20230816Notice_of_Application_Order_No_35892.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35892 1
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 16, 2023
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE RESIDENTIAL
AND SMALL FARM ANNUAL RATE
ADJUSTMENT FILING OF AVISTA
CORPORATION
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CASE NOS. AVU-E-23-11

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED
PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 35892

On July 31, 2023, Avista Corporation d/b/a/ Avista Utilities (“Company”) filed an
application (“Application”) with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”)
requesting an order authorizing the Company to implement Residential and Small Farm Energy
rates for electric service from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. The Company
requests an October 1, 2023, effective date. Application at 1.
The Company represents that the electric Residential and Farm Energy Rate Adjustment
results from an agreement between the Company and Bonneville Power Administration (“BPA”)
that provides a share of the benefits of the federal Columbia River power system to the residential
and small-farm customers of the six investor-owned utilities of the Pacific Northwest. Id. at 2.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company proposes a Residential and Small
Farm Energy Rate Adjustment credit rate for rate schedules 1, 12, 22, 32, and 48 of 0.366¢ per
kilowatt-hour, which represents a $0.2 million, or 0.1%, increase to qualifying customers. Id. at 1.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company represents that under the current
Residential Exchange rate adjustment, approximately $4.93 million annually is being passed
through to applicable Idaho customers through a uniform 0.380¢ per kilowatt-hour rate credit. Id.
at 2-3.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company represents that the proposed rate
credit of 0.366¢ per kilowatt-hour is designed to pass through approximately $4.9 million, which
represents the Idaho portion of the annual level of BPA benefits, offset by an over-refunded
balance from the prior year, starting in October 2023. Id. at 3. The Company provides the following
table detailing the differences between the current benefits and the proposed benefits.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35892 2

Id.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company represents that residential customers
using an average of 927 kilowatt-hours per month would see their monthly bills increase from
$85.40 to $85.53, an increase of $0.13 per month, or 0.2%. Id. at 4.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company represents that the Application will
be brought to the attention of the Company’s customers through a Press Release, as well as
Customer Notices that will be included in customer’s bills beginning in early August 2023 and
will run for a full billing cycle. Id.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application is available for public inspection
during regular business hours at the Commission’s office. The Application is also available on the
Commission’s website 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 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 MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter, and that it will proceed under Modified
Procedure pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure 201-204, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35892 3
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 and explain why written comments alone are insufficient. Persons interested in filing
written comments must do so by September 13, 2023. Comments must be filed through the
Commission’s website or by e-mail unless computer access is unavailable. To comment
electronically, please access the Commission’s website at http://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, persons must e-mail the comments to the Commission Secretary
and 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:
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 the Company:

David J. Meyer, Esq.
Patrick Ehrbar
P.O. Box 3727
1411 E. Mission Ave
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company must file any reply comments by
September 20, 2023.
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 final
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.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35892 4
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Company’s filing be processed by Modified
Procedure, Rules 201-204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons interested in filing written
comments must do so by September 13, 2023. The Company must file any reply comments by
September 20, 2023.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties comply with Order No. 35375, issued April 21,
2022. Generally, all pleadings should be filed with the Commission electronically and will be
deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See Rule 14.02. Service between
parties should continue to be accomplished electronically when possible. However, 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 16th day of
August 2023.

__________________________________________
ERIC ANDERSON, PRESIDENT

__________________________________________
JOHN R. HAMMOND JR., COMMISSIONER

__________________________________________
EDWARD LODGE, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

___________________________________
Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

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