First Avista.pdf

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November 12, 2002
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Avista Corp.
1411 East Mission POBox3727
Spokane, Washington 99220-3727
Telephone [phone]
Toll Free 800-727-9170
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VIA E-MAIL AND OVERNIGHT DELIVERY
Lisa Nordstrom
Deputy Attorney General
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington Street
Boise, ill 83702-5983
RE:Case No. GNR-02-
Avista Utilities' Data Responses Nos. 1 through 18
Dear Ms. Nordstrom:
Please find enclosed an original and three (3) copies of A vista s responses to IPUC Staff Data
Request Nos. 1 through 17.
The First Production Request asks for a joint response on behalf of all Applicants to Request
Nos. 1 through 7 and Request No. 18 , if possible. Avista Utilities has consulted with
Intermountain Gas Company and Pacificorp on these requests. Avista Utilities' responses to
these requests are similar to those of the other Applicants.
If you have any questions, please call Renee Webb at [phone] or Bruce Folsom at
[phone].
Sincerely,
Patty Olsness
Rates Coordinator
Enclosures
cc: Paul Powell , Intermountain Gas Company
Carole Rockney, Pacificorp
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Given the following scenario, does each of the four described outcomes provide an accurate
illustration of how a customer would be affected by both the current moratorium and the
proposed Winter Protection Program? Ifnot, please explain the basis for distinction and provide
an illustrative example of how a customer would be affected.
Scenario. On December 1 , the customer declares inability to pay and has children under
18 in the household. The customer has a past due balance of $1 00. The customer is billed $75 in
December, $100 in January, and $125 in February for energy usage. For simplicity, interest
charges, which would normally apply, are not included in these examples.
Outcomes Under Existing Moratorium - Rule 306
Customer eligible for LIHEAP The customer makes no payment from personal funds for
the months of December through February. The utility receives an Energy Assistance benefit
amount of$250 in January, which is applied to the customer s past due balance of$275 ($100
balance carried forward plus $75 bill for December and $100 bill for January.) The utility is
prohibited from disconnecting the customer s service from December through February.
March 1, the customer has a past due balance of$150 ($25 remaining from January bill plus
$125 February bill) and is disconnected. To restore service, the customer must pay the past due
balance (or make other acceptable payment arrangements) plus a reconnection fee and a deposit.
Customer not eligible for LIHEAP The customer makes no payment for the months of
December through February. The utility is prohibited from disconnecting the customer s service
from December through February. On March 1 , the customer has a past due balance of $400 and
is disconnected. To restore service, the customer must pay the past due balance (or make other
acceptable payment arrangements) plus a reconnection fee and a deposit.
Outcomes under proposed Winter Protection Program (WPP)
Customer eligible for LIHEAP The customer s regular level pay amount (based on
estimated annual usage plus the past due balance of $100 divided into 12 monthly installments)
is $90. The customer s monthly payment amount under the Winter Protection Program for
December, January and February is $45 , one-half the regular level payment amount. The
customer pays $45 in December as agreed. The utility receives an Energy Assistance benefit
amount of$250 in January, which is applied to the customer s actual balance of$230 ($100
balance carried forward plus $75 bill for December and $100 bill for January minus the $45
payment made in December.)* The $20 credit balance is carried forward on the customer
February bill, so the customer pays $25 ($45 WPP amount minus credit of$20). After March 1
the customer must renegotiate payment arrangements. Options available include calculating a
new regular level payment amount, making special payment arrangements to payoff the balance
owing over a prescribed length of time, or paying the balance of $100 ($125 February bill minus
$25 payment) and paying future bills as they become due.
* At the customer s request, the utility may recalculate the monthly payment amount
following receipt of a LIHEAP or other "bulk" financial assistance payment.
Customer eligible for LIHEAP but fails to make payment.The customer s regular level
pay amount (based on estimated annual usage plus the past due balance of$100 divided into 12
monthly installments) is $90. The customer s monthly payment amount under the Winter
Protection Program for December, January and February is $45, one-half the regular level
payment amount. The customer fails to make the initial $45 payment in December as agreed and
the utility has not yet received Energy Assistance benefit payment on behalf of the customer.
