LEWISTON, ID – Avista Utilities has filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission seeking approval for a rate increase to fund its energy efficiency programs.

The programs are designed to help Avista’s Idaho customers conserve energy and reduce costs. They include rebates for energy-efficient products, such as Energy Star certified windows, as well as educational outreach to guide customers on reducing energy use. Funding for the programs comes from an energy efficiency rider charge on customer bills.

According to the utility, the programs were underfunded by roughly $24.6 million due to unusually high participation in the small business lighting direct-install program and increased involvement in site-specific programs. These initiatives assist businesses in upgrading lighting and measuring energy savings after efficiency projects are completed.

Avista proposes to raise rates by approximately 7.7 percent. If approved as filed, the increase would raise the monthly bill for a residential customer using an average of 939 kilowatt hours from $115.54 to $124.44. The rate hike would generate about $25.2 million, allowing the utility to recover 2025 program costs and fund energy efficiency efforts for 2026.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting written comments on Avista’s application until March 27, 2026.