How Avista compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Avista, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights, Inc | 11.49 | 18,511 | -0.13 | -$14 |
| Avista Corp (this page) | 11.62 | 128,226 | — | — |
| Idaho Power Co | 11.76 | 525,751 | +0.14 | +$15 |
| Kootenai Electric Cooperative | 12.21 | 30,378 | +0.58 | +$63 |
3 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Avista. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Avista customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Avista customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Avista premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | Lower Valley Energy Inc | 7.23 | +$474 |
| Latah | Lower Valley Energy Inc | 7.23 | +$474 |
| Lewis | Lower Valley Energy Inc | 7.23 | +$474 |
| Nez Perce | Lower Valley Energy Inc | 7.23 | +$474 |
| Shoshone | Lower Valley Energy Inc | 7.23 | +$474 |
| Benewah | Inland Power & Light Company | 8.92 | +$292 |
| Bonner | Inland Power & Light Company | 8.92 | +$292 |
| Kootenai | Inland Power & Light Company | 8.92 | +$292 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 9 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 10.18 | 11.62 | +14.2% |
| Residential customers | 126,548 | 128,226 | +1.3% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: Idaho electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Avista bill
Idaho is a regulated retail market — Avista customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: puc.idaho.gov.
Counties served (ID, EIA-861 2024)
Benewah · Bonner · Clearwater · Idaho · Kootenai · Latah · Lewis · Nez Perce · Shoshone
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Avista Corp more expensive than other Idaho utilities?
- Avista Corp customers paid an average 11.62 cents/kWh in 2024 — in line with the Idaho volume-weighted average of 11.60 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Avista Corp?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Idaho has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (puc.idaho.gov).
- How many customers does Avista Corp have?
- 128,226 residential customers in Idaho in 2024 across 9 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.