Avista raising Idaho rates

Avista Utilities’ Idaho customers will pay more for natural gas and electricity, effective Jan. 1. Under the rate increase, a typical household will pay an extra $3.20 per month for natural gas, for a revised monthly bill of $54.48. The 6.2 percent rate hike includes a $1 increase in the utility’s monthly service change. For electricity, a typical household will pay an extra 75 cents per month, for a revised monthly bill of $85.74. The rate hike of 0.09 percent does not include changes to monthly service charge. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved the new rates following a proposed settlement between various stakeholders in the rate case. Spokane-based Avista also has a rate case pending in Washington/ SR.