Investigation is underway SPOKANE, Wash. June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 11:00 a.m.: Avista Utilities today confirmed the identity of the employee who died in an accident that occurred on May 31, 2007, in Othello, Wash., as Robert D. "Bob" Smith, 50, of Othello. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO ) Smith was a line foreman who joined the company in 1984 as a groundsman. He became a journeyman lineman in 1988 and served the company in many capacities in electric line construction over his career. The investigation into the accident is underway, and further information will not be available until the investigation is complete. "Bob was deeply involved in many community activities, and he especially loved those that brought joy and excitement to children. We know the entire Othello community will miss his presence and the contributions he brought to them," said Scott Morris, Avista president and chief operating officer. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, the community and our employees during this difficult time." A memorial fund for Bob Smith's family has been established at the Avista Corp. Credit Union. Gifts may be mailed to Avista Corp. Credit Union, P.O. Box 3727, Spokane, WA 99220-3727. 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 346,000 electric and 306,000 natural gas customers in three western states. Avista's non-regulated subsidiaries include Advantage IQ and Avista Energy. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit http://www.avistacorp.com/. Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Avista Corp. CONTACT: Jessie Wuerst of Avista Corp., +1-509-495-8578, , or Avista 24-7 Media Access, +1-509-495-4174 Web site: http://www.avistacorp.com/

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