Spokane7
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December 17, 2011 in City
State commission approves Avista rate increases
Avista Corp. received state approval to raise rates starting Jan. 1.
The utility’s Washington ratepayers will pay 4.6 percent more for electricity. That’s about $3.10 more per month, raising the average bill to about $81.93.
Avista also will collect 2.4 percent more for natural gas, adding an extra $1.83 to the average monthly bill, bringing the charges to $66.69.
The rate hikes were approved Friday by the three-member Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. As part of the agreement, Avista will not be able to seek another rate increase until April 2012.
The commission noted in a press release that Avista initially sought higher rate increases before reaching an agreement in September. Along with approving the rate settlement, the commission has asked Avista for “a more detailed breakdown of wages, bonuses and executive compensation to assist in further analysis.”
The commission noted that comments and concerns by Avista ratepayers during public hearings regarding executive compensation prompted the request for additional materials.
Avista has until Feb. 29 to respond to the commission request for information.
Company spokeswoman Debbie Simock said Avista is satisfied with the rate increases, which are expected to bring an additional $23.7 million in revenues.
Avista sells electricity to 234,000 ratepayers in Washington. The company sells natural gas to 147,000 ratepayers.
Parishes giving $1.5 million toward settling sex cases 
greyhound2 on December 17 at 6:27 a.m.
The three members of the Utilities and Transportation Commission are appointed, not elected. They are appointed by the governor, who is on the receiving end of campaign contributions from Avista. These people are not watchdogs looking out for the public interest and they have more of an interest in keeping their own jobs and not interrupting the flow of juice into campaign coffers. There needs to be a way of changing a private, for-profit monopoly corporation into a public utility district like Seattle and other areas.
JanB on December 17 at 8:14 a.m.
@ greyhound2
I couldn’t agree more. It is obscene that Avista cuts off power to poor people who can’t afford to pay their power bill while the CEO of Avista makes an astronomical salary.
D Statler on December 17 at 8:20 a.m.
Corruption runs wild in the UTC. AVISTA must wait till April 2012 to request another increase. Geeze guys, please do us another favor. I am very disappointed with the UTC, The Attourney General failed to protect us from the UTC and AVISTA. Their office shows up representing rate payers and UTC. No conflict of interest there :^( AVISTA shows up in full force ready to escort their UTC buddies out to lunch. The UTC regulators take home a cool $125,000 a year plus state benefits and any extra kickbacks AVISTA and others can funnel them.
This would be a great place to start making budget adjustments for our leaders.The 156 regulators need to be disbanded before any more damage is done.
AVISTA is in a great position to help people. They have been receiving record profits for years. At some point,enough profit is enough. AVISTA could be the company to really make a difference for the good of mankind. Continuing to suck more and more life out of us is not helping our economy or our quality of life. I would be ashamed of your corporate behavior when times are so tough on the people you serve. Merry Christmas Friends :^(
DHF on December 17 at 9:54 a.m.
I am glad that I dont have to rely on Avista for utilities. It seems like every Christmas you folks get the shaft. I wonder how many poor people will get their Heat turned off because of this GREEDY Co.
The_Seer on December 17 at 10:04 a.m.
greyhound: There is a way to transform into a P.U.D. like Seattle. The first step is organizing a vote available to all rate payers. It takes a simple majority to get the ball rolling.
I started a Facebook page dedicated to this cause about two years ago. I think it has less than 10 “likes” so far.
You can join here and peruse the links to Washington laws which apply to formation of P.U.D.s.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/178750578809791/
greyhound2 on December 17 at 12:55 p.m.
Good idea Seer,
While facebook has some access problems for some, why not set up a website for general access. It could be called “DumpAvista.com“. The information could be provided along with a petition signup. As far as information distribution, a simple classified ad would do directed to the website. Also, the Avista newsletter, which goes out with bills, could be used as long as Avista can be sued for under freedom of information for equal time.
DickAdams on December 17 at 8:34 p.m.
I`ll wager the spend thrifts at city hall like the increased Avista rate. The city receives an additional amount of city utility tax revenue. Oh, I almost forgot, the Washington utility commission has never seen a increased rate they didn`t like. Give what the greedy want I guess. I wonder if there is any money changing hands?
D Statler on December 18 at 8:09 p.m.
AVISTA, What a great neighbor !
KAISERUSN on January 06 at 2:26 a.m.
“Company (HACK) spokeswoman Debbie Simock said Avista is satisfied with the rate increases, which are expected to bring an additional $23.7 million in revenues. The commission noted in a press release that Avista initially sought higher rate increases before reaching an agreement in September. Along with approving the rate settlement, the commission has asked Avista for “a more detailed breakdown of wages, bonuses and executive compensation to assist in further analysis.” As part of the agreement, Avista will not be able to seek another rate increase until April 2012.”
YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING, CEO SCOTT MORRIS AND YOUR ENTIRE “CORPORATION” ARE NOTHING BUT STATE SUPPORTED GOUGING THIEVES.
BTW:”Avista has until Feb. 29 to respond to the commission request for information”. RE: CEO SCOTT MORRIS & CRONIES LUDICROUS SALARIES. YET, THEY WERE ALLOWED TO RAISE RATES JAN 1,12’ ANYWAY. HEY, JUST IN TIME TO RAISE THEIR RATES AGAIN IN APRIL. IT’S HYSTERICAL, IF YOU GO TO AVISTA’S “BLOG” THEY BOAST (1) LOUSY CHRISTMAS TREE (WITH LIGHTS), THAT WAS GIVEN TO A “FAMILY IN NEED”. (BLEEECH) IT’S TOO BAD THAT THE FAMILY THAT RECEIVED THE TREE PROBABLY COULDN’T AFFORD TO PLUG IT IN. THANK YOU AVISTA FOR MAKING OUR LIVES DURING THE WORST ECONOMY SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION SO MUCH EASIER!