Spokane, WA-based Avista Utilities natural gas utility rates in Idaho will decrease by 7.8% beginning Tuesday, following approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Wholesale gas commodity costs, which represent about half of the overall rates for retail customers, are adjusted annually as part of the PUC’s purchased gas adjustment. This year’s adjustment downward is primarily due to what the PUC called a “warmer-than-normal 2015-16 winter,” along with plentiful gas storage and continued high gas production. As a result, average Avista residential and small commercial customers will see a decrease of about $4.65/month.