State regulators expand assistance program for Avista customers impacted by COVID-19

April 13, 2020 Updated Mon., April 13, 2020 at 5:43 p.m.

By Amy Edelen amye@spokesman.com (509) 459-5581

Washington state regulators approved temporary changes to Avista Corp.’s low-income rate-assistance program for customers financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Residential electric and natural gas customers are eligible to apply for hardship grants up to $350 and an existing cap of one grant per year has been lifted, according to the Washington state Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Avista’s verification requirement to qualify for its low-income rate-assistance program was shortened from three months to one month, according to a UTC release.

Grants are administered by local community action agencies. Customers can call Avista at (800) 227-9187 to discuss bill-payment options.

Avista also has suspended disconnections for nonpayment amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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