SPOKANE, WA, Jul 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --Avista, the regulated utility business of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA), has released "Together We Will Build Shared Value," its 2012 corporate responsibility/sustainability report. This fourth annual report on the company's operations was prepared in accordance with and has fulfilled the Level B requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative. In keeping with the company's sustainable business practices, the report is published online at avistautilities.com, key word: Shared Value.

"Our customers, investors and community members are increasingly more aware of the complexity of our utility business. This report provides increased transparency into all aspects of our operations and the impact we have on the triple bottom line -- the environment, the economy and society," said Scott Morris, Avista Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Through the shared value perspective we are able to show how our strategic business interests align with the interests of our stakeholders, adding value to both our business and their lives."

Highlights from the 2012 report include:

• Attained 94 percent customer satisfaction level, the 11th consecutive year for satisfaction levels over 90 percent;
• Saved more than 130,000 MWh of power through Avista's energy efficiency programs, 173 percent of the company's goal for the 2011 Integrated Resource Plan;
• Eliminated more than 188,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air through commute trip reduction activities, an increase of 22 percent over the previous year;
• Logged nearly 53,000 hours of community volunteer service by Avista employees.

About Avista Avista is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 360,000 customers and natural gas to 321,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.5 million. Avista is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.avistautilities.com.

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation.

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Contact:
Media:
Jessie Wuerst
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jessie.wuerst@avistacorp.com

Investors:
Jason Lang
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Jason.lang@avistacorp.com

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