20210427Notice_of_Application_Order_No_35019.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35019 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 27, 2021

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

On March 29, 2021, Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities (“Company”) applied for
Commission approval to update costs and make administrative changes to the Company’s Electric
Line Extension Schedule 51. The Company requested a May 15, 2021 effective date.
The Commission now sets deadlines for interested persons to comment on the
Application and for the Company to reply. The Commission also suspends the Company’s
proposed effective date.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company’s Schedule 51 incorporates the
principle of average costing for electrical facilities commonly used to extend service such as
transformers and conduit. These “Basic Costs” have a fixed and variable component, with the
variable component stated on a cost-per-foot basis. The Company does not propose to change the
average costing principle in this Application but proposes updates to the Basic Costs based on
2020 material and equipment costs.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes to make the following
updates:
Present Proposed % Change
Overhead Primary Circuit
Fixed Cost $4,205 $4,677 11.20%
Variable Cost $8.22 $9.17 11.60%
Underground Primary Circuit
Fixed Costs $1,934 $1,920 -0.70%
Variable Costs $11.34 $10.01 -11.70%
Underground Secondary Circuit
Fixed Costs $428 $394 -8.00%
IN THE MATTER AVISTA’S ANNUAL RATE
ADJUSTMENT FILING FOR ELECTRIC
LINE EXTENSION SCHEDULE 51
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CASE NO. AVU-E-21-03

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 35019
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35019 2

Variable Costs $10.47 $8.60 -17.90%
Overhead Secondary Circuit
Fixed Costs $1,732 $1,936 11.70%

Overhead Service Circuit $3.74 $4.27 14.20%
Underground Service Circuit $9.54 $8.43 -11.60%

Overhead Transformer $2,242 $2,345 4.60%
Padmount Transformer $3,546 $3,477 -1.90%

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company states the proposed updates
reflect updated primary, secondary, service, and transformer average costs. The Company states
the proposed increases to its overhead rates are because its fixed costs to maintain the equipment
necessary to perform this work have not changed but the equipment was used less in 2020. The
Company states its proposal to decrease the underground rates is the result of an internal process
improvement that changed how costs are assigned to a job.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes to update its residential
development costs to reflect the most current Construction & Material Standards and average
construction costs as shown below:
Residential Developments
Present Proposed
Total Cost per Lot $1,938 $1,772
Less: Service Cost $478 $422
Developer Responsibility $1,460 $1,350

Developer Refundable Payment $1,460 $1,350
Builder Non-Refundable Payment $38 ─

Allowance $1,900 $1,900

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company is not proposing to update the
construction allowances in this case and states it will update the construction allowances following
the conclusion of its next general rate case.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application is available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission’s office. These documents are also
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35019 3

available on the Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “ELECTRIC” icon,
select “Open Cases,” and click on the case number as shown on the front of this document.
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 Idaho
Code §§ 61-501 to 61-503.
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.
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that, given the public interest in having adequate
time to comment on this case, the Commission finds it appropriate to suspend the Company’s
proposed effective date of May 15, 2021 until July 1, 2021. See Idaho Code § 61-622(4).
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure
pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s Rules of Procedure,
IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through .204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written
comments have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application. Persons who would like a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written
comments. Persons shall have until June 2, 2021 to file written comments. 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 the Company 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:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35019 4

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, Idaho 83714

For Avista:

David J. Meyer, Esq.
Vice President and Chief Counsel for
Regulatory & Governmental Affairs
Avista Corporation
P.O. Box 3727
MSC-27
1411 E. Mission Ave.
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]

Patrick Ehrbar
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Avista Utilities
P.O. Box 3727
MSC-27
1411 E. Mission Ave.
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company must file any reply comments by
June 9, 2021.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its order
without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the
Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Company’s Application be processed by Modified
Procedure, Rule 201-204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons interested in submitting written
comments must do so by June 2, 2021. The Company must file any reply comments by June 9,
2021.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Company’s proposed effective date of May 15,
2021 is suspended until July 1, 2021. See Idaho Code § 61-622(4).
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
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35019 5

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 27th day
of April 2021.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

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