Avista requests natural gas rate increase in Idaho

Avista is asking Idaho regulators to approve a slight increase in natural gas rates, effective Nov. 1.

If the request is approved, a typical Idaho household using 61 therms of natural gas each month would see its bill increase from $51.10 to $51.38, a 28-cent monthly increase.

The Spokane-based utility asks for yearly price adjustments based on wholesale power costs and other factors. A similar request is pending in Washington.

The requested increase is separate from the utility’s request for higher base rates for electricity and natural gas, which was filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in June.