Senate Kills Avista Customer Aid Bill

The Idaho Senate voted 17-18 on Thursday on SB 1119, the measure proposed by Avista Corp. to allow utilities to establish programs to help struggling low-income customers and cover the cost in their rates, killing the bill. Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said, “Idaho utilities want you to pay the other guy’s bills,” and called the measure “redistribution of wealth.” Sponsor Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, said utilities already adjust their rates to cover costs for unpaid bills; the new measure would allow them to reach out to struggling customers before they get to that point/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here .

Question: Do you support the Idaho Senate’s 18-17 vote to kill a bill that would allow Avista to help low-income people who are struggling with their power bills?