Evolving Energy Newsletter

Winter 2009

The greenest source of energy is efficiency

Avista offers incentives for energy efficiency improvements

As demand for energy continues to grow, we need to meet those needs reliably and responsibly. But new energy comes at a price. And while renewables will continue to play an increasingly important role in our energy future, creating new sources of generation can be costly. That’s why Avista is committed to the lowest cost “new” source of energy available: energy efficiency. It’s a wise use of resources and better for our environment. In 2008 alone, our customers in Washington and Idaho have saved almost 73 million kWh and nearly 2 million therms — that’s enough energy to power more than 4,000 homes on an ongoing basis, or the equivalent of removing over 22 tons of carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions from our air and taking almost 3,800 cars from our roadways. These figures are based on Avista’s generation mix of 57 percent renewable energy.

As you can see, this kind of energy savings really makes a difference and it’s through your ongoing commitment that we can make this happen. Join the effort and download rebate forms at everylittlebit.com.

Look for the sign

Participation in Avista’s Buck-A-Block program has continued to increase as more and more of our customers become aware of the valuable impact their involvement can make. It’s no different for our business customers. Many area businesses are committed to renewable energy and making a positive impact on the environment. Now, we’ve collected a list of participating organizations and are working with them to build profiles about their companies and their green practices. To view the current list, visit us online at avistautilities.com, keyword search “I buy Renewables”. You can also look for the sign at businesses that buy renewables. When you see the window cling, as pictured to the left, you’ll know you’re supporting a concerned and committed local business.

If you’re a business customer participating in our Buck-A-Block program and would like a window cling sticker for your window or would like to be featured on our website, contact us at buckablock@avistacorp.com.

Participating Businesses

• Acupuncture Center for Pets & People
• Advantage America Mortgage
• Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane
• Capone’s Pub and Grill
• Community Building, LLC
• Dance Street
• Doma Coffee Company
• Evergreen Veterinary Service
• Excelsior Cycle
• Family Health Center
• Haines Architectural
• J.R. Ranch
• Jay Q. Sturgell, Attorney at Law
• Mosaic Salon Spa, Southeast Blvd. Location
• Moscow Food Co-op
• Multilingual Computing, Inc.
• North Woods Nursery
• Palouse Ocularium
• Rain Shadow Research, Inc.
• Rope Works
• Second Spring Massage Therapy Clinic
• Something Else Deli
• Spokane Arena, Convention Center, INB
• Performing Arts Center
• Team Idaho Real Estate
• The Art Spirit Gallery

Customer Spotlight

Spokane PFD LEEDs the way

A commitment to the environment is nothing new for the Spokane Public Facilities District (PFD). As the operators and stewards of the Spokane Arena, Convention Center and INB Performing Arts Center, they manage more than 200,000 square feet of space—making energy cost management an ongoing priority. This, combined with a commitment to the environment, makes energy efficiency one of their top initiatives, and it shows.

The PFD was the first in Avista’s service territory to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for their convention center expansion. Obtaining LEED recognition is no easy task—it requires using recycled materials in construction, reusing water, efficient design and more. They have taken other significant steps toward reducing their impact as well by choosing green vendors and products when possible, and educating employees on energy conservation

According to Dave Gebhardt, Spokane PFD’s Operations Manager, they’re not done yet. “We continue to work toward obtaining LED status for our existing buildings. Not only is it the right thing to do from an energy and environment standpoint” says Gebhardt, “But it’s important for all our visitors.”

As even further demonstration of their commitment, the Spokane PFD purchases enough renewable energy offsets through Avista’s Buck-A-Block program to power their entire campus.

To learn more about the Spokane PFD facilities, visit them online at spokanepfd.org.

Plant a garden, watch it grow

In 2002, Buck-A-Block was barely a seed in the ground. But now it’s a full garden of renewable participation, attracting new subscribers all the time. The program has seen a 10% growth rate this year. What’s even more impressive? Buck- A-Block customers have purchased approximately 70 million kWh of new renewable energy in 2008.That’s a significant commitment— thank you for your continued participation.

RGI explained

The Renewable Generation Incentive, or RGI, program provides payments to customers in Washington who generate energy from qualifying solar, wind and anaerobic digester systems. Installing and generating your own energy is quite an undertaking, but here are a few highlights on how to get interconnected and access this incentive. Customers need to:

• Research and choose a renewable energy system
• Complete an Avista interconnection application, prior to purchasing
• Install the renewable energy system
• Have the system certified by the State of Washington
• Apply annually, in July, to Avista for the RGI

Incentives are 15 cents per kWh for solar and 12 cents for wind. Higher incentives are available for equipment manufactured in Washington. The RGI program is available through 2014 in the state of Washington.

Generating your own renewable energy is certainly not for everyone, since it comes at a premium and remains a long-term investment. Residential systems can cost $30,000 or more and up to 25 cents per kWh generated. Even still, environmental concerns along with the desire to visually demonstrate a commitment to being green continue to support new installations.

Customers who may not be able to afford their own renewable energy system can show their commitment and offset their environmental impacts easily and inexpensively through Avista’s Buck-A-Block program. Hurry, while supplies last you can get a renewable energy t-shirt to show your dedication and inspire others to participate.

Federal energy tax incentives

New, extended and even increased incentives for residential energy efficiency and renewables were passed in recent federal legislation. Probably the two biggest winners were residential wind that was added to the list with a tax credit up to 30% and solar energy was extended for eight years with the $2,000 cap removed.

On the commercial side, the federal production tax credit was extended one year for wind power, while biomass, landfill gas and incremental hydro received two years. Energy efficient commercial building tax deductions were extended for five years through 2013. It is important to note that this is not intended to be tax advice, and we recommend you consult your tax advisor or the IRS.

Demonstrate your commitment & inspire others

As a thank you for your commitment to renewable energy, the Buck-A-Block program is offering FREE t-shirts while supplies last. Claim your gift in any of the following ways: you can call 800–227–9187 or you can go to everylittlebit.com/freeshirt for an online form. Please respond by March 31, 2009.