Wwp Seeks Permission To Lower Idaho Electric Rates

Washington Water Power Co. on Thursday asked Idaho regulators for permission to make changes that would reduce electric rates by 2.4 percent in that state for one year.

If the Idaho Public Utilities Commission approves the request, a typical Idaho residential customer using 1,020 kilowatt hours of electricity per month would see a monthly bill decrease of $1.16, the utility said.

The Spokane-based utility is proposing that the new rate take effect June 1 and expire May 31, 1998.

The proposed rebate is a result of a rate-calculation method state regulators adopted in 1989. The power cost adjustment mechanism reflects changes in electric utilities’ power-supply costs associated with abnormal weather and streamflows.

When the actual costs are $2.2 million more or less than historical averages, Washington Water Power can seek to either increase its rates or offer customers a refund.

, DataTimes