University qualifies for nearly half a million dollars for energy efficiency upgradesSPOKANE, Wash., March 5, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Installing high efficiency lighting systems in 40 campus buildings has earned the University of Idaho an Avista energy efficiency incentive check for over $438,000.

Installing the new lighting in the Buchanan Engineering Labs, Administration Building, Student Union Building, Commons and other campus buildings will reduce the university's energy costs by approximately $147,000 a year and save over 2.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. That's enough energy to power about 230 homes for a year. In addition to reducing energy usage and costs, the efficiency improvements will enhance lighting quality and reduce maintenance costs.

"The University of Idaho is committed to good stewardship of all of its resources, including energy," said Lloyd Mues, vice president for finance and administration for the University of Idaho. "Through strategic efforts -- and the assistance of community partners like Avista -- we're pleased to have effective results that benefit not only the university and the taxpayers of our great state, but the environment as well through reduced energy costs and usage."

Avista offers a variety of energy management tools and services for residential, commercial and industrial customers. For over three decades Avista has offered the tariff-based programs because, generally, it costs less to help customers reduce their usage through energy efficiency programs than to acquire additional, more costly energy resources to meet the growing energy needs of customers.

"Making energy efficient upgrades is a smart choice for facility owners wanting to reduce their operating costs while having a positive environmental impact," said Bruce Folsom, Avista's director of energy efficiency. "We congratulate the University of Idaho for their focus on energy efficiency and its long-lasting benefit."

For more information on Avista's suite of energy efficiency programs, visit www.everylittlebit.com.

About Avista

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 our operating division that provides electric service to 356,000 homes and businesses and natural gas to 316,000 homes and businesses in three Western states, serving more than 485,000 customers. Avista's primary, non-regulated subsidiary is Advantage IQ. Our 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.

About the University of Idaho

Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state's flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university's student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 130 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. The university is home to the Vandals, the 2009 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl champions. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.

SOURCE Avista Corp.