The customer fails to respond to 7 day and 24 hour notices from the utility and is disconnected.
The customer pays the $45 owing under the WPP agreement and service is restored. The utility
includes the reconnection fee on the January bill and waives collection of a deposit. The utility
receives an Energy Assistance benefit amount of $250 in January, which is applied to the
customer s actual balance of $250 ($100 balance carried forward plus $75 bill for December, the
$100 bill for January, and a $20 reconnection fee minus the $45 payment made in December.
) *
The customer pays $45 in February. After March 1 , the customer must renegotiate payment
arrangements. Options available include calculating a new regular level payment amount
making special payment arrangements to payoff the balance owing over a prescribed length of
time, or paying the balance of$80 ($125 February bill minus $45 payment) and paying future
bills as they become due.
* At the customer s request, the utility may recalculate the monthly payment amount
following receipt of a LIHEAP or other "bulk" financial assistance payment.
Customer not eligible for LIHEAP.The customer does not qualify for the WPP and must
pay bills as they become due. Other payment arrangement options are available. The customer
regular level pay amount (based on estimated annual usage plus the past due balance of $1
divided into 12 monthly installments) is $90. Alternatively, the customer may negotiate a special
payment arrangement tailored to his or her particular circumstances. The utility may disconnect
service if the customer fails to pay bills as they become due or to keep a payment arrangement.
If disconnection occurs, the customer must pay the past due balance plus a reconnection fee and
a deposit.
RESPONSE:
The scenario described above as "Current Moratorium--Customer eligible for LIHEAP" is
an accurate illustration of how a customer would be affected by the current moratorium.
The scenario described above as "Current Moratorium--Customer not eligible for
LIHEAP" is an accurate illustration of how a customer would be affected by the current
moratorium.
Regarding the scenario described above as "Proposed Program--Customer eligible for
LIHEAP": As long as the customer s account balance is equal to or greater than 112 oflevel
pay , then they would still need to make their minimal monthly payment of 112 oflevel pay
each month during the months of December, January and February. So in the situation listed
above, the customer would need to pay $45 rather than $25, in February (their balance in
February would be $105 or ($100 + $75 -$45 + $100 - $250 + $125) = $105). On March 1 st their
balance would be $60 and the options available include calculating a new payment plan, special
arrangements or paying the $60 balance and paying future bills as they become due.
Page 2 of21
Bill Payment Balance
Beginning Balance 100.
December 75.175.
December 45.130.
January $100.230.
January 250.(20.00)
February 125.105.
February 45.60.
Here is an example/description of the scenario listed above under the proposed program.
Customer eligible for LIHEAP The customer s regular level pay amount (based on
estimated annual usage plus the past due balance of $1 00 divided into 12 monthly installments)
is $90. The customer s monthly payment amount under the Winter Protection Program for
December, January and February is $45, one-half the regular level payment amount. The
customer pays $45 in December as agreed. The utility receives an Energy Assistance benefit
amount of$250 in January, which is applied to the customer s actual balance of$230 ($100
balance carried forward plus $75 bill for December and $100 bill for January minus the $45
payment made in December.)* A $20 credit balance remains after applying the LIHEAP benefit
amount to the actual balance owing. Because the customer has a credit balance, the customer
does not have to make a WPP payment of$45 for January. In February, the customer makes the
$45 WPP payment, leaving a balance owing of $60 ($125 February bill minus $20 credit balance
minus $45 payment). After March 1 , the customer must renegotiate payment arrangements.
Options available include calculating a new regular level payment amount, making special
payment arrangements to pay off the $60 balance owing over a prescribed length of time, or
paying the balance and paying future bills as they become due.
* At the customer s request, the utility may recalculate the monthly payment amount
following receipt of a LIHEAP or other "bulk" financial assistance payment.
