Utility fueled by greed

Sun., May 15, 2011

In response to Avista’s bottom line article (Business section, May 7): Thanks to cooler, wetter weather, retail demand for energy was high. Coupled with rate increases that went into effect last fall, Avista’s first-quarter profits were very high, if not a record.

Most companies would be content with such results. But not Avista. It plans to ask for a rate increase in June for Washington and ponder one for its Idaho customers. The reason this time is only because it can. The state utility commission authorizes it.

With so many of Avista’s customers and small business just trying to survive, one would be surprised by its greed. Except we have seen it too many times before.

Jerry Sletvold

Spokane Valley

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