CFO to Assume Treasury and Investor Relations Responsibilities

SPOKANE, Wash., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) today announced that Senior Vice President Malyn K. Malquist will assume responsibility for the treasury function in addition to his role as chief financial officer. David A. Brukardt, vice president and treasurer, will be leaving Avista later in the quarter, after helping to assure a smooth transition. The move combines the role of CFO and treasurer and eliminates one executive officer position.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO )

"Dave has been an extremely valuable member of our company during financially challenging times," said Gary G. Ely, board chairman, president and chief executive officer for Avista Corp. "He is well-respected for his corporate communication and investor relations expertise within our company and within our industry. His contributions to our success have been substantial."

"This is the right time for me, both professionally and personally, to make a change," Brukardt said. "I've gained a high level of admiration and respect for the people of Avista and wish my friends and co-workers the best. I'm leaving confident that the leadership is in place to continue to move the company forward."

Brukardt was recruited in 1999 as vice president of investor relations during a period of growth. He was promoted in 2001 to vice president of investor and corporate relations and chief communication officer as the company restructured and focused on restoring its financial health. In 2002, he was named vice president of corporate relations and strategic planning in a move that consolidated several of Avista's external relations functions. In 2003, he was elected vice president and treasurer.

Brukardt has been actively involved in the community, serving on boards and committees at the local and state levels. He currently serves on the Avista Foundation board of directors, is a member of the board of trustees of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, is on the executive committee of the board of the Association of Washington Business, and is a member of the Spokane Airport Board.

Prior to joining Avista, Brukardt served as director of investor and corporate relations for Harnischfeger Industries, senior vice president and co-owner of CCU, Inc., a Wisconsin-based communication and marketing consultancy, and he held positions with Case Corporation and Brunswick's Marine Power Group.

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 electric and natural gas service to customers in four western states. Avista's non-regulated affiliates include Avista Advantage and Avista Energy. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA" and its Internet address is www.avistacorp.com

NOTE: 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.

SOURCE  Avista Corp.
    -0-                             02/06/2004
    /CONTACT:  media, Patrick Lynch, +1-509-495-4246, or
pat.lynch@avistacorp.com, or investors, Angela Teed, +1-509-495-2930, or
angela.teed@avistacorp.com, both of Avista Corp./
    /Photo:  NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO
             AP Archive:  http://photoarchive.ap.org
             PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.avistacorp.com /
    (AVA)

CO:  Avista Corp.
ST:  Washington
IN:  CPR STW FIN
SU:  PER

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