Avista Corp. CEO Scott Morris’ total compensation increased by $250,000 last year, to $3.5 million, due in large part to the company’s improved financial performance, Avista said in a detailed report to Washington state regulators. Of the $9.5 million paid to all company officers, about 42 percent came from customers’ rate payments in its three-state service area, Avista said in the report. That last figure was required by order of the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission. Washington customers, which represent Avista’s largest service territory, pay $2.4 million of the company officers’ $9.5 million in compensation through their rates. Idaho customers pay $1.2 million and Oregon customers pay about $560,000/SR. More here. (SR file photo of Scott Morris)

Thoughts?

Item: Avista officers making more: SEC filing details greater compensation, stock awards received/David Cole, Coeur d'Alene Press

More Info: Total compensation rose for Avista Corp.'s top executive officers in 2010 compared with the year earlier, according to the company's annual proxy statement filed on Thursday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Scott Morris (pictured), Avista's chairman, president and chief executive officer, earned $3.24 million last year. That was a jump of more than $217,000 compared with 2009. He made $2.68 million in 2008.

Question: Are top Avista officials tone deaf when it comes to their salaries and compensation?

Item: Avista boss defends proposed rate hike: Money needed to keep up with expenses, operations/Bill Buley, CDA Press

More Info: Despite $73.6 million in net income last year, Avista President and CEO Scott Morris said the company needs a proposed net electric rate increase of 7.8 percent and a natural gas rate increase of 3 percent in Idaho. Ultimately, he said, it will benefit its customers. “It’s a difficult concept for customers,” Morris said during a meeting with The Press. “I think they think I’m getting it all.” A profit allows Avista to continue to be among the region’s most green, reliable and inexpensive power providers, Morris said.

Question: Are you buying what Avista President/CEO Scott Morris is selling re: the necessity for a natural gas rate increase at a time like this?