Regarding the scenario described in the data request as "Proposed Program--Customer
eligible for LIHEAP but fails to make payment:
When service is disconnected in December, the customer would be able to reconnect
service for the missed payment of $45 , however the deposit amount would not be waived, the
deposit and reconnection fee would be added to the January bill.
After March 1 , the customer must renegotiate payment arrangements. Options available
include calculating a new regular level payment amount, making special payment arrangements
to pay off the balance & deposit owing over a prescribed length of time, or paying the balance of
$80 + the deposit balance and paying future bills as they become due.
* At the customer s request, the utility may recalculate the monthly payment amount
following receipt of a LIHEAP or other "bulk" financial assistance payment.
Page 3 of21
Bill Payment Balance
Beginning Balance 100.
December 75.175.
Customer disconnected for failure to pay $45
Customer is reconnected for $45, utility bills the reconnect & deposit
December 45.130.
(reconnect fee billed)20.150.
January $100.250.
January 250.
February 125.125.
February 45.80.
The scenario described in the request related to "Proposed Program--Customer not eligible
for LIHEAP" is an accurate illustration of how a customer would be affected by the proposed
Winter Protection Program.
Page 4 of21
AVISTACORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
In the Application at page 2, eligibility for the proposed Winter Protection Program is defined as
any residential customer who declares that he or she is unable to pay for utility service during
the specified months of December, January and February and whose household qualifies for
energy assistance from a local Community Action Agency . Is the reference to "energy
assistance from a local Community Action Agency" meant to generally apply to any financial
assistance provided through a local Community Action Agency for the purpose of paying energy
bills, including Project Share? Alternatively, should this phrase be more narrowly construed as
eligibility to participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
RESPONSE:
The reference to "households who qualify for energy assistance from a local Community Action
Agency" is meant to apply to a customer whose income levels meet those established to qualify
for energy assistance. The intent was to follow the % that is set for the state ofIdaho.
Page 5 of21
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Is it the intention of the Applicants that eligibility for participation in the proposed Winter
Protection Program be based on State of Idaho income criteria established for LIHEAP, which
may vary from year to year?
RESPONSE:
Yes.
Page 6 of21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Fo~om
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer ServiceTELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
In the Application at page 5 , the statement is made that "Tennination of service may occur if
customers do not participate in the Winter Protection Program through establishing monthly
payments with the exception of special dispensation customers under 'medical emergency
designation . Is the reference to a medical "exception" based on the requirements of Rule 308 of
the Utility Customer Relations Rules? Ifnot, please provide further explanation of how the
utilities intend to provide special dispensation in cases of medical emergencies.
RESPONSE:
Yes, the reference to a medical "exception" is based on the requirements of Rule 308 of the
Utility Customer Relations Rules.
Page 7 of2l
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Rule 308 of the Utility Customer Relations Rules provides for a 30-day extension for payment.
At the utility s option, another 30-day extension may be granted. What criteria will be used to
determine whether to grant this second medical extension? Will the criteria differ during the
winter heating season as opposed to any other time of year? If a customer receives a full60-day
medical extension but the same medical conditions exist at the end of the 60 days, will further
extensions be granted? Ifnot, why not? If so, what criteria will be used to determine whether
further extensions should be granted?
RESPONSE:
The criteria to grant a 2nd medical extension will be the same as it is under the present rules. It is
handled on a case-by-case basis regardless of the time of year.
Criteria to be used to determine whether further extensions should be granted will be based on
Rule 308.
Page 8 of21
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Applicants have requested temporary exemption from Rule 306.01-06. Would Applicants be
opposed to maintaining the part of the current moratorium that prohibits disconnection of
customers who are infirm? If so, why?
RESPONSE:
Yes. We handle "infirm" individuals under Rule 308 and we propose to continue to do so.
Page 9 of21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-O2-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11/7/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
The proposed Winter Protection Program will exclude customers who do not meet LIHEAP
income eligibility criteria. What payment options will be available for the working poor, defined
as those customers who fall between 133% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines? Will
any special consideration be provided to these customers? If so, please describe.
