Speak out on Avista's request to raise electric and gas prices

Avista customers in Eastern Washington will be able to tell state regulators on Tuesday, Oct. 2, what they think about the company’s request to increase electric and natural-gas rates. If the proposed rates are approved, residential customers will see their monthly electric bills increase by 17 percent and their gas bills go up by 2.3 percent.

The hearing starts at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers of the Office of the Spokane City Council, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, in Spokane. Customers will address members of the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which will make the final decision on whether to approve Avista’s request by early 2008.

The Attorney General’s Public Counsel Section, which represents the public in utility rate cases, will be present at the hearing and encourages customers to attend and express their views. If youy can't be there, you can write to WUTC, P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA, 98504 or e-mail comments@utc.wa.gov. Include your name and mailing address, the name of the company (Avista), and docket no. UE-070804 (electric) and/or UG-070805 (natural gas).