20191206Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION I\IENIORi\NDU\I
Colt \IISSIONER KIEILi\NDITR
CONINIISSIONER RAPER
CO}INIISSIONER ANDI.]RSON
CO}IT,IISSION SE(]RETARY
CONI}IISSION STAFF
T'R0II:JOHN R. IIr\IINIOND JR.
DEPTITY A'I"I'ORNEY GI,NERAI,
DA'l'tl: DI,](]FINIRER6.20l9
SUB.IFICT: AYISTA CORPORATIOTT..'S APPLICATION RI.IQUESTIN(; APPROVAL
TO I\IODIITY ITS VOLUNTARY RENEWABI,E ENF]RGY PROGRANI;
CASE NO. AVTI.E-I9-I2.
On November 12, 2019. Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities ("Avista" or
"Company") filed an Application requesting approval Io modify its voluntary reneu'able cncrgy
program ("Progranr"). Schedule 95 "Optional Reneu able Pou'er Rate".
THE APPLICATION
Avista request Commission authorization to modify the Program in an eftbrt to manage
costs, provide customers with greater choice, and to support rene$,able cnergy within its rcgion.
Appli<'utiort at [ . During 20 19, Avista states that it evaluated the Program by conducting customer
research, anall,zing Progranr costs and custorner participation levels and rcvieu'ing coniparable
programs at other investor o$'ned utilities. /r/. at l. After completing this revie$ Avista stares it
determined that updates to thc Program arc necessary to meet the necds of its customers and to
ensulc that funds collected from the Progranr participants are sufficient to cover expcnses. /d. The
Conrpanl requests that the Application be proccssed bt' N{odified Procedurc under the
Commission Rules of Procedure. 1d.
STAFF RECO},[\TEN DA TION
Staff recommcnds the Commission issue a Notrce ol Application and Notice of
Modified Prtredure. Staff rccornmends the Notice of Application and Notice of lv{odified
Procedure provide for a twenty-one (21) day written comment period for itself and any other
interested parties, with a sevcn (7) day reply cofirment period for the Company to f'ollow.
DE('ISION \IE\{OR,{N DL'\I
TO:
I
(.O}I}IISSIO\ DF]('ISI()N
Does the Commission u,ish to issue a Notice of Application and Notice of Modilled
Procedure that estahlishes a tu'enty-onc (2 | ) day u'ritten comment period for StalT and any other
interested parties folkr*ed by a seven (7) day rcply comment period for the CompanS,?
If not. does the Commission u ish to set ahernative comments deadlincs'l
Jo amnrond Jr
Attorney General
I I-,!rrlII(TRl(',^\( I r! L:t\\'l'l lell ,1..! Rr, -trh J, !
)DECISION \IE\IORANDU\1