November 4, 2003 – PCS UtiliData of Spokane, Washington, today announced that it has been awarded a contract from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (the Alliance) to provide Avista Utilities with its Adaptive Voltage Control (AdaptiVolt™) system technology as part of the Alliance’s regional Distribution Efficiency Initiative (DEI).

The AdaptiVolt™ system technology is an Automated Energy Conservation System that consists of a process control computer installed at a distribution utility substation to modulate the voltage at the electric distribution feeder’s source. Using line voltage monitors, the voltages at the end of the lines and at other critical points along the line are measured and relayed to the substation control computer in ‘real-time’. Power monitors measure the energy flow into each feeder from the source and provide energy, current, voltage, power factor and other electrical parameters to the control computer. The control computer then controls voltage regulators or transformer load tap changers at substations to adjust the source voltage to a level to minimize the energy flow on the line while maintaining end-of-line and critical point voltages within preset limits. AdaptiVolt™ represents a potent solution for Demand Side Management (DSM), Conservation Voltage Regulation (CVR) and Dispatchable Demand Control. AdaptiVolt™ dynamically adjusts voltage at the electric distribution substation and is fully compatible with Volt-Ampere-Reactive (VAR) control and transmission VAR support. It significantly reduces energy consumption, VARs consumed by the distribution system and by customers, transmission load, and line and system loss.

"PCS UtiliData’s Adaptive Voltage Control™ will enable Avista Utilities to evaluate the cost effectiveness of expanding its adoption on a wider scale within their distribution infrastructure," said Mr. Paul Dionne, Vice-President Business Development. "This project supports DEI, which is aimed at improving electric utility distribution system efficiencies through market transformation."

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.nwalliance.org) is a non-profit group of electric utilities, state governments, public interest groups and efficiency industry representatives working to bring affordable, energy-saving products and services to the marketplace.

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 electric and natural gas service to customers in four western states. Avista’s non-regulated subsidiaries include Avista Advantage, and Avista Energy. Avista Corp.’s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA" and its Internet address is www.avistacorp.com. Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

PCS UtiliData is a CSIA control system integrator specializing in Substation Automation and Control, and Energy Conservation & Efficiency products. For over 15 years, PCS UtiliData has been committed to providing world-class products and services to a wide range of satisfied clients in the energy and utility automation industry.