Avista seeks lower natural gas rates in Idaho

Avista Corp. is asking regulators for permission to decrease natural gas rates for Idaho customers, effective Nov. 1.

The slight decrease would save a typical household about 34 cents on a monthly bill. Residential customers using 63 therms of gas per month would see their bill drop from $48.31 to $47.97.

Gas rates are adjusted each fall to balance the cost of wholesale natural gas purchased by Avista with the amount included in rates. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will review and act on the request.

Company officials said the request doesn’t impact Avista’s earnings and isn’t related to Hydro One Ltd.’s proposed purchase of Avista.