Roger Woodworth Named President of Avista Development

SPOKANE, WA--(Marketwired - December 16, 2015) - Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) announced that Roger Woodworth has been named president of Avista Development, a subsidiary of the Spokane, Wash.-based energy company. Woodworth will focus on strategic investments that leverage the strengths of local and regional partnerships to enhance the economic vitality of Avista's utility service areas.

"We are excited about having Roger in this role at Avista Development," said Avista Corp. Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Morris. "Avista's history and future are tied to the prosperity of our communities. From this subsidiary platform, Roger will identify and put into motion strategic opportunities that further our commitment to deliver shared value to those we serve."

"I am particularly excited about this new chapter in my career with Avista," said Woodworth. "Avista Development extends our commitment to service, beyond providing energy, in ways that favorably transform the economic forces that shape where we live, learn, play and work."

Woodworth joined Avista in 1979 and has served in various leadership roles including corporate development officer, vice president of operations, and vice president of customer solutions. Prior to this new position, Woodworth was vice president and chief strategy officer for Avista Corp.

About Avista Development

Avista Development, a non-utility subsidiary of Avista Corp., seeks to profitably invest retained earnings in local real estate, businesses and other assets that strategically leverage the strengths of local and regional partnerships, enhance the economic vitality of Avista's utility service areas and further Avista's commitment to deliver shared value to those we serve.

About Avista

Avista Corp., incorporated in 1889 and based in Spokane, Wash., is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is the operating division that provides electric service to 371,000 customers and natural gas to 330,000 customers. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Alaska Energy and Resources Company is an Avista subsidiary that provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska, through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. Avista stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

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