SPOKANE — Idaho public utility officials are raising questions about Spokane-based energy company Avista Corp.’s sale to a Canadian utility, and their concerns have the potential to unravel the $5.3 billion deal.
Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission say the Ontario government’s influence on Toronto-based owner Hydro One Ltd. make them uneasy, the Spokesman-Review reported.
“I am concerned that there does not appear to be a limit on the Province of Ontario’s authority over Hydro One,” Terri Carlock, utilities division administrator for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, wrote in a document evaluating the proposed sale. “Recent activities in the Province of Ontario demonstrates this influence is a real risk for Hydro One.”
In July, Hydro One’s board of directors resigned and its CEO retired under pressure from newly elected Premiere Doug Ford, who had made discontent with the utility a centerpiece of his campaign.
