20260828Reply Comments.pdf

11
RECEIVED
August 28, 2026
Avista Corp. IDAHO PUBLIC
1411 East Mission Ave.,P.O.Box 3727 UTILITIES COMMISSION
Spokane,WA 99220-0500
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-227-9187
August 28, 2026
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
11331 W. Chinden Blvd
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714
Re: Case No. AVU-E-26-01 —Avista Utilities Reply Comments
Commission Secretary:
Avista Corporation, d/b/a Avista Utilities ("Avista" or the "Company"), respectfully
submits these Reply Comments in response to the Comments of Commission Staff filed on August
25, 2026.
The Company appreciates Staff s thorough review of its filing, including all associated
discovery responses and supporting materials. Avista thanks Staff for its thoughtful analysis of the
issues presented in this proceeding and for its recognition of the significant challenges posed by
the declining cost-effectiveness of the Company's natural gas demand side management (DSM)
portfolio. The Company agrees with Staff s recommendation to approve the temporary suspension
of Avista's natural gas DSM programs,while continuing to fund the Company's Northwest Energy
Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) participation and low-income weatherization commitments through
the end of 2027 or until the rider balance reaches zero,whichever occurs first.Avista further agrees
that the Company should seek Commission approval to reintroduce natural gas DSM programs
should future conditions allow for the development of a cost-effective portfolio. Accordingly, the
Company supports Staff s recommendations and respectfully requests that the Commission
approve the Application consistent with Staff s Comments.
If you have any questions regarding this filing, please contact me at [phone] or
Jaime.StPeter(cDavistacorp.com.
Sincerely,
l j,lAv`ox .fit Feted
Jaime St Peter
Regulatory Affairs Manager