EPA Recognizes Advantage IQ With 2008 Energy Star® Sustained Excellence Award

Advantage IQ earns award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency

Spokane, Washington, March 12, 2008 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Advantage IQ, Inc. a 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. Advantage IQ’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.

Advantage IQ, a subsidiary of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA), will be honored for its dedication to energy efficiency.  Advantage IQ provides large businesses with the tools to easily measure and track their energy usage. Through accurately assessing utility billing data across multi-site portfolios, an extensive database is created to assist clients in making informed energy decisions. In 2007, Advantage IQ handled over 90 percent of all automated building ratings the EPA processed. Its continued commitment is evidenced in their receiving ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards in 2005 and 2006, as well as a Sustained Excellence award in 2007.

Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are continuing to promote energy efficiency through participation in ENERGY STAR. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

“Our service allows for seamless exchange of data between the EPA’s energy performance rating system and our clients’ utility billing data,” said Stu Stiles, president and CEO of Advantage IQ. “This provides them with a cost-effective strategy for benchmarking and managing their energy to help achieve their goals. Partnering with ENERGY STAR is an integral piece in developing comprehensive energy efficiency programs.”

The 2008 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"We are proud to recognize Advantage IQ’s continued efforts with the 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award,” said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. “Year after year partners like Advantage IQ are examples of the benefits of a long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Their actions are leading the way in saving energy and helping to protect the environment.”