RESPONSE:
Customer arrangements are negotiated on a case by case basis taking, into consideration many
factors and customer situations, such as their payment history, date of last payment, number of
broken arrangements, etc. A vista currently offers the following types of arrangements.
Current bill + an amount can vary
Levelized (where the customer pays a set amount until the account is current)
Comfort Level Billing (where the customer pays an average bill amount every month)
Short term arrangements ( where the customer pays partial payments over a set period of
time)
Customers experiencing financial difficulties and extenuating circumstances are usually referred
to Avista s "CARES" representative, who help find additional sources of funding (other than
LIHEAP) through other agencies and help to negotiate lower monthly arrangements for the
customer. The "CARES" representatives personally follow the account and make personal
contacts with their customers. A vista will take into consideration those who have and are making
an effort on their account and will be willing to make more lenient arrangements.
Page 10 of21
cAVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please provide the number of residential customers served at the end of the
calendar year for 1999, 2000 and 2001. For Avista, please provide a further breakdown of
customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
~equest No;8 - Please provide the number of residential customers
servedattheendofthe calendar year for 1999, 2000 and 2001.
1999 2000 2001 2002
Electric Only 752 510 775 555
Gas Only 534 814 037 885
Electric and Gas 005 183 716 550
Total 291 507 528 99,990
Page 11 of 21
VIST A CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please provide the number of residential customers served at the end ofthe
calendar year for 1999, 2000 and 2001 who were on a Level Payment Plan. For Avista, please
provide a further breakdown of customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only,
gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
Request No.9 .Please provide the number of residential customers served at
the end of the calendar year for 1999, 2000 and 2001 who were on a level
Payment Plan.
1999 2000 2001
Electric Only 5,456 172 761
Gas Only 607 647 701
Electric and Gas 379 366 229
Total 13,442 185 691
Page 12 of21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please provide the total number ofresidential customers who declared
eligibility for protection from disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000 2000-
and 2001-02 heating seasons. For Avista, please provide a further breakdown of customers by
the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
RequestNo.1Q~ Please provide the total number of residential customers who declared
eligibility for protectionfrom disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000, 2000-
01and.2001-02heating seasons.
. .
Dee 99 - Feb Dee 00 - Feb Dee 01 - Feb
Electric Only 124 522 574
Gas Only 102
Electric and Gas 793 261 392
Total 953 873 068
Page 13 of 21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please provide the number of residential customers served at the end of the
calendar year for 1999, 2000 and 2001 who declared eligibility for protection from disconnection
during the moratorium and were on a Level Payment Plan or a Winter Payment Plan. (Please list
each type of plan separately.) For Avista, please provide a further breakdown of customers by the
following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
Request No. 11- Please provide the number of residential customers served at the end of the
calendar year for 1999,2000 and 2001 who declared eligibility for protection from
disconnection during the moratorium and were on a Level paymentPlan or a Winter Payment
Plan. (Please list eachtype of plan separately.
..
Dec 99 - Feb Dee 00 - Feb Dee 01 - Feb
Electric Only
Gas Only
Electric and Gas
Total
*Customers do not participate in the current Moratorium and also Level Payment or Winter
Payment Plan.
Page 14 of21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Of those customers identified in the response to Request No. 11 above, how many received a
LIHEAP benefit? How many received financial assistance from Project Share?
RESPONSE:
Request No. 12, part 1- Of those customers identified in the response to Request
1 0 above, how many received a LlHEAP benefit?
Dee 99 - Feb Dee 00 - Feb Dee 01 - Feb
Electric Only 267 347 201
Gas Only
Electric and Gas 190 229 176
Total 459 582 385
Request No. 12 part 2 - Of those customers identified in the response to Request
NO. 10 above, how many received financial assistance from Project Share?
Dee 99 - Feb Dee 00 - Feb Dee 01 - Feb
Electric Only 127
Gas Only
Electric and Gas
Total 192 147
Page 15 of21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please provide the total number of customers who declared eligibility for
protection from disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000 2000-01 and 2001-
heating seasons and made no payments during the months of December, January and February.
