IPUC approves Avista rate hikes
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 5 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved four applications from Avista Utilities that will increase electric rates for customers.
The applications include the Fixed Cost Adjustment, Purchased Cost Adjustment, Residential Exchange Program and Electric Energy Efficiency rider.
The Fixed Cost Adjustment decouples Avista’s revenue from energy usage, encouraging conservation. The commission approved changing the FCA rate for residential customers from a rebate of 12.9 cents per kilowatt-hour to a surcharge of 1.8 cents. For non-residential customers, the rate changed from a surcharge of 0.4 cent to 5.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The Purchased Cost Adjustment tracks changes in costs tied to hydroelectric generation, fuel prices and power contracts. Avista received approval to increase the PCA rebate from 24.6 cents to 30.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, citing lower wholesale electric and natural gas prices.
The Residential Exchange Program provides federal power system benefits to residential and small farm customers. Avista applies these benefits as monthly bill credits. The approved change lowers the credit from 36.6 cents to 23.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, reflecting a reduced benefit level for the upcoming year.
The fourth application adjusts the energy efficiency rider, which funds customer rebate programs. Avista is facing a shortfall due to higher-than-expected participation and is seeking to recover those costs.
Combined, the changes will increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by about $3.43, based on usage of 939 kilowatt-hours. The new rates took effect Oct. 1.
More information: puc.idaho.gov