Idaho PUC nixes purchase of Avista by Hydro One (sale, utilities)

[volosong]

Spied in today's CdA Press, (but does not seem to be a parallel on-line version), and of interest to North Idahoans and eastern Washingtonians...the Idaho PUC decided yesterday that the Ontario politicians exert too much control over Hydro One and will not allow the purchase of Avista by Hydro One. The 47% ownership of Hydro One stock and the government's influence on the recent headquarter personnel changes was enough evidence to convince the PUC that the government's interest in Hydro One violates Idaho law.

The Washington UTC, (Utilities and Transportation Commission), denied approval of the purchase of Avista by Hydro One on December 5th, but Hydro One submitted an appeal, which is currently under consideration. No word at this time if Hydro One will file an appeal in Idaho, nor any indication what Oregon thinks. (Oregon is serviced by Avista with methane delivery to the La Grande area and a small strip that runs from Klamath Falls through Medford to Roseburg.)


This is not dead yet, but looking good. Now . . . on to squashing the smelter.

[Cnynrat]

I think the purchase of Avista by Hydro One may be DOA at this point. The companies had appealed the rejection by the WA PUC, but they have declined to reconsider their original rejection of the purchase: WA commission declines appeal of Avista sale rejection

Meanwhile, Idaho has also rejected the purchase: Hydro One and Avista receive final order in Idaho

In light of these two decisions, Oregon has put it's consideration of the merger "on hold" until/unless these decision are reversed.

Dave

[volosong]

Received an e-mail from Avista this morning. Merger is officially dead!

More info at:

https://www.myavista.com/about-us/hy...acquire-avista