The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is scheduled to hold public hearings on April 23-24 regarding Toronto-based Hydro One Ltd.’s $5.3 billion acquisition of Spokane, WA-based utility Avista Corp. Under the proposed acquisition, Avista would become a subsidiary, while retaining its independence as a natural gas and electric utility. The UTC said it had received 45 comments, with 41 opposed to the transaction. The deal also needs approval by federal authorities and from Oregon and Idaho, where Avista also operates.