Avista files for 6% rate hike in Washington

SPOKANE — Avista has filed an application with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to raise rates on residential and commercial electricity customers across the company’s service area effective July 1, 2023, according to a company press release.

In the filing, the company is asking to raise rates on residential customers by 6%, general service customers by 4.3%, large general service customers by 5.8%, extra large general service customers 9.1%, pumping service customers by 7%, and street and area light customers 1.4%, the press release said.

A typical residential customer with a monthly electric bill of $88.82 would see that bill go up $5.60 per month to $94.42, a 6.3% increase, the press release said.

In the press release, Avista cited higher demand brought on by warmer temperatures last year and colder temperatures in November and December 2022, driving up wholesale electricity and natural gas prices.