MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to comment on Avista proposed energy rates increase

If approved, new rates start Jan. 1, 2027

Aug. 13, 2026
Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket numbers: UE-260007 and UG-260008

LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is holding a virtual public comment hearing on Aug. 27 to get customer input on plans to raise Avista Utilities' electric and natural gas rates.

WHO

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

WHAT

Virtual public comment hearing

This gives customers a chance to share how the proposed changes impact them and their communities before the commission makes a final decision.

WHEN and WHERE

6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Join by Zoom (recommended) or by phone 253-215-8782 and use Meeting ID: 879 7678 1002# and Passcode: 343178#.

Any time while the case is open, you can also submit written comments:

• online,

• by phone at 888-333-9882,

• by email at [email protected], and

• by mail to P.O Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250

If you have trouble understanding English, you can ask for free language assistance services at least a week before the meeting. Call 360-664-1193 or email [email protected] for help.

To get updates about this case, ask to join the "interested persons" email list by emailing [email protected]. Please include the docket number, if you can.

BACKGROUND

On Jan. 16, 2026, Avista asked to change its electric and natural gas rates. Avista wants to raise rates to cover:

• Higher operating costs.

• Equipment and facility upgrades.

• Power generation and supply.

• General wildfire safety and prevention (not recovery of current wildfire damage costs).

• Clean energy efforts.

If the changes are approved, new rates would increase in phases over four years, starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Proposed Rate Changes and Household Bill Impacts - Electric Service

*These estimates are based on average monthly usage of 925 kilowatts.

Proposed Rate Changes and Household Bill Impacts - Natural Gas Service

*These estimates are based on average monthly usage of 61 therms.

Avista wants the opportunity to make an overall profit of 7.5% for the first two years and 7.67% for the next two years. Nearly half of what Avista needs for projects comes from private investors, with the rest borrowed. Avista is asking to provide a 10.2 to 10.5% profit to its private investors, which is paid for by customer rates.

UTC staff and other groups are looking into Avista's request and will make suggestions. The final approval may look different from what Avista asked.

About Avista

Spokane-based Avista Utilities provides electricity to around 429,000 customers and natural gas to about 386,000 customers across 34,000 square miles in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.

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