20050819Decision memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEG AL
FROM:SCOTT WOODBURY
DATE:AUGUST 19, 2005
SUBJECT:CASE NO. A VU-05-1 (Avista)
PETITION TO EXTEND NATURAL GAS IRP FILING DEADLINE
On August 16, 2005 , Avista Corporation dba Avista Utilities (Avista; Company)
filed a letter with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) requesting authority to
extend its 2005 Natural Gas Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filing deadline from December 31
2005 to March 31 , 2006. Pursuant to Order No. 25342 Case No. GNR-93-, A vista is
required to file an Integrated Resource Plan every two years.
As justification for the proposed delay in filing, A vista states that the Company
makes its request to better align the IRP filing expectations in A vista s three state service
territory. A delay, the Company contends, will better serve the Company s stakeholder interests
as some participants in the IRP process have requested a delay. This extension, the Company
contends, will allow for greater public involvement, and should result in a more robust IRP.
By making this request, the Company understands that if granted, this request will
not affect future IRP time schedules and filings.
COMMISSION DECISION
Staff recommends that Avista s requested delay in filing its Natural Gas 2005 IRP be
granted without further notice or procedure. Does the Commission agree with Staff
recommended handling of the Company s letter request?
Scott Woodbury
blslM:A VUGO50 1 sw