20180126Avista to Staff ICNU_DR_020.docx

AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:WashingtonDATE PREPARED:11/01/2017
CASE NO.:U-170970WITNESS:Kevin Christie
REQUESTER:ICNURESPONDER:Linda GervaisTYPE:Data RequestDEPT:State & Federal Regulation
REQUEST NO.:ICNU– 020(AVA)TELEPHONE:[phone]EMAIL:[e-mail]
REQUEST:
Refer to Christie, Exh. KJC-1T at 4:1-3, 15-17:
Please provide a narrative explaining, in further detail, how Avista anticipates that a merger with Hydro One will provide “increased opportunities and resources to serve” Avista customers, specifically in the context of the Energy Efficiency departments efforts “to help customers control their energy costs and reduce their energy ‘footprint’”; and
Indicate any “increased opportunities and resources” anticipated for industrial or large end-use customers in this context.RESPONSE:a.&b.As discussed in Hydro One’s direct filing, Avista will operate as a stand-alone utility, operated independently from Hydro One. Avista will continue to provide energy efficiency funding through its Commission-approved Schedules 91 and 191. To the extent there are changes to that program over time, Avista has an ongoing active stakeholder involvement in its demand side management program process. Extensive stakeholder involvement opportunities are provided for the development of programs, biennial plans, and associated issues through multiple processes, including Avista's IRP Technical Advisory Committee. Avista's Advisory Group consists of interested regulatory, consumer and energy industry parties.