Avista’s Idaho customers could begin paying more for electricity and natural gas on Jan. 1 under a recent settlement in the utility’s pending rate case. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is expected to act on the settlement in December. If approved, a typical household would see its monthly electric bill increase by 0.9 percent, or 75 cents, for a total of $85.74. A typical natural gas bill would increase by 5.4 percent, or $3.19 per month, for a total of $62.41. The new natural gas rates would include a $1 hike in the basic charge, which would increase from $4.25 to $5.25 per month/SR. More here.