Is Idaho Power Co cheaper than Avista Corp?

No — in 2024 Idaho Power Co customers averaged 11.76 cents/kWh versus 11.62 for Avista Corp (EIA-861). Avista Corp was cheaper by 0.14 cents, about $15 per year at 10,800 kWh.

Can I switch from Idaho Power Co to Avista Corp?

No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Idaho has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.

Why is Idaho Power Co more expensive than Avista Corp?

EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Idaho Power and Avista territory all feed the 0.14-cent gap.

Idaho Power Co vs Avista Corp: Which Is Cheaper? (Idaho, 2024)

Avista Corp customers paid less: an average 11.62¢/kWh in 2024 versus 11.76¢/kWh at Idaho Power Co (EIA-861) — a gap of 0.14¢/kWh, worth about $15 per year at typical usage (10,800 kWh/yr). Their territories meet in 1 ID county (Idaho). You cannot switch wires companies — the territory is set by your address.

Side by side (ID, EIA-861)

Idaho Power Co vs Avista Corp — residential averages from federal EIA-861 filings
Metric	Idaho Power Co	Avista Corp
2024 average price, ¢/kWh	11.76	11.62
2023 average price, ¢/kWh	11.65	10.18
Annual cost at 10,800 kWh, $/yr	$1,270	$1,255
Residential customers (2024)	525,751	128,226
Ownership	Investor-owned	Investor-owned
Counties served in ID	24	9

Average price = residential revenue ÷ sales (bundled service): the all-in price customers actually paid, including supply, delivery and riders. Profiles: Idaho Power Co · Avista Corp · Idaho overview.

Where the territories meet

Both utilities file EIA-861 service territory in: Idaho county (ID, 2024).

Adjoining or overlapping territory in a county does not mean households there can pick between the two — service maps are parcel-level and fixed. The county overlap mainly matters when choosing where to live or comparing town-level costs.

Can you actually choose between them?

No — not for delivery. Distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; Idaho Power Co and Avista Corp do not compete for the same meters. Idaho is a regulated retail market — there is no residential supplier shopping; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings (puc.idaho.gov). The price gap above mainly matters when choosing where to live, comparing towns, or benchmarking your bill.

Questions people ask

Is Idaho Power Co cheaper than Avista Corp?: No — in 2024 Idaho Power Co customers averaged 11.76 cents/kWh versus 11.62 for Avista Corp (EIA-861). Avista Corp was cheaper by 0.14 cents, about $15 per year at 10,800 kWh.
Can I switch from Idaho Power Co to Avista Corp?: No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Idaho has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.
Why is Idaho Power Co more expensive than Avista Corp?: EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Idaho Power and Avista territory all feed the 0.14-cent gap.

About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861) and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff, usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr (US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.