Think you're overpaying on energy bills?
Gus Koedding • April 2, 2025
Several factors have contributed to higher Avista utility bills for Spokane County residents in 2025:
- Approved Rate Increases:
- Electricity: The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved an electric revenue increase of $11.9 million (2.01%) by the end of 2024 and an additional $44.4 million (7.51%) effective December 21, 2025. This translates to a typical residential electric customer using 945 kWh per month experiencing an increase of $2 (1.7%) per month in 2025, resulting in an average monthly bill of $116.39, and an additional $5.07 (4.4%) per month in 2026, leading to an average monthly bill of $121.46. UTC+1Avista Utilities+1
- Natural Gas: The UTC approved a natural gas revenue increase of $14.2 million (11.15%) by the end of 2024 and an additional $4 million (2.81%) effective December 21, 2025. This means a typical natural gas residential customer using 66 therms per month can expect an increase of $4.85 (5%) per month in 2025, resulting in an average monthly bill of $101.19, and an additional $1.32 (1.3%) per month in 2026, leading to an average monthly bill of $102.21. UTC
- Infrastructure Investments:
- Avista has been investing in infrastructure and technology upgrades to maintain and enhance the safety and reliability of its services. These investments include the systematic replacement of portions of natural gas distribution pipes installed before 1987 and other service equipment. Additionally, technology upgrades support necessary business processes and operational efficiencies.
- Transition from Coal-Fired Generation:
- In compliance with Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), Avista is required to eliminate coal-fired generation from serving Washington customers by the end of 2025. This involves removing costs associated with generation from the Colstrip Generating Plant, in which Avista holds a 15% ownership of Units 3 and 4. The transition to cleaner energy sources necessitates significant infrastructure investments, contributing to higher costs for consumers.
- Increased Operational Costs:
- The costs of operating and maintaining utility systems have steadily increased, outpacing revenue. Factors such as inflation, compliance obligations, and the need to replace aging infrastructure have contributed to higher operational costs, which are reflected in customer rates.
Collectively, these factors have led to increased utility bills for Avista customers in Spokane County in 2025.
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Attic mold foggers might sound like a quick-fix miracle in a can—but the truth is, they’re often more smoke than solution. Here’s a straight-up breakdown of the shortcomings of mold foggers when it comes to attic mold : 🚫 1. They Don’t Eliminate the Source Mold grows because of moisture and poor ventilation . Foggers don’t fix: Roof leaks Bathroom fans dumping into the attic Blocked soffits Air leaks from the home into the attic No matter how much fog you pump up there, the mold’s coming back if the conditions stay the same. ⚠️ 2. No Physical Mold Removal Foggers do not scrub, lift, or remove mold colonies . They only coat surfaces. Mold still needs to be: Brushed off Vacuumed with a HEPA system Treated with antimicrobial agents Dead mold spores can still trigger allergies and health issues—so leaving them there isn’t a win. 🪵 3. Poor Penetration on Porous Surfaces Attics are full of raw, porous wood —rafters, sheathing, joists. Foggers often can’t penetrate deep enough into the wood grain where mold roots have taken hold. That means: Spores may survive inside the wood Regrowth is likely, especially in humid climates 🧴 4. Short-Term Fix, No Residual Protection Most over-the-counter foggers don’t leave behind a long-lasting antimicrobial barrier. Unlike encapsulation with mold-killing primers , foggers offer: No surface sealing No moisture resistance No long-term protection 🧯 5. False Sense of Security Because foggers leave a scent and the mold "looks better," homeowners may think the problem is solved—but the underlying issue remains . This delays real remediation and can lead to much worse (and more expensive) problems later. 💸 6. Cost vs. Effectiveness For DIYers, foggers aren’t cheap—and they don’t replace: Proper insulation removal Real mold remediation Ventilation correction So you're spending money to mask the problem rather than fix it. ✅ Bottom Line: Foggers may help with odor control or surface disinfecting, but they’re not a standalone solution for attic mold. Real mold remediation requires: Source control (leaks, ventilation) Physical removal Disinfection with EPA-registered products Sealing with mold-resistant primers Insulation replacement if contaminated
Mold remediation isn't just spraying bleach and walking away. It's a multi-step process that requires proper containment, safety, treatment, and restoration. Here's a deep dive into the phases of mold remediation. 🧰 1. Inspection & Moisture Source Identification What’s involved: Visual attic inspection Moisture readings (IR cameras or moisture meters) Identifying leak sources, venting issues, insulation saturation 🔒 2. Containment & Setup What’s involved: Sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting Creating negative air pressure (HEPA fan) Floor protection and access control 🧼 3. Insulation Removal (if contaminated) What’s involved: Attic vacuum system for blown-in or batt insulation Bagging and disposal of contaminated material 🧪 4. Mold Cleaning & Disinfection What’s involved: Applying EPA-registered products (e.g., Vital Oxide , Benefect, Concrobium) Brushing/scrubbing visible mold HEPA vacuuming all surfaces 🎨 5. Encapsulation What’s involved: Spraying mold-resistant primer/sealant (e.g., Zinsser Perma-White , Fiberlock Aftershock) Covering all exposed wood (rafters, decking, joists) 🌬️ 6. Ventilation Correction & Air Sealing What’s involved: Bathroom fan rerouting to exterior Unclogging soffits Installing baffles Sealing light can penetrations, top plates, pipes 🧱 7. Insulation Reinstallation What’s involved: Installing new blown-in cellulose (often R-49 or greater) Final prep, air sealing touch-ups ⚠️ Notes on Pricing: Emergency jobs (flood/mold after storms) = higher labor rate Crawlspaces or tight attics increase time and hazard pay Licensed mold remediation companies often include limited warranties, which may increase overhead
