SPOKANE, Wash., Apr 21, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Avista Utilities, an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA), has completed an upgrade of its Beacon to Rathdrum transmission line. The 230 kilovolt, double circuit line has the capacity to handle more than twice the energy of the line it replaces. It becomes the highest capacity transmission line ever constructed by Avista and greatly improves electric reliability in the region.

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The new steel poles replaced older wooden H-frame structures within a utility corridor that serves much of the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area. The capacity of the upgraded line is approximately 800 to 1000 megawatts. One megawatt is enough to power about 650 homes.

Work on the $15 million project began in June of 2003. Some additional restoration work is still underway on property that was affected by construction.

"Avista needed this new transmission line to help meet the growing demand for electricity in our service area and throughout the northwest region," said Ken Sweigart, Avista's project manager. "We're very fortunate to have had a highly skilled contractor who finished on time and maintained an excellent safety record during the project."

Wilson Construction, along with subcontractor Tri-State Drilling Company, installed 188 steel transmission towers and 3,300 cubic yards of concrete for footings. In addition, they installed 200 miles of conductor wire and lightning shield wire along the tower line. "The existing line lasted 50 years, and we expect this line to last at least another 50," said Sweigart.

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 subsidiaries 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.

Media: Hugh Imhof, +1-509-495-4264, or
hugh.imhof@avistacorp.com, or Investors: Angela Teed, +1-509-495-2930, or
angela.teed@avistacorp.com, both of Avista Corp.
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