20100804notice_of_telephonic_public_hearing.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 4, 2010
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF A VISTA CORPORATION DBA A VISTA
UTILITIES FOR AUTHORITY TO
INCREASE ITS RATES AND CHARGES FOR
ELECTRIC AND NATURAL GAS SERVICEIN IDAHO
CASE NOS. AVU-IO-
A VU-IO-
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC
PUBLIC HEARING
In March 2010, Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities filed an Application seeking
authority to increase the Company s base rates for electric and natural gas service by averages of
14% and 3., respectively. The Commission suspended the Application and subsequently
granted intervention to the following parties: Clearwater Paper Corporation; Idaho Forest Group;
Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN); Community Action Partnership Association of
Idaho (CAP AI); Idaho Conservation League (ICL); Snake River Alliance; and North Idaho
Energy Logs. The parties scheduled two conferences to discuss the possibility of settling all or
some of the issues in the rate case. All parties attended the settlement conferences except ICAN
and Idaho Energy Logs.
Based upon the settlement discussions, the participating parties agreed to resolve and
settle all issues raised in the case. On July 26, 2010, the settling parties filed their Settlement
Stipulation with the Commission. On July 29 , 2010, the Commission issued a Notice
Proposed Settlement outlining the major element in the parties ' settlement proposal.
THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
Briefly, the settlement parties agreed that annual revenues for Avista s electric and
natural gas service may increase by $21.25 million (9.25%) and $1.85 million (2.62%),
respectively. However, these proposed revenue increases are to be offset by $17.5 million of
deferred state income tax over a two-year period. The tax offset would result in an average net
increase in base rates of 3.59% for electric service and an average increase of 1.9% for natural
gas service. The parties propose that new electric and natural gas base rates become effective
October 1 2010.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the parties ' Settlement Stipulation and the
Commission s Notice of Proposed Settlement (Order No. 32043) can be viewed at the
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC
PUBLIC HEARING
Commission s office in Boise, Idaho or on the Commission s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov
clicking on "File Room" and then "Electric Cases.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission directed that parties
testimony in support of or in opposition to the proposed settlement be submitted by August 5
2010, and rebuttal testimony be submitted by August 19 2010. See Order No. 32043.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission is not bound by any
settlement reached by the parties. The Commission will independently review any settlement
proposal to determine whether the settlement is just, fair and reasonable, and in the public
interest, or otherwise in accordance with law or regulatory policy. The Commission may accept
the settlement, reject the settlement, or state additional conditions under which the settlement
will be accepted. IDAP A 31.01.01.274-276.
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC PUBLIC HEARING
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission will hold a telephonic
hearing in this matter on THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 AT 7:00 P.M. (PST) IN THE
COMMISSION HEARING ROOM, 427 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, BOISE,
IDAHO. Persons wishing to offer their testimony telephonically or listen to the proceedings
may dial the following toll-free number: 800-920-7487 followed by the Participant Code:
76373262. At this meeting, customers and other interested persons will have an opportunity to
offer sworn testimony regarding Avista s Application to increase its rates for electric and natural
gas service as well as the proposed settlement in this matter. After dialing the toll-free number
shown above, the telephonic hearing will be held in the following manner:
A participant's phone will be automatically muted except when testifying;
If you would like to testify, press * 1 (star one) on your phone key pad.
This will sign you up (i., put you in the queue) to testify;
When it is your turn to testify, you will hear the prompt "ask your
question." At that time, you will be sworn in by a Commissioner, asked to
state your full name, spell your last name, and give your full address;
To be sure we can properly record your testimony, you will be asked to
eliminate any background noise, such as the TV, radio, etc., in order for us
to clearly hear. At the conclusion of your testimony, the parties or the
Commissioners may ask you questions;
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC
PUBLIC HEARING
If at any time after you sign up to testify, you decide that you do not want
to testify, simply push the # (pound) key on your telephone and you will
be taken (i.e., out of the queue) off the list to testify.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings and prehearing conferences in
this matter will be held in facilities meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other
assistance in order to participate in or to understand testimony and argument at a public hearing
may ask the Commission to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance at the hearing.
The request for assistance must be received at least five (5) working days before the hearing by
contacting the Commission Secretary at:
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
[phone] (Telephone)
[phone] (FAX)
Email: secretarV(fYpuc.idaho.gov
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically
including Idaho Code ~ 61-129, 61-502, and 61-622. The Commission may enter any final
Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.000 et seq.
DATED at Boise, Idaho this iff-A day of August 2010.
~ 1Fr(Je . JewellCo ISSlOn Secretary
O:A VU-lO-A VU-IO-- dh2 Telephonic Hearing
NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC
PUBLIC HEARING