I have lived in Coeurd'Alene since I was 14. I have had my own
Avista account for over 20 years. I have always been in good standing with late payments here and there but always able to catch up and before the last few years I had been on the averaged bill plan.
Today my son returned home form school to find no power in our home. No heat, no lights. Yes my bill is late but with money being tight and Christmas November and December were really hard. I have received a couple last notice but never a shut off notice. So I was late and my bill was $546. When we wernt home Avista came and turned off our power. My son came home form NIC and called the number and after they found out we had a minor they agreed to turn it on till the end of Feburary. The really helping part is that in addition to the reconnect fee, which I am not disputing cause i was late, they are also adding a $270 deposit that is due by the end of Feburary. Ok so when your long term customers hit hard times and accidentally get their power shut off for the first time ever you make it better by ADDING MORE FEES AND THEN THREATENING TO SHUT OFF THE POWER AGAIN? I paid $400 leaving a balance of about $140 and that isn't good enough. Wow Avista way to look our for your loyal customers that are already financially hurting.. you guys are great
