Avista lowers natural gas rates in Idaho

Avista’s Idaho customers will pay less for natural gas after state regulators approved the utility’s request to lower rates beginning Thursday. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved Avista’s request to reduce natural gas rates by 5.7 percent, or $3.46 for an average residential customer using 62 therms per month. A similar request was recently approved in Washington. Large commercial customer’s rates will decrease by about 7.3 percent. Natural gas companies are required to adjust rates periodically to reflect changes in wholesale prices. Increased supply and weak demand has led to falling prices. Avista purchases natural gas from suppliers in Wyoming, Alberta and British Columbia and distributes it to customers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.