For Avista, please provide a further breakdown of customers by the following categories:
electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
Request No. 13 - total number of customers who declared eligibility for protection from
disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons
and made no payments during the months of December, January and February.
Dee 99 - Feb Dee 00 - Feb Dee 01 - Feb
Electric Only 234 239 312
Gas Only
Electric and Gas 135 141 207
Total 380 390 536
*This graph doesn t include customers who made 1 or 2 minimal payments during the
Moratorium.
Page 16 of21
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATIONIdaho DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02
GNR-02-WITNESS: Bruce FolsomStaff RESPONDER: Renee WebbData Request DEPT: Customer Service
11/1212002 TELEPHONE: [phone] FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST: For each Applicant, please provide the total number of customers who declared eligibility for
protection from disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons and
were disconnected for non-payment the following March, April or May. (Please list each month separately.) For
A vista, please provide a further breakdown of customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas
and electric combined. Please also provide the total amount owing at the time of disconnection for each month.
RESPONSE:
Request No. 14..total number of customers who declared eligibility for protection from
disconnection during the moratorium for the 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons
andweredisconnected for non-payment the following March , April or May. (Please list each
11'10nth separately.) For Avista, please provide a further breakdown of customers by the
following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined. Please also provide
thetotaramount owing at the time of disconnection for each month.
1999 - 2000
Mar-Apr-May-Total
# of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust
Electric Only 124 33,942 250 15,645 280
Gas Only 126 421 207
Electric and Gas 25,003 676 979 202
Total 218 60,071 120 347 153 28,831 491
2000 2001
Mar-Apr-May-Total
# of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust
Electric Only 615 24,443 028 260
Gas Only 023 579 120
Electric and Gas 587 558 745 240
Total 171 225 184 580 160 893 515
2001 2002
Mar-Apr-May-Total
# of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust Amt Owing # of Gust
Electric Only 117 40,492 101 23,511 263 283
Gas Only 716 006 296
Electric and Gas 101 358 152 23,126 284
Total 223 566 203 669 156 685 582
*Moratorium disconnects continue past May of each year.
*This graph doesn t include the customers who had not paid during the moratorium and then
requested to close their account after March 1.
Page 17 of 21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
Of those customers identified in the response to Request No. 14, how many were subsequently
reconnected within 10 days of disconnection? For A vista, please provide a further breakdown
of customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric combined.
RESPONSE:
Request No. 15 - Of those customers identified in the response to Request No. 14, how many
were subsequently reconnected within 1 0 days of disconnection?
2000
March April May Total
# of Gust # of Gust # of Gust # of Gust
Electric Only 106 246
Gas Only
Electric and Gas 187
Total 190 107 142 439
2001
March April May Total
# of Gust # of Gust # of Gust # of Gust
Electric Only 219
Gas Only
Electric and Gas 192
Total 122 160 141 423
2002
March April May Total
# of Gust # of Gust # of Gust # of Gust
Electric Only 227
Gas Only
Electric and Gas 247
Total 170 179 137 486
Page 18 of21
A VISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11112/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes-LNo
REQUEST:
Of those customers identified in the response to Request No. 13, how many did not reestablish
service and had made no payment 90 days after disconnection? For Avista, please provide a
further breakdown of customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and
electric combined. Please also provide the total amount owing 90 days after disconnection for
each month. What percentage of total residential write offs does this represent for the same time
period?
RESPONSE:
Request No. 16 - Part 1 - Of those customers identified in the response to f~equest No. 14, how many
did not reestablish service and had made no p,ayment 90 days after disconnection?
Mar 1 2000 May 31 2000 Mar 1 2001 May 31,2001 Mar 1 2002 May 31 2002
Electric Only
Gas Only
Electric and Gas
Total
Request No. 16- Part 2/3 - PleaSE! also provide the total amountowing 90 clays after
disconnec:tionfor eaclil month. What pelrcentageof total residential write offsdoE's this represent
for the same time period?
