SPOKANE, Wash., June 5, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Steve Vincent, Oregon regional business manager for Avista Utilities, an operating division of Avista Corp (NYSE: AVA), has been appointed by Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman to a two-year term on the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB).

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Established by Congress in 1990, STEAB develops recommendations for the U.S. Department of Energy and Congress regarding initiation, design, implementation and evaluation of federal energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. As a member of the 21-person national board, Vincent will provide advice to the U.S. DOE from both a state and utility perspective on agency funding and program implementation.

"As the energy sector transitions toward more sustainable technologies and practices, this federal appointment is a tremendous opportunity for me to represent the interests of our utility customers and the country," Vincent said.

In addition to his STEAB role, Vincent also serves as President of the Oregon Economic Development Association, is a member of the Oregon Department of Treasury's Growth Account Board, the Governor's Unemployment Insurance Diversion Task Force, and serves in several roles with Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI).

During his ten years with Avista, Vincent has served as the company's Oregon lobbyist and as a loaned lobbyist to the Medford Chamber of Commerce, Southern Oregon Historical Society, SOREDI, Southern Oregon University and Rogue Community College. Prior to joining Avista, Vincent, a Medford native, served for six years as a legislative aide to State Representative Eldon Johnson (R-Medford).

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 338,000 electric and 297,000 natural gas customers in three western states. Avista's non-regulated subsidiaries include Avista Advantage (www.avistaadvantage.com) and Avista Energy (www.avistaenergy.com). Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

NOTE: Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

SOURCE Avista Corp

Debbie Simock of Avista,
24/7 Media Line,
+1-509-495-4174,
or debbie.simock@avistacorp.com