| Docket Number | Docket Name | Company |
|---|---|---|
| UG 519 | AVISTA REQUEST FOR A GENERAL RATE REVISION | AVISTA UTILITIES |
| Comment Number | Created Date | Email Received Date | Company Name | Comment Type | Source Type | First Name | Last Name | Nearest City | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UG 519-1 | 1/29/2025 12:32:03 AM | 1/28/2025 4:31:29 PM | General Comment | threepines@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Mr. Hal Anthony 3995 Russell Rd Grants Pass, OR 97526-9781 threepines@centurylink.net | |||||
| UG 519-10 | 2/19/2025 12:32:34 AM | 2/18/2025 11:06:06 AM | General Comment | ilene@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Ilene Vargas ilene@uniteoregon.org | |||||
| UG 519-11 | 2/19/2025 12:32:36 AM | 2/18/2025 10:18:58 AM | General Comment | bonniekmorgan@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. We must look to the future. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Bonnie Morgan bonniekmorgan@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-12 | 2/19/2025 12:32:38 AM | 2/18/2025 9:53:48 AM | General Comment | lindamed1948@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Linda Medeiros lindamed1948@icloud.com | |||||
| UG 519-13 | 2/19/2025 12:32:41 AM | 2/13/2025 10:45:53 AM | General Comment | edaguero2@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I come to you as a young person (24) actively involved in the climate justice movement and as a voice of the many young folks in our world feeling the dread, anxiety, hopelessness. i know many of us are here today because we want to continue imaging and creating a world that puts people first. I know I am young and many in this room have been part of the climate justice movement for years, i have actively been involved it tackling our climate crisis and profit over humanity since I was 18. In my 7 years of being involved, i have never been more proud to be with so many folks doing so many different things, we have progressed and made lots of meaningful steps to live in actually harmony on this earth, i am continuously disappointed by the continued barriers fossil fuel industries put in front of folks (resident prioritizes community not profit, i am also disappointed by the continued influence these fossil fuel groups have on our institutions meant to keep us safe and thriving. many experienced people here today are here to share lots of facts, reports, and experiences of why you should deny the recent rate increase by avista, i encourage you all to listen and read up on these words, but im here to also tell you, it does not have to be this complicated (not that young folks dont understand these complicated subject but these fossil fuel industry groups have to make it complicated) and shouldn't have to be this demanding to divest from a fuel source that is destroying our climate. the biggest fossil fuel companies have know about this and have admitted to deny the science of our changing climate. shouldnt that be enough to stop allowing these companies to keep asking for upgrades to these failing fuel sources especially when it means increasing prices? the people who will be impacted most by this rate increase would be youth, bipoc, elderly, low income and many other frontline communties, already facing the harshest reality of our crisis. If Avista's 7% increase is permitted, customers could pay bills that are on average $4.27 higher per month. a majority of folks in oregon and globally are aware of the harms methane gas and other fossil fuels have on their health and community. For example, Ashland's strong climate action goals, Climate Pollution Impact Fee, and the need to move away from investing in gas infrastructure would meet those goals. It is clear that community members and the City of Ashland overwhelmingly want to transition away from fossil fuels and towards safer and healthier energy systems. Avista has the opportunity to be a part of that transition. Yet, Avista has not. you know what they have been doing though? they have been spreading disinformation and blocking critical climate policy as the treasurer for the gas industry front group, NW Coalition for Energy Choice. people do not want gas, it is not just ashland it is the majority, every day we continue to see institutions moving away from community, this is driving our climate crisis and people are aware. but from most of the conversations i have with people who want to transition but always question why the cost always falls back on them. electric appliances/energy are cheaper and more efficient that gas ones, to keep this trend going we cannot continue letting avista make these cleaner energy sources not affordable. we start by not allowing more destruction of our future and finding solutions like electric power to keep us moving forward. i strongly encourage to deny the 7% rate increase by avista as requested by UG519 Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Maroun Aguero edaguero2@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-14 | 3/4/2025 12:32:10 AM | 2/28/2025 10:32:14 AM | General Comment | twofivestars@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Ann Watters twofivestars@comcast.net | |||||
| UG 519-15 | 3/24/2025 11:51:50 AM | AVISTA UTILITIES | General Comment | Web | ROSEBURG | No. No rate increase. End the current practice of financing dividends to shareholders on the backs of rate payers. Serve the PUBLIC GOOD. | ||||
| UG 519-2 | 2/3/2025 12:32:19 AM | 1/30/2025 4:40:41 PM | General Comment | ericarad3@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper me electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Ms Erica Rademaker 289 Sheridan St Ashland, OR 97520-1522 ericarad3@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-3 | 2/4/2025 12:32:36 AM | 2/3/2025 11:40:15 AM | General Comment | elizabethcooper302@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. Please look at the bigger picture: the necessity of doing everything we as a nation can do to get away from using fossil fuels as soon as possible. I care very much about our planet. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. I would thank you to look past your bottom line and think about the "little people" who do not have the power you do, but who are affected by your decisions. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Elizabeth Cooper elizabethcooper302@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-4 | 2/4/2025 12:32:39 AM | 1/31/2025 11:48:08 AM | General Comment | rhmay7@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Roger May rhmay7@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-5 | 2/12/2025 12:32:06 AM | 2/9/2025 4:32:19 PM | General Comment | suewhiteman063@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. Avista is once again raising its rates by 7%, this time to replace aging pipes. Along with all the other rate increases, it continues to financially stress Oregon families, and it will only get worse. Consumers will be paying for the replacement for the next 45 years. It doesn't make sense to continue to put more into gas systems as the deadlines for emission reductions is approaching. Those with financial means are transitioning to electricity by choice, others who do not have that option and will have to take on the additional financial burden. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last decades. Transition to electric now since gas use will be dropping. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Sue Whiteman suewhiteman063@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-6 | 2/12/2025 11:20:48 AM | OTHER | Oppose Docket | Web | Zoe | Serrano | PORTLAND | Re: Rogue Climate Testimony regarding UG 519 Dear Chair Decker and Commissioners, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Avista rate case UG 519. Rogue Climate serves and works alongside Southern Oregon and South Coast communities most impacted by climate change, including low-income, rural, youth, and communities of color, by organizing for clean energy, sustainable jobs, and a healthy environment. Many community members we organize alongside are Avista customers, who have already felt the impact of gas rate increases over the past 5 years. Rogue Climate strongly opposes Avista’s request to increase rates 7% for the sake of gas system expansion and investor profit. Replacing old, unsafe pipes is expensive and will add millions of dollars to customers’ bills for many decades to come, which is especially detrimental to communities in Southern and Eastern Oregon already facing high energy burdens and low energy resilience. If Avista's 7% increase is permitted, customers could pay bills that are on average $4.27 higher per month. Single-family homes may see an average monthly bill of $69 (and maybe as high as $130 in December) and multi-family homes will see an average monthly bill of $66 ($126 in December). 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. Trimming the gas system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. Rather than expanding and repairing the existing antiquated gas system, Avista can instead reduce emissions and costs by investing in transitioning willing homes to all-electric appliances. Natural gas infrastructure is also at risk for dangerous and severe damage during natural disasters, like pipes breaking, which will be exacerbated by the looming threat of earthquakes. Rogue Climate has been organizing with Rogue Valley youth and community members to pass strong climate policy to move towards the goals set out in Ashland’s Climate and Energy Action Plan. It is clear that community members and the City of Ashland overwhelmingly want to transition away from fossil fuels and towards safer and healthier energy systems. Avista has the opportunity to be a part of that transition. Yet, it is clear that Avista is not committed to reducing the negative impacts of gas. Rather, they have been tied to spreading disinformation and blocking critical climate policy as the treasurer for the gas industry front group, NW Coalition for Energy Choice. Our utilities should be providing essential services to meet the needs of our communities, not using ratepayer money to block policy that protects residents from pollution and climate impacts. We urge you to hold Avista accountable to state climate goals and push for a shift to 100% electric homes, not an expanded gas system, to save money and keep communities safe. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Jess Grady-Benson, Organizing Director Zöe Serrano, Legislative Coordinator | ||
| UG 519-7 | 2/13/2025 12:32:00 AM | 2/12/2025 10:45:50 AM | General Comment | lindamed1948@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Linda Medeiros lindamed1948@icloud.com | |||||
| UG 519-8 | 2/13/2025 12:32:02 AM | 2/12/2025 10:37:05 AM | General Comment | rhmay7@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, Roger May rhmay7@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 519-9 | 2/13/2025 12:32:04 AM | 2/12/2025 10:32:50 AM | General Comment | gogrene@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the Avista rate case (UG 519). As an Avista customer, I’m worried about how a 7% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. I strongly encourage the Commission to reject Avista’s request to raise rates by 7% for Oregon families. The costs that Avista is asking customers to cover are not in my best interest. Trimming the system now avoids costs that will be with customers until the 2070s. When a utility invests in big projects, like the pipe replacement project, these costs are spread out over 30-50 years. If we can avoid a cost now, it will have impacts that last generations. If we keep upgrading the gas system, gas bills will keep getting more expensive. As we move closer to emissions deadlines for emissions reductions, the cost of the gas transition is only going to increase. We can reduce emissions now by moving willing homes to all-electric. We need to prioritize a just transition today with electrification. Many people may leave the gas system by choice in favor of cleaner and cheaper electricity. We need to make sure that those who do not have the choice to leave gas -- renters and those with limited financial resources -- are not left footing the bill for unwise investments made today. Finally, higher profits do not benefit customers like me. And the company is already making more than other gas utilities. Please do not approve any additional returns for Avista. Sincerely, GENE GRIFFITH gogrene@gmail.com |