20240515Avista Extension 51 0515 Press Release.pdf

='III,
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Brad Little,Govemor
P.O. Bar 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 Eric Ardersm President
John k Hammond, Jr,Commissioner
Edward Lodge,Commissioner
Case No.AVU-E-24-05
Order No. 36182
Contact:Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
NEWS RELEASE: Commission approves utility application to update costs and administrative
changes to electric line extension schedule 51.
BOISE (May 15, 2024)—The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an application
from Avista Utilities that will allow it to update costs and administrative changes to the utility's
electric line extension Schedule 51.
This schedule incorporates the average costing for electric facilities commonly used to extend
service. Schedule 51 sets forth basic and exceptional costs that have a fixed and variable
component. The variable component is stated on a cost-per-foot basis. The basic and exceptional
costs apply to infrastructure like transformers and conduit, and are based on recent average costs.
Avista updated the allowances for new residential, industrial and commercial customers'
services. The updated allowances are based on an embedded cost method which seeks to ensure
investments in facilities for new customers track embedded costs included in base rates. Costs
that exceed the allowance must be paid by the customer and will be booked as a contribution in
aid of construction.
The utility said the primary driver of higher costs are increased labor and transformer costs.
Avista also said demand outpaces supply in the utility sector, driving prices upward.
The commission reviewed Avista's application and found it fair,just and reasonable to approve
it.
Additional information on the application and the commission's approval of it is available at
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7295.