20260406Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Sara Stiner
Submission Time: Apr 6 2026 10:58AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1301 E Lakeside Ave
Coeur d alene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company: AVISTA
Case ID: AVU-E-26-01
Comment: "While Avista characterizes this filing as an annual adjustment, the cumulative
effect of repeated rate increases over the past several years cannot be ignored.
Since 2020, Idaho customers have experienced multiple increases through general rate
cases, annual adjustments, and other filings. Each individual increase may appear modest
in isolation, but together they have resulted in a significant and ongoing rise in the cost of
electricity for Idaho households.
The current proposal would increase residential bills by$8.90 per month for average usage.
However, many households are already experiencing monthly bills far exceeding these
"average" estimates. OFTEN surpassing$300, even when attempting to follow
recommended energy efficiency measures.
At the same time, Idaho residents are facing substantial increases in the cost of living,
particularly in housing. Rent prices across many parts of the state has risen sharply in
recent years, placing additional financial strain on working families, single-parent
households, and individuals on fixed incomes. When rising utility costs are layered on top
of already elevated housing expenses, the combined burden becomes increasingly
unsustainable.
Electricity is an essential service, not a discretionary expense. Especially since we have to
have electricity and running water to keep CPS out of their homes. Customers cannot
simply opt out or significantly reduce usage without impacting basic needs such as
heating, cooling, and safety. Continued incremental rate increases, when combined with
broader economic pressures like rising rent, create a compounding financial effect that
disproportionately impacts those least able to absorb it.
I respectfully urge the Commission to evaluate this request in the context of these
cumulative pressures rather than in isolation. Greater scrutiny, transparency, and
exploration of cost-mitigation strategies should be required before approving any additional
rate increases. Idaho residents should not be expected to continuously absorb rising utility
costs while also facing escalating housing expenses and overall cost-of-living increases.
Thank you for your time. "
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