Residents need to voice concerns over rate hikes

Again regarding Avista’s request for another rate increase, and also in response to Gene Fadness of the Idaho PUC and his letter (April 16), I will try to make my letter of April 2 a little clearer. The electric rate last September 2008 was 0.0633 per KWH. In November 2008, the rate rose to 0.0768 per KWH, an increase of 21.3 percent over the September rate. December, January and February rates averaged 0.0802 per KWH, making for a total increase of 26.7 percent over the September rate.

These KWH rates were taken right from our monthly Avista bills.

Now, to repeat, if Avista’s request for another increase is granted, customers’ new rates will end up being 37 percent more than what they were in September 2008.

If anyone thinks this new increase is a bit much, they can let the Idaho Public Utilities Commission know how they feel, or they can attend the PUC workshop scheduled for May 12 at 7 p.m. at Community Hall in Sandpoint, 204 S. First Ave., and voice their concerns.

CRAIG ROYER