Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. AVU-G-09-03, Interlocutory Order No. 30826

June 1, 2009

Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339, 890-2712

Avista natural gas rates decline again

For the second time in less than six months, the rates paid by natural gas customers of Avista Utilities are going down.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission today approved Avista’s application to decrease rates, effective today, to Idaho customers by about 6.7 percent due to the continued decline in the wholesale cost of natural gas. For an average residential customer who uses 65 therms per month, the decrease is about $5.26 per month.

Customers received a 4.7 percent decrease on Jan. 6 and company officials say they expect another decrease to come in October after the company files its annual Purchase Gas Cost Adjustment (PGA).

Because the commission wanted customers to immediately realize the benefit of lower wholesale prices, it approved the reduction with an “Interlocutory Order,” which means the commission will still take time to more thoroughly review the application as well as take comments from the public or interested parties through June 19. If the commission does receive comments or protests, it has the discretion to set the matter for hearing. If there are no comments or protests, the Commission may consider the matter on its merits and issue the final order without a formal hearing.

Comments are accepted via e-mail by accessing the commission’s homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (AVU-G-09-03) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

A full text of the commission’s order, along with Avista’s application, is available on the commission’s web site. Click on “File Room” and then on “Gas Cases” and scroll down to the above case number.