Idaho regulators recently approved Spokane, WA-based Avista Utilities‘ $25.17 million natural gas and electric efficiency programs. Expenses are allowed to be captured in gas and electric riders to retail utility charges, the Public Utilities Commission decided, although because wholesale gas prices have stayed low, the expense related to gas efficiency efforts was found to be less prudent. There will be no impact on gas rates as a result and a small increase (0.245 cents/kWh) for retail electric utility rates. The residential customer programs found to be prudent include various home weatherization offerings and electric-to-natural gas conversions.