SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Washington utility regulators fined Avista more than $60,000 for improper handling of energy assistance money for low-income families.
The Spokesman-Review reports the Spokane utility put the money toward old past-due bills instead of current payments.
The state Utilities and Transportation Commission says the assistance is intended to keep the heat and lights on. Applying the assistance to old bills put some families at risk of having their power shut off.
Avista can appeal the fine. The utility’s Vicki Weber says some rules are unclear and it will work with the commission to avoid misunderstandings.
