Avista's Surcharge

["John Cronin" <jaycron@turbonet.com>]

We all received a notice in our most recent Avista bill informing us that
Avista has filed "a request to continue the existing Power Cost Adjustment
surcharge of 19.4% for an additional 12 months. The current surcharge at
the same rate will expire on October 11th.

The notice tells us the purpose is to "recover  excess power costs"  
Avista admits that they are due to collect $23.6 million annually. The
notice goes on to say, "Avista makes no profit from surcharge revenues and
actually is required to absorb 10% of excess power costs"  Mmmm.

Why is Avista in such financial trouble?  Will this surcharge become
permanent?  Are there reasons that justify a customer bailout of Avista?


John