Avista Customers Facing 8.5% Bill Increase After Regulatory Approval

SALEM, Ore. — Avista customers will see a significant price increase take effect this weekend.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission says a typical residential customer who uses 45 therms a month will pay about $5.83 more each month, an increase of roughly 8.5%.

The commission approved Avista’s annual Purchased Gas Adjustment filing this week.

This pricing method lets utilities periodically change rates to match the actual wholesale cost of buying and transporting natural gas.

“The utility doesn’t run a profit on these gas costs. We’ve set this up so they’re not earning profits on these gas costs, so that, that’s really important,” said Letha Tawney, Chair of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.

The PUC says the amount added to each bill will depend on the customer type and energy usage.

It also says help is available for people who need support with energy use and bill payments.

Customers can find rebates and energy-saving advice through the Energy Trust of Oregon.

For help with payment options, customers can call Avista at 1-800-227-9187 or visit the company’s website.

Customers may also reach out to local community action agencies to learn about additional assistance programs.