some of the company's fixed expenses and ongoing investments.
In total, the original electric rate increases would have given Avista $50.5 million and the gas rate increase would yield another $9 million.
In June, Avista reached a settlement with "certain parties" and submitted the amended rate increases to WUTC. The amended increase would yield $38 million in electric revenue and $7.5 million in natural gas revenue in 2022. Additionally, $12.5 million in electric and $1.5 million in natural gas would be earned in 2023.
According to Avista, incremental returns of $27.6 million for electric customers and $12.5 million for natural gas customers would be given back over the two-year period.
Despite the amendments, the Washington State Attorney General's (AG) Office opposed Avista's proposed rate increase in early August, stating that the company is overestimating its costs and seeking profit margins that are too high.
The AG's Public Counsel Unit asserted the utility company did not adequately justify the extent of the rate increases they requested.
An Avista spokesperson said the company is currently reviewing the testimony submitted to the WUTC and will formally respond on Aug. 19. WUTC will have the final say on determining rate changes.
WUTC is hosting virtual public comment hearings for Avista's filings on Wednesday night. Zoom links and phone participation information can be found here for Avista.
If approved, new rates would be effective in Dec. 2022 and Dec. 2023.
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