The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is challenging the energy utility Avista’s proposal to increase customer electric rates by 25% and gas rates by 10% over the next four years. In expert testimony filed Monday with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), the AG’s office argues that Avista could forego most of these increases and save customers as much as $626 million over the next four years, while still maintaining a healthy profit. The AG’s office also argues that shareholders should share the costs of its CEO and executive pay and incentives, investor relations expenses, trade group membership costs, and lobbying rather than making its customers foot the bill.

“Utilities should be prioritizing affordability for consumers, not increased dividends for wealthy investors. Utility rates should reflect the actual cost of providing these services, which are far lower than this request.” – AG Brown