Avista Utilities on Monday announced a two-year electric and natural gas rate increase request to fund capital improvements. A residential natural gas customer using an average of 61 therms per month could expect to see a $3.90, or 6.6 percent, bill increase for a revised monthly bill of $63.12 in 2016. For 2017, the proposed increase is $1.79 per month, or a 2.8 percent increase, resulting in an overall monthly bill of $64.91. If Avista's 2016 electric request is approved, a residential customer using an average of 929 kilowatt hours per month could expect to see a bill increase of $5.92 per month, or 6.9 percent, for a revised monthly bill of $91.16. For 2017, the proposed increase is $6.10 per month, or a 6.7 percent increase, resulting in an overall monthly bill of $97.26. The new rate structure, which was filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, would start on Jan. 1, 2016, if approved/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: If I was snarky, I'd say that Avista's CEO needs a pay raise. Thus, the request for a two-year electric and natural gas rate hike request. But I'm mellow this morning. Thoughts?