Avista Idaho rates subject of workshop

Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will hold a Dec. 20 workshop on unresolved issues from the last Avista Utilities rate case. The final order directed Avista, commission staff and other interested parties to participate in a workshop addressing the tiered rate structure for residential electric customers. Avista charges its residential electric customers 7.77 cents per kilowatt for the first 600 kilowatts each month and nearly 8.7 cents per kilowatt for all use above 600 kilowatts. The Idaho Conservation League, Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho and others believe Avista should examine the line between the first and second tier block rates and consider adding a third block. The workshop begins at 10 a.m. in the commission hearing room at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise. People can participate by phone at (888) 706-6468. The participation code is 472404.