Write Off
Balances
2000
Moratorium Total Idaho
Customers Residential
$ 7 623 $ 65 584
$ 15 204 $ 71 120
$ 32 101 $ 96 281
$ 26 047 $ 95 776
$ 12 239 $ 66,481
$ 11 160 $ 64 928
$ 5 556 $ 50 078$ 6,581 $ 53 799
$ 3 171 $ 48 153
$ 2 504 $ 33,440
$ 122 184 $ 645 639
2001
Moratorium Total Idaho
Customers Residential
12% $ 11 047 $ 72 533
21% $ 22,438 $ 84 298
33% $ 60 794 $129 253
27% $ 63 620 $136 253
18% $ 31 658 $116 923
17% $ 25 196 $101 568
11% $ 11 957 $ 66 367
12% $ 9 607 $ 66 8617% $ 6 502 $ 44,4517% $ 6 573 $ 40 275
19% $ 249 393 $858,782
Page 19of21
2002
Moratorium Total Idaho
Customers Residential
15% $ 15 714 $ 70 164 22%
27% $ 26 055 $ 95 951 27%
47% $ 68 875 $120 108 57%
47% $ 80 627 $131 734 61%
27% $ 34 902 $117,475 30%
25% $ 26 392 $110 525 24%
18% $ 24 332 $ 81 764 30%
14% $ 10 756 $ 71 940 15%
15%
16%
29% $ 287 654 $799 662 36%
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/12/2002
DATE PREPARED: 11/12/02WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
For each Applicant, please identify the total amount that the Company received in LIHEAP
benefits for Idaho customers during the 1999-2000 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons. For
each Applicant, please identify the total amount received in Project Share payments during the
1999-2000 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons. For Avista, please provide a further
breakdown of customers by the following categories: electric only, gas only, gas and electric
combined.
RESPONSE:
RequestNo.17- Part 1 ~Identify the total amount that the Company received in LlHEAP
benefits for Idaho customers during the 1999-2000 2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons
11/30/99 3/1/00 11/30/00 3/1/01 11/30/01 3/1/02
Electric Only 187 309 253 650 241 ,469
Gas Only 087 527 515
Electric and Gas 184 105,364 122 973
Total 263,580 366 541 375 957
Request No. 17 -Part 2 Identify the total amount received in Project Share payments during
the 1999-2000,2000-01 and 2001-02 heating seasons
11/30/99 3/1/00 11/30/00 3/1/01 11/30/01 3/1/02
Electric Only 850 519 629
Gas Only 166 355 630
Electric and Gas 598 189 610
Total 29,614 063 50,869
Page 20 of 21
AVISTA CORP.
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION:
CASE NO:
REQUESTER:
TYPE:
DUE DATE:
REQUEST NO.
Idaho
GNR-02-
Staff
Data Request
11/1212002
DATE PREPARED: 1117102WITNESS: Bruce Folsom
RESPONDER: Renee WebbDEPT: Customer Service
TELEPHONE: [phone]FIELD AUDIT: Yes X
REQUEST:
At the conclusion of the Winter Protection Program pilot, what criteria should be used to judge
whether it was successful? What data should be collected by each utility and reported to the
Commission to aid in its evaluation of the pilot?
RESPONSE:
The intent of proposing the pilot is to reduce the balance owing and number of disconnections in
the spring and to help customers establish regular monthly payments. We should be tracking
information to show that the pilot does reduce balances as of March 1 , minimize the number of
accounts that are disconnected and that customers have established regular monthly payments.
Each utility should track the following information.
~ #
and % of Customers that participated in the WPP during December, January and February
~ #
and % of Customers that participated in the WPP that were disconnected for not paying
their monthly minimum during December, January and February
~ #
and % of Customers that participated in the WPP that were disconnected during the months
of March and April (compared to the number of customers that participated in Moratorium
the previous year and were disconnected in March or April)
~ #
and % of Customers that participated in the WPP that made their monthly minimum
payment during December, January and February
Balance of the accounts pmiicipating in the WPP as of December 1 , January 1 , February
and March 1.
Page 21 of21