20250220Comments_7.pdf

From:Tena Boson <[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2025 12:31 PM
To: secretary
Subject:Avista Rates
Hi! I am against the ridiculous rate increases that Avista wants. People cannot afford
this. They can cut their top management salaries as they are over compensated.
Tena Boson
610 19th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501
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From:Tena Boson <[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2025 12:37 PM
To: secretary
Subject: Re: Avista Rates
Oh, I need to say this will impact my family greatly. We are having issues making it
now. We know seniors that will be turning off their electricity because they cannot afford
it. Electrical rates need to reasonable and these new rates are not.
Tena Boson
On Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 11:31 AM Tena Boson <[e-mail]>wrote:
Hi! I am against the ridiculous rate increases that Avista wants. People cannot afford
this. They can cut their top management salaries as they are over compensated.
Tena Boson
610 19th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Christian Schmalz
Submission Time: Feb 20 2025 12:05PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 11802 W.Thunder Rdg
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company:Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-25-01
Comment: "(This letter also is submitted for Case No.AVU-G--01)
Subject: Opposition to Avista Power Company's Proposed Rate Hike
Dear Commissioners,
1

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed rate hike by Avista Power Company.This
increase would impose an undue financial burden on Idaho residents, many of whom are already
struggling with rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
It is deeply concerning that these proposed rate hikes are driven, in part, by the impact of Washington
State's progressive and green energy mandates. While the pursuit of sustainable energy is a
commendable goal,the aggressive regulations and costly infrastructure changes required by
Washington's policies unfairly shift financial strain onto Idaho customers who receive no direct benefit
from these measures.The result is a form of cross-subsidization that punishes Idahoans for policies
enacted beyond our state's borders.
Idaho has historically prioritized affordable and reliable energy for its residents.This tradition should not
be compromised by the financial consequences of another state's regulatory agenda. We should not be
forced to shoulder the cost of meeting standards and renewable targets that do not align with Idaho's
economic realities or our energy priorities.
I urge the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to reject Avista's proposed rate increase and to advocate for
fair and transparent rate structures that protect Idaho consumers from the financial impacts of external
policy decisions. Our energy rates should reflect the costs of serving Idahoans, not subsidize the political
choices of neighboring states.
Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to your careful review and a decision that
prioritizes the best interests of Idaho residents.
Sincerely,
Christian Schmalz
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Name: Monika Hall
Submission Time: Feb 20 2025 12:59PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1602 20th Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501
Name of Utility Company:Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-25-01
Comment: "To whom it may concern,
My name is Monika Hall and I am a retired resident of Lewiston, Id. living on a very fixed, minimal
income.
Lewiston is one of the highest property taxed cities in the state of Idaho and also the highest utilities
billed with all their added fees.
Avista already charges a $20.00 fee per utility.That is a extra $40.00 per month weather you use that
service or not.
2

I urge you to PLEASE take into consideration all the struggling residents of Idaho when determining your
decision on Avista's increase.
Sincerely,
Monika Hall "
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From: Rachel Shrope<[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2025 1:47 PM
To: secretary
Subject: Proposed Avista Utilities Price Hike
To whom it may concern:
I have received news that Avista is requesting to increase power rates by 15%this year,
with an additional$5 monthly service charge and an increase on natural gas by 10%. 1 have
Lived in Idaho my entire life, and there have been more increases in Avista rates than there
have been increases in wages. My employer does not increase my wage by even 7% each
year, so how am I to make up this difference? Even if one uses the "average" amount of
power calculated, and if were to make minimum wage in this state (as many, many people
do), that would be roughly 16% on their ANNUAL income to have basic power to live their
Life, make their meals, and provide heat to their children.
Let's use even the median household income in Kootenai County, Idaho, for 2022, which is
arguably one of the higher-income earning counties in the state. That amount is$71,735.
This does not include taxes that have been taken out, so we should adjust this income to
$63124 on the high end, which results in $5260 per month. Average rent in Kootenai
County, Idaho is $1750 for a home.The average mortgage payment is at least$2273. For
households who use both electric and gas, like my own, what is being requested is an
"average" of 6-7% of people's leftover living expenses to pay their power,just after paying
their rent or mortgage. Most people won't even see a 6% increase in their wage for the year.
All the while, groceries, gas, water, and all other basic human needs are becoming more
expensive.
How are we to continue living like this?
I object this request and would like to know what I can do to stand up for my family, and
other families all across Idaho who are already struggling.
Rachel Shrope
Rathdrum, ID
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From: Kasi Balmforth <[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2025 2:00 PM
3

To: secretary
Subject:Avista Increase Request Comments
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
As a resident of Idaho, Moscow specifically, I urge you to deny Avista's request to increase
their electricity and natural gas rates.
While I do agree that businesses should be able to make a profit, the increase they are
requesting will hurt Idahoans and many of us do not have the option to go with another
utility provider, essentially they are a monopoly in many areas.
Avista is a billion dollar company that can invest without increasing rates.We see year
after year increases being approved but no added value as customers.
Please keep the hard working Idahoans in mind when reviewing Avista's request and deny
the increase. We are all already strapped financially from these last 4 years and need time
to recover.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
Kasi Balmforth
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From:Jeffs Metal Artwork<[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2025 2:15 PM
To: secretary
Subject: Power increase request from Avista
I understand my letter will have little impact on your decision but I am extremely against
Avista raising rates and even more insulted at the amount they are requesting. If you look at
the press release on Facebook 100% of the people are against it. Times are hard for many
right now and this is not the time. Maybe it's time for them to learn to trim their fat. Maybe
they all don't need new trucks to drive. And considering in 2024 their PROFIT was 112.8
million. I wish my pay was as positive as that. People can not afford rent, a house, or heat
to stay warm. So I ask you to tell them no. In 2025 it's the year to trim some fat. Stop
expecting the taxpayers to always keep you a float and be responsible with their money. It's
not like we can shop around.
Thank you and fingers crossed you will think about all idahoans.
Jeff Zimmerman
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