20040607Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
For Immediate Release
Case No. A VU-03-
June 4 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.state.id.
A vista submits long-range gas supply plan
Boise - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking comment through June 25 on A vista
Utilities' long-range plan to meet the needs of its natural gas customers in northern Idaho.
The supply options for Avista consist of various components including long-term and short-term
contracts, firm and interruptible transportation from seven interstate pipelines and purchases
from three storage services.
In 2000, the natural gas industry experienced the highest prices ever seen. In response, A vista
established a schedule to lock-in hedges and volumes for price stability. Avista established a
baseline that about half of its annual monthly loads would be hedged with fixed-price natural gas
before Nov. 15 , the beginning of the winter heating season.
A vista reports that its firm and interruptible natural gas transportation contracts provide the
company with sufficient capacity to meet current and future demands. Based on current
forecasts, A vista s north operating division (Washington and Idaho) will need to acquire
additional transportation by the 2007-08 heating season. The company s goal is to contract for a
reasonable amount of transportation. Contracting for too much firm transportation could keep the
company from its goal of providing low-cost energy. Failing to contract for enough
transportation impairs the company s goal of being a reliable energy provider.
The company plans to continue its gas and electric efficiency activities, which are funded by a
5 percent tariff rider on customer bills. The rider generates about $1 million in revenues. Some
gas efficiency programs for residential customers include funding assistance for programmable
thermostats, high-efficiency gas furnaces, high-efficiency gas water heating and weatherization.
Qualified low-income customers are eligible to receive incentives from community action
agencies within Avista s service territory.
A vista Utilities, headquartered in Spokane, provides gas and electric service in eastern
Washington, northern Idaho and southern Oregon. A vista has about 60 000 natural gas customers
in northern Idaho.
Copies of Avista s complete Integrated Resource Plan are available on the commission s Web
site at www.puc.state.id.. Click on the gas icon, then on "Gas Cases " and scroll down to the
case number, A VU-03-2. Copies are also available for public inspection at the commission
office at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise or at Avista Utilities' offices.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission
homepage and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ill 83720-0074 or faxed to
[phone].
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