20260309Comments_7.pdf

The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert Sauer
Submission Time: Mar 6 2026 4:26PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 13434 N Abeja Rd
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Comment: "I oppose Avista's request to raise rates to fund energy-efficiency programs. If
Avista wants to offer these programs, they should be funded through the company's own
budget, not through additional charges to customers who may not benefit from them.
Many Idaho residents, including myself, are already facing significant financial pressure
from rising costs across the board. Adding another mandatory charge—especially for
programs that should be voluntary—creates an unnecessary burden.
I support energy conservation through education and personal responsibility, but I do not
support shifting the cost of Avista's initiatives onto customers through rate increases. I ask
the Commission to reject this portion of the proposal and require Avista to pursue
efficiency programs without raising customer rates."
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Name: Chris Almquist
Submission Time: Mar 6 2026 4:40PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 11383 N Trafalgar St.
Hayden, ID 83835
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Comment: "I disagree to a rate increase to pay for energy efficiency programs for
customers. 2025 net income increased from 2024. 2025 Earnings per Share were $2.38,
and 2026 is projected to increase to $2.52 -$2.72 per share (this according to their own
earnings guidance. Customers should not have to foot the bills for alternative programs, at
a time when oil prices are increasing, and inflation is following suit. The PUC should
seriously consider this information when rate increases are requested by a company, that
has a virtual monopoly on us as customers. We cannot shop for another Electrical
company like we can for other businesses. Thank You."
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Steven Evans
Submission Time: Mar 7 2026 8:53AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 908
Grangeville, ID 83530
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Hello,
I am writingto plea with this commission to denythis rate increase requested by Avista.
My family of three lives in a 3 bedroom and two bathroom home of about 1500 square feet.
We keep our indoor temperature between 67 and 69 degrees most days and nights to avoid
a higher bill.All lights are low wattage LED bulbs.
We practice keeping power usage as low as possible by keeping lights off where not
needed, etc.
Our power bill for January 2026 was over$350. As you know,this has been a milder winter
than usual. Previous years we have seen winter power bills as high as $460.
With the high cost of practically everything from food to fuel, and the lower wages in Idaho
any increase in price of utilities is damaging to the average family income and furthers the
possibility of many more needing to rely on energy assistance.
Furthermore, Avista has been granted rate increases in recent past years and should not be
granted excessive increases in such short periods of time.
I am asking you to please deny Avista another increase in the high rates they already
charge.
Thank you for your time,
Steven Evans
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From: Joshua Wallace <[e-mail]>
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2026 9:38 AM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Case AVU-E-26-01
To whom it may concern,
I just very recently moved from Washington state into Post Falls, ID, one of the biggest
reasons for such was a belief that I was moving to a place in line with my beliefs, values,
and morals, along with being a more affordable place to raise my family. Now I'm seeing the
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same sort of socialist ideals being pushed by Avista, expecting everyone to pay 7.7 percent
more for power utilities to pay for what they offered to others and I personally have had no
benefit of. No one installed energy efficiency appliances into my apartment, and even basic
power usage here to keep my apartment at 60 degrees (it hasnt even been a cold winter)
and cook is costing me 150$+ a month for a 2 bedroom apartment, I ensure everyone turn
off lights when not in use,we even unplug appliances when not used, and most of the time
we are at work and our children at school.
I wholeheartedly expect that this request from Avista for a rate increase be DENIED. We
cannot sustain continued rate hikes over and over again.
Sincerely, a concerned resident of N. Idaho,
Josh Wallace
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Daniel White
Submission Time: Mar 7 2026 12:51 PM
Email: danwhite850bgmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1128 14th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Comment: "Do NOT approve Avista's rate increase!!They just raised rates not long ago.Tell
them to be more "efficient"with their current budget.
Between skyrocketing property taxes and the inflation of everything else, Idahoans cannot
afford it:'
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The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Jacob Donnerberg
Submission Time: Mar 8 2026 10:20PM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2513 valley view ct
Lewiston, ID 83501
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
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Comment: Avista rates continue to increase with no end in sight. This increase is
happening within just months of them already increasing rates. Please deny this increase.
The reason stated for needing the increase is due to people actually being more efficient
and using a service already be payed for which doesn't make sense other than them
wanting more money. Please vote no on this increase of rates.
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Name: David Asher
Submission Time: Mar 8 2026 11:33PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 10057 E. Riley Loop
Athol, ID 83801
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Comment: "I am writing to express my strong opposition to Avista's request for a rate
increase to fund its energy-efficiency programs. Not all customers are in a position to
benefit from rebates or upgrades. Asking all ratepayers to absorb yet another increase,
especially for programs that many cannot use, places an unfair burden on households
already struggling with rising utility costs across the board.
At a time when customers are facing higher rates from multiple utilities, this request
appears less like a necessity and more like an attempt to extract additional revenue without
demonstrating clear need or accountability. I urge the Commission to scrutinize Avista's
filing thoroughly and to prioritize the interests of Idaho consumers. Approving this increase
would further erode public trust and reinforce the perception that utilities can raise rates
with little resistance. It is time for a decision that protects customers rather than rewarding
unnecessary or duplicative charges.
Respectfully,
David R. Asher
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