20210423Notice_of_Hearings_Order_No_35010.pdf

NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 1
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 23, 2021
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF AVISTA CORPORATION FOR
AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS RATES
AND CHARGES FOR ELECTRIC AND
NATURAL GAS SERVICE TO ELECTRIC
AND NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS IN THE
STATE OF IDAHO
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CASE NO. AVU-E-21-01
AVU-G-21-01

NOTICE OF SCHEDULING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC
WORKSHOP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF TECHNICAL
HEARING

ORDER NO. 35010

On January 29, 2021, Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities (“Avista” or the
“Company”) applied to increase its electric and natural gas rates for Idaho customers. Application
at 1. In the Application, Avista requests approval of a “Two-Year Rate Plan” for the proposed
electric and natural gas rate increases. Id. In “Rate Year 1,” Avista requests an electric base rate
increase of $24.8 million (10.1 percent) and a natural gas base rate increase of $0.1 million (0.1
percent), effective September 1, 2021. Id. In “Rate Year 2,” Avista requests an electric base rate
increase of $8.7 million (3.2 percent) and a natural gas base rate increase of $1.0 million (2.2
percent), effective September 1, 2022. Id.
Avista represents that these proposed rate increases would be offset by the effect of
Tax Customer Credit Tariff Schedules 76 (electric) and 176 (natural gas)1 and the Deferred
Depreciation Credit Tariff Schedule 177 (natural gas). Id. Avista states the proposed amortization
of $31.3 million in electric tax benefits from Schedule 76, beginning on September 1, 2021, would
completely offset Avista’s requested electric rate relief for Rate Year 1 until about November 30,

1 The proposed offset to the requested rate increases in Tariff Schedules 76 and 176 come from Case Nos. AVU-E-
20-12 and AVU-G-20-01 wherein the Commission approved Avista’s request to change its accounting method. See
Order No. 34906. The Commission found that this accounting change could provide immediate benefits to customers,
subject to similar approvals in other jurisdictions where Avista provides services. Order No. 34906 at 3.

NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 2
2022. Id. at 1-2. However, Avista represents that its Idaho electric customers would see an $8.7
million (3.5 percent) bill increase for Rate Year 2, effective September 1, 2022. Id. at 2.
Avista also states the proposed 10-year amortization of $12.1 million in natural gas tax
benefits from Schedule 176, beginning September 1, 2021, would result in about $1.2 million in
benefits per year. Id. at 2. The Company states these benefits would offset the proposed $0.1
million natural gas base rate increase in Rate Year 1, decreasing natural gas customers’ bills by
about 1.8 percent. Id.
For Rate Year 2 Avista proposes to amortize its “Natural Gas Deferred Depreciation
Expense” balance of about $0.9 million for one-year, effective September 1, 2022 through August
31, 2023, offsetting the proposed $1.0 million increase through Schedule 177. Id. Avista
represents that, after application of Schedule 176 and 177 impacts, customers would see an 0.1
percent increase, effective September 1, 2022. Id.
On February 23, 2021, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Notice of
Intervention Deadline. See Order No. 34930. The Idaho Conservation League, Walmart Inc.,
Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho, Idaho Forest Group LLC, and Clearwater
Paper Corporation intervened as parties. See Order Nos. 34940, 34953, 34958 and 34967.
With this Order, we adopt the parties’ proposed schedule for this case and schedule a
telephonic public workshop, a telephonic customer hearing for Avista’s customers to testify about
the Company’s Application, and a technical hearing for the parties to offer evidence and testimony
and to allow for the cross-examination of witnesses.
NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission adopts the following schedule:
Settlement Conference for parties

Public Workshop
May 19, 2021

June 16, 2021

Staff/Intervenor Prefile Testimony

Customer Hearing
June 23, 2021

July 14, 2021

Company Rebuttal Testimony

July 19, 2021
Technical Hearing August 2-3, 2021

NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 3
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all testimony and exhibits in this matter must
comport with Rules 231 and 267 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure. IDAPA 31.01.01.231
and .267.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the parties have been directed to serve
discovery, testimony, and exhibits among themselves by electronic mail pursuant to Rule 63.
IDAPA 31.01.01.063.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that when filing discovery with the Commission,
the parties shall provide an original and three copies to the Commission Secretary. IDAPA
31.01.01.061.02.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on Avista’s
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application by the close of business on August 3, 2021. Comments must be filed through the
Commission website or by e-mail unless computer access is unavailable. To comment
electronically, please access the Commission’s home page at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the “Case
Comment Form” and complete the form using the case number as it appears on the front of this
document. To file by e-mail, the customer must e-mail the comments to the e-mail addresses listed
below. In addition to submitting the comments to the Commission Secretary, the customer must
also e-mail Avista at the e-mail addresses listed below. If computer access is unavailable, then
comments may be mailed to the Commission and Company at these addresses:
For the Idaho Public Utilities Commission:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074

[e-mail]

Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.,
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

For Avista:

David J. Meyer, Esq.
Vice President and Chief Counsel for
Regulatory and Governmental Affairs
Avista Corporation
P.O. Box 3727
1411 E. Mission Avenue
Spokane, WA 99220
[e-mail]

NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 4
Patrick D. Ehrbar
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Avista Utilities
P.O. Box 3727
1411 East Mission Avenue
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Staff will hold a telephonic, public,
informational workshop for Avista customers on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021, AT 6:00 PM
(PDT). The purpose of the workshop is to provide customers with an overview of the Application
and Staff’s analysis regarding how Avista’s proposed rate increases for electric and natural gas
service would impact customers. At the workshop, customers may ask Staff about the Application
and how customers may further participate in the proceeding. Avista representatives will also be
available. To participate online, please visit idahogov.webex.com and enter 133 194 8246. At
the next window, enter your name, e-mail address and the password June16Meeting. To
participate by telephone, please call 1-415-655-0001 and enter the passcode 133 194 8246 when
prompted.
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission will conduct a telephonic
customer hearing in this matter on WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021, AT 6:00 PM (PDT). The
purpose of the telephonic customer hearing is to take testimony from members of the public and
customers of Avista. To participate, please call 1-415-655-0001 and enter the passcode 133 481
5766 when prompted. Those planning on testifying are encouraged to join the hearing at 5:45 PM
(PDT).
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission will conduct a technical
hearing on MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021, COMMENCING AT 9:30 A.M. (MDT) IN THE
COMMISSION HEARING ROOM, 11331 W. CHINDEN BLVD, BUILDING 8, SUITE
201A, BOISE, IDAHO 83714 AND CONTINUING ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021, IF
NECESSARY.
NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 5
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the public workshop and all hearings in this
matter will meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance to participate in or to
understand testimony and argument at a workshop or hearing must ask the Commission to provide
that assistance. The request for assistance must be received by the Commission at least five (5)
working days before the pertinent workshop or hearing, and must be made by contacting the
Commission Secretary at:
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 83720 BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
[phone] (Telephone)
[phone] (FAX)
Mail: [e-mail]

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the record in this matter is available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices. The record is available on the
Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “Electric” or “Natural Gas” icon,
select “Open Cases,” and click on the case number (Case No. AVU-E-21-01 for electric or AVU-
G-21-01 for natural gas) as shown on this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000, et seq.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED the procedural schedule proposed by the parties set forth
in the above Notice of Scheduling is approved.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that anyone may file written comments with the
Commission about the Company’s Application through the close of business on August 3, 2021.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission Staff hold a telephonic, public,
informational, customer workshop on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM (PDT).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission will hold a telephonic customer
hearing at which customers and interested members of the public may testify on Wednesday, July
14, 2021, at 6:00 PM (PDT).
NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NOTICE OF CUSTOMER HEARING
NOTICE OF TECHNICAL HEARING
ORDER NO. 35010 6
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission will hold a technical hearing for the
parties to offer evidence and examine witnesses on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 9:30 AM (MDT).
The technical hearing will continue Tuesday, August 3, 2021, if necessary.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties should continue to comply with Order No.
34781, issued September 17, 2020. All pleadings should be filed with the Commission
electronically and shall be deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See
Rule 14.02. Service between parties should also be accomplished electronically. Voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 23rd day
of April 2021.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

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