Avista seeks 7.4% Idaho electric rate increase

Residential customers could see monthly bills rise by $8.90 under proposed changes.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Avista, an energy company that provides electric service to over 422,000 customers in Idaho, has filed an annual rate adjustment with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) that would increase overall electric revenues by approximately $25.2 million or 7.4% effective May 1, 2026. The proposed rate adjustment is designed to modify the level of funding for Avista's electric energy efficiency programs to align the amount collected in customer rates with the actual costs to operate the programs.

Why it matters

This rate increase request comes as Avista aims to recover costs spent in 2025 that exceeded the levels included in rates, as well as provide the required level of funding needed to operate their energy efficiency programs in the coming year. The proposed changes would impact residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Avista's service territory in Idaho.

The details

If the electric Energy Efficiency filing is approved, residential electric customers in Idaho using an average of 939 kilowatt hours per month would see their monthly bills increase from $115.54 to $124.44, an increase of $8.90 per month, or approximately 7.7%. The requested electric rate change would vary by customer class, ranging from 7.1% for Street & Area Lights to 7.9% for Extra Large General Service customers.

  • Avista has made the annual rate adjustment filing with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC).
  • The proposed rate changes are designed to be effective May 1, 2026.

The players

Avista

An energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is the operating division that provides electric service to 422,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC)

The regulatory body that will review and decide on Avista's proposed rate increase filing.

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What’s next

The IPUC will review Avista's rate increase proposal and gather public comments before making a decision on whether to approve the requested changes.

The takeaway

This rate increase filing highlights the ongoing efforts by utilities like Avista to balance the need to recover costs and fund energy efficiency programs, while minimizing the impact on customer bills. The outcome of this process will be closely watched by ratepayers and other stakeholders in Avista's service area.