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WASHINGTON, 3 June 2023: Avista Utilities, a division of Avista Corp., submitted its 2023 Electric Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Idaho Public Utility Commission. The plan outlines the projected growth in energy demand and the necessary resources to serve customers over the next two decades.
IRP filing
Following the 2021 IRP filing, Avista has secured new energy supply contracts and plans to upgrade existing hydropower and biomass plants. These developments position Avista to meet customer energy needs until the mid-2030s.
Scott Kinney, Avista’s vice president of energy resources, emphasized the company’s commitment to finding a strategy that balances cost, reliability, community impact, and environmental considerations. The recent resource selections from the All-Source Request for Proposal (RFP) put Avista in a favorable position to meet customers’ present and future requirements.
Key highlights of the 2023 IRP are as follows:
- Resource Acquisitions and Divestiture: Avista has announced several resource acquisitions and a divestiture, marking a significant transformation of its portfolio since the early 2000s. The divestiture of Colstrip is scheduled for the end of 2025.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: The IRP’s chosen resource strategy aims to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
- Long-Duration Storage: Avista recognizes the need for long-duration storage beyond 2035 to fulfill the goal of attaining 100% clean energy targets in Washington. This storage will enable the company to serve customers during peak hours effectively.
- Named Community Investment Fund (NCIF): Avista has established the NCIF to increase energy-related investments in disadvantaged communities. The fund will support the growth of distributed energy resources, including energy efficiency, small-scale renewables, and energy storage.
The energy forecast in the IRP indicates an annual growth rate of 0.85%, significantly higher than the 0.24% growth projected in the 2021 IRP. The increased growth is primarily attributed to higher forecasts for residential and commercial electric vehicles (EV) and the electrification of new buildings.
IRP Process
Avista’s IRPs are meticulously researched and data-driven documents that identify resource strategies aligned with customer needs while considering costs, risk measures, and environmental goals. The company’s energy analysts employ sophisticated modeling tools and gather input from over 75 stakeholders, including customers, environmental organizations, business groups, elected officials, and utility commission staff. Avista facilitated two public participation meetings in March, providing an opportunity for all customers to contribute to the process.
