EPA Recognizes Advantage IQ with 2008 Energy Star® Sustained Excellence Award

Business Wire, March 12, 2008

Advantage IQ Earns Award for Protecting the Environment Through Energy Efficiency

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Advantage IQ, Inc. a 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. Advantage IQ's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2008.

Advantage IQ, a subsidiary of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA), will be honored for its dedication to energy efficiency. Advantage IQ provides large businesses with the tools to easily measure and track their energy usage. Through accurately assessing utility billing data across multi-site portfolios, an extensive database is created to assist clients in making informed energy decisions. In 2007, Advantage IQ handled over 90 percent of all automated building ratings the EPA processed. Its continued commitment is evidenced in their receiving ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards in 2005 and 2006, as well as a Sustained Excellence award in 2007.

Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are continuing to promote energy efficiency through participation in ENERGY STAR. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

"Our service allows for seamless exchange of data between the EPA's energy performance rating system and our clients' utility billing data," said Stu Stiles, president and CEO of Advantage IQ. "This provides them with a cost-effective strategy for benchmarking and managing their energy to help achieve their goals. Partnering with ENERGY STAR is an integral piece in developing comprehensive energy efficiency programs."

The 2008 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"We are proud to recognize Advantage IQ's continued efforts with the 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Year after year partners like Advantage IQ are examples of the benefits of a long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Their actions are leading the way in saving energy and helping to protect the environment."

About Advantage IQ, Inc.

Advantage IQ is a leading provider of comprehensive cost management services for utility, telecom and waste expenses, including strategic energy management services. Their patented technology and services provide multi-site companies with critical, yet easy-to-access information that enables companies to proactively manage and reduce expenses. Advantage IQ's patented Facility IQ[TM]System provides online access to consolidated costs as well as powerful analytical reporting tools. For more information about Advantage IQ, visit www.advantageiq.com or call toll-free 1-800-767-4197.

About Avista Corp.

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is a company operating division that provides service to 352,000 electric and 311,000 natural gas customers in three western states. Avista's primary, non-regulated subsidiary is Advantage IQ. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA". For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).