20220926Notice_of_Application_Order_No_35533.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35533 1
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
September 26, 2022
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF AVISTA CORPORATION FOR
APPROVAL TO INCREASE ITS ENERGY
EFFICIENCY TARIFF RIDER
ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE 191
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
CASE NO. AVU-G-22-07

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 35533

On September 2, 2022, Avista Corporation, dba Avista Utilities (“Company” or “Avista”)
applied to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) for authorization to increase its
natural gas tariff, I.P.U.C. No. 27, Schedule 191, “Energy Efficiency Rider Adjustment” rates.
Schedule 191 funds the Natural Gas Efficiency Program (“Program”) as described in the
Company’s Schedule 190 including, but not limited to, behavioral programs, low-income
weatherization, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (“NEEA”) participation, and provision of
incentives for various energy efficiency measures such as appliances, compressed air, HVAC,
industrial, lighting, maintenance, motors, shell, and sustainable buildings. The Company proposes
to increase billed natural gas rates by 3.0% through its proposed revision in Schedule 191.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company represents that as of July 31, 2022, the
current Schedule 191 tariff rider balance was approximately $2.1 million underfunded, and while
the current rate is designed to fund the Program by approximately $1.4 million annually, the actual
expenses incurred during 2020 and 2021 increased by approximately 53% as compared to the 2019
Program year.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company proposes to increase billed natural
gas rates by 3.0% through proposed revisions in Schedule 191, with a requested effective date of
November 1, 2022.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company is filing another Application
simultaneously with this application related to purchased gas costs that would increase natural gas
revenues by approximately $11.2 million or 12.7% effective November 1, 2022.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35533 2
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if both applications are approved, the net change
to natural gas revenue would be an increase of $13.8 million or 15.7% effective November 1, 2022.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company represents that this Application will
be brought to the attention of the Company’s customers by way of a Customer Notice, which will
be included in customer’s bills beginning in early September 2022 and run for a full billing cycle,
and by posting the Application to the Company’s website at myavista.com.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company’s Application and all submitted
documentation 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 “Natural Gas” tab in the left-hand column of the home page,
then select “Open Cases” and then locate 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.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
under the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000, et seq.
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 it will review the case through written
submissions under the Commission’s Rules of Modified Procedure Rules 201 through 204 of the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. 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 October 6, 2022, to file written comments. 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 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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35533 3
of this document. To file by e-mail, the customer 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 Avista Corporation:

David J. Meyer, Esq. (MSC-10)
Patrick Ehrbar (MSC-27)
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
October 13, 2022.
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.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be processed by Modified Procedure, Rule 201-
204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons shall have until October 6, 2022, to file written
comments, and the Company shall have until October 13, 2022, to file a reply, if any.
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.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 35533 4
DONE by order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 26th day of
September 2022.

ERIC ANDERSON, PRESIDENT

JOHN CHATBURN, COMMISSIONER

JOHN R. HAMMOND JR., COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

I:\Legal\GAS\AVU-G-22-07 EE Rider\orders\AVUG2207_NtcAppMod_cb.docx