October 12, 2008
- Lewiston, Idaho
Does anyone care about rate hikes?
A handful of IPUC and Avista were on hand in Moscow Wednesday night, but no Avista customers. By Hayley Guenthner
MOSCOW - It was a disappointing turnout for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission workshop Wednesday night at Moscow's University Inn Best Western.
IPUC and Avista officials were the only attendees at the public forum designed to give utility customers the chance to comment on proposed Avista rate increases. IPUC Public Information Officer Gene Fadness said they were there to answer questions. that he thought the recent cost increase of just about everything would have people eager to ask about why their electricity bill is joining the pack. "Nationally they have a lot of questions,” Fadness said. “Before we get too far in the rate case, we want to travel around the state and get customer input, and just make ourselves available for people." In April, Avista asked the commission for a 15.8 percent rate increase for it's electric costumers and a 5.8 percent jump for those using gas. He says there are a variety of reasons for the proposal. "Construction costs are going up, whether you're talking about concrete or steel. Electric demand is going up, with this area still growing. Northern Idaho is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Natural gas used to fuel power plants, is literally sky rocketing." Fadness says the hikes also come from Avista's need to upgrade their aging infrastructures. He said the company is also entering the seven-year process of re-licensing their hydroelectric projects on the Spokane River. He says officials were prepared to hear comments Wednesday night, but weren't expecting too many. "We don't usually get a big turnout, but we like to make ourselves available just in case customers do have questions. Sometimes they're very frustrated. They feel like they don't have a lot of input so we like to at least come up. Boise is a long ways away and sometimes they feel like they're not that accessible. That's why we have these workshops." Fadness says 2004 was the last large rise in rates. He says the requests are substantial, but commissioners will make no decision without plenty of input from consumers and careful consideration. "This is a pretty big increase,” Fadness said. “It's going to take about six to eight months to decide it. It's important enough and substantial enough that we want to be here to hear from custumers." Fadness says written comments or suggestions are welcome regarding this or any other utilities issue. As far as the low turnout, Fadness said the workshops are IPUC’s event, and Avista has no obligation to publicize them. He says prior to any workshop, notices are sent to the media and all interveners. Final decisions will be made in September by the three commissioners. In the meantime, Fadness invites anyone with concerns to mail comments to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at PO Box 83720 Boise Idaho, 83720-0074, or fax them to 208-334-0372. |
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