Customers Spoke Up at Avista’s Public Hearing
Posted on February 14, 2025 by David Beltrán Barajas | CUB Oregon
Tags, Energy, General Interest
The Public Utility Commission will be accepting written comments on the Avista Utilities Rate Case through February 18th, 2025. If you would like to add your comments, you can do so using CUB’s Action Form or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the subject line “Public Comments on UG 519”.
On Tuesday, February 11, the Public Utility Commission held a public hearing on Avista Utilities’ general rate case. The gas utility is asking for a 7% increase for residential customers.
This increase would contribute to the overall rising cost of living that Oregonians across the state are facing. Avista last asked for a rate increase in 2023, bringing an average bill to $81 per month with a 5.3% increase. These billing rates went into effect on January 1, 2024. This year is the third time in the last 5 years that Avista has requested to raise customers’ gas bills.
What Customers Could Expect in 2025 Bills
If approved, Avista’s billing rates would increase on September 1st, 2025.
- Increased rate in the colder months when energy use is the highest poses a financial risk for working folks and people on fixed incomes!
- $4.27 on average each month (7%) for an average monthly bill of $69.
- Multi-family homes would see an increase of $3.16 on average each month (5%) for an average monthly bill of $66.
The dollar amount increase would be higher during the winter heating season. For the coldest month, an average single-family household could see a $130 bill in December 2025. An average multifamily household could see a $126 bill in December 2025.
Concerns of Higher Bills for Struggling Families & Health Risks from Gas
Avista is asking customers for more money to recoup costs for replacing its aging infrastructure. These new pipes would stay in the ground for 50 years or more. Customers would be paying for these expansions well into the next several decades. Community members, including some CUB partners, spoke up against this rate increase.
Throughout the public comment hearing, Southern Oregonians expressed concerns about rising utility bills and the expansion of an outdated gas infrastructure.
“Rather than requesting a rate hike allowing Avista to replace its pipes, we agree with the Citizens Utility Board that the best way for Avista to reduce its emissions is for the company to encourage electrification by its customers.”
- Alan Journet, SOCAN
“We need to prioritize a just transition today - and electrification is one key step. As we move closer to deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase.”
- Zöe Serrano, Rogue Climate
“I’m continuously disappointed by the continued barriers fossil fuel industries put in front of folks. […] It doesn’t have to be so complicated, but [utilities] have to make it super complicated.”
- Maroun Aguero
CUB Will Continue to Fight Avista’s Request
The Public Utility Commission will decide on this rate case later this year. Any changes in billing rates will take effect for Avista Utilities customers on September 1st, 2025.
CUB’s policy team will continue to advocate for Oregon households and fight unfair rate increases. To read more about the details of this rate case, visit this recent post on the CUB Blog.
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03/14/25 | 0 Comments | Customers Spoke Up at Avista’s Public Hearing