20260803Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Chris Foster
Submission Time: Aug 1 2026 12:52PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3362 Hjalmar Johnson rd
Weippe, ID 83553
Name of Utility Company: Avista
Case ID: AVU-E-26-05
Comment: "Case Number:AVU-E-26-05 (and AVU-E-26-06/AVU-E-26-07)Subject: Public
Comment opposing Avista's proposed electric rate increases
To the Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
I am writing as an Avista ratepayer to formally object to the proposed 6.5% increase in
electric rates. As a captive consumer in a monopoly market, I have no option to choose
another provider, making it vital that the Commission protects the public from unnecessary
financial burdens.Avista operates several low-cost hydroelectric projects that provide
highly economical power to our region. Given these low generation costs, alongside the
utility's recent record profits and multi-million-dollar executive compensation packages, a
rate hike on residential households is unjustified.Furthermore, I am deeply concerned
about the drivers behind this increase. If these infrastructure improvements are being built
to bring energy-intensive data centers online, the heavy financial burden of upgrading the
grid should be paid for by those industrial operators, not shouldered by residential
ratepayers who see no direct benefit.) urge the Commission to reject this rate hike and hold
Avista accountable to its existing customer base:'
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