20250204Comments_3.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: BRIAN HIRZEL
Submission Time: Feb 4 2025 9:38AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 8800 N CLARKVIEW PL
HAYDEN, ID 83835-9581
Name of Utility Company:Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-25-01
Comment: "I am writing in regard to Avista's proposed rate increase. I feel that the proposed increases
(Totaling 20%), are excessive and place a considerable hardship on Idaho residents. Citizens are currently
getting hammered from increased cost and inflation from virtually all goods and services, now to add
another 20%on top of their utilities is a hardship for many. Inflation is and has been very high, home
and auto insurance rates are significantly increasing,trash rates increased, groceries are at the highest
they have been in many, many years,the list goes on. Citizens are seeing increases in virtually every
good and service every time they turn around, and to add another 20%onto their utility bill is a hardship
for many. I understand Avista wants to use these funds for improvements, however a much more
modest increase is more appropriate given the state of today's economy, uncertainty, and inflation. On a
personal level, we have had to cancel some services and forego purchases, even groceries, because
every time we turn around someone is raising their rates. Wage increases are not keeping pace with
inflation, so for many we are experiencing a net income reduction.
Based on Avista's own data, I do not believe a rate increase is needed or warranted. Public information
shows Avista's Q4 net profit has increased 4.7%from 2023. Net income is up 26%and revenue is up
3.7%. Avista's own projections are that revenue is expected to increase 3.5%over the next 3 years. Q3
gross PROFITS are$251.71 million. Based on this public information, which can be verified, I don't see
how Avista can justify such an increase. Perhaps Avista can use some of their profits for their needs
instead of constantly asking for rate increases. Thank you."
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The following complaint was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Chase Francoeur
Submission Time: Feb 2 2025 11:09PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 4577 Greenchain Loop#4
Coeur dalene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company:Avista
Contacted Utility: No

Comment: "I do not support the continued rate increases being passed onto consumers in Idaho by
Avista. Avista has reported they increased profit each year from 2021-2023 in their year end operating
report,jumping almost 10%from 2022 to 2023 alone. If an entity such as Avista is able to provide its
executives with 6-figure bonuses on a yearly basis then continued rate increases passed onto consumers
is not warranted. Every Idahoan relies on gas or electricity to heat their homes in the winter and cool
them in the summer.They have no choice but to use the utility company their home is connected to and
ultimately they pay the price increases because they have no other choice. "
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From: PUCWeb Notification <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday,January 31, 2025 4:00 PM
To: ConsumerComplaintsWeb
Subject: Notice:A complaint was submitted to PUCWeb
The following complaint was submiDed via PUCWeb:
Name: David Sanzo
Submission Time:Jan 312025 3:20PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1491 wooded acres
sagle, ID 83860
Name of Utility Company:Avista
Contacted Utility: No
Comment: "Electricity is a necessity.Thus, costs should not vary much past the increase in a working
wage or inflation.Avista's request for a 14% increase is more than 4 times the current inflation rate of
3%and should be lessened to a reasonable inflation rate and return on investment. "
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