IPUC extends Avista rate comment period

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has extended the deadline to submit written comments on an application Avista Utilities submitted seeking approval of a rate increase intended to pay for energy‑efficiency programs offered to customers.

The programs are designed to help the utility’s Idaho customers conserve energy. They include rebates for installing energy‑efficient products such as Energy Star‑certified windows and educational outreach to help customers reduce energy usage and costs. The programs are funded by an energy‑efficiency charge on customers’ bills.

The utility said the programs were underfunded by about $24.6 million. Avista is proposing to increase rates by approximately 7.7 percent to make up for the shortfall and fund the programs in 2026. If the application is approved by the commission as filed, residential electric customers using an average of 939 kilowatt‑hours per month would see their monthly bills increase from $115.54 to $124.44.

Written comments were initially due March 27, 2026. The commission determined that extending the deadline would create additional time for public input. Comments are now due Friday, April 10, 2026. They must be submitted through the commission’s website or by email unless computer access is not available.

To submit comments online, visit puc.idaho.gov and click the “Case Comment Form” link on the upper left side of the page. Please use case number AVU‑E‑26‑01 when filling out the form. Comments submitted by email should be sent to the email addresses listed below. Commenters must include their name, address and case number AVU‑E‑26‑01. If computer access is not available, comments may be mailed to the commission and Avista Utilities at the addresses listed below, and must also include the commenter’s name, address and case number.

To contact the Idaho Public Utilities Commission: Commission Secretary, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83702‑0074; email: [email protected].

To contact Avista Utilities: Anni Glogovac and Shawn Bonfield, Avista Corporation, P.O. Box 3727, MSC 33, 1411 E. Mission Ave., Spokane, WA 99220‑3727; emails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].

Information: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7703