Avista just started billing a new 'Public Benefits Charge' on our Spokane accounts at $0.0039 per kWh. They claim it's for low-income assistance and energy efficiency programs, but the timing seems suspect - right after the Washington legislature passed new franchise fee authority. Anyone else in the Pacific Northwest seeing similar charges? The rate seems high compared to other states' public benefits charges.
Avista adding new 'Public Benefits Charge' - looks fishy
Janet - Michigan has had public benefits charges for years through our electric choice program. DTE Energy charges about $0.0025 per kWh for similar programs. Your rate of $0.0039 does seem high. Check if Washington has specific statutory limits on public benefits charges. Also verify if this is truly a state-mandated program or just Avista's voluntary initiative that might be challengeable.
Had similar experience with Dominion Energy Virginia when they introduced their 'Grid Transformation Charge'. Turned out to be a way to recover costs that should have been included in base rates. The Virginia SCC eventually required them to reclassify it and provide better cost justification. Worth filing a formal complaint if Avista can't provide clear statutory authority for this new charge.
Janet - Idaho Power has a similar charge here in Boise but it's clearly authorized by Idaho Code 61-332 and capped at specific rates. Washington's public benefits charges fall under RCW 19.405 but I'd need to check if there are rate caps. The Washington UTC should have approved this charge if it's legitimate. Try requesting the UTC order authorizing the charge - if they can't provide one, you've got grounds for a complaint.