WWP RENAMES SUBSIDIARY `AVISTA' CROOKS APPOINTED PRESIDENT

Washington Water Power Co. has renamed its energy servicessubsidiary, designated a president and announced the opening of anoffice in Las Vegas.

Known as WP Energy Solutions for the last 15 months, thecompany Monday became Avista Advantage, with Gerry Crooks aspresident.

Crooks, an 18-year employee of WWP, had been vice presidentof WP Energy Solutions.WP Energy Solutions was formed to help customers manage theirenergy use. Among the services offered are utility bill analysis,real-time monitoring of consumption using the Internet, andpurchasing of natural gas and electricity.Clients include Tidyman's, Louisiana Pacific, and theSharePlus Hospital Association, with 565 member hospitals inCalifornia.Crooks said the Las Vegas office will enable Avista toimprove service to its California customers and respond to otherrequests for services from potential clients in the Southwest.Monday, he also disclosed that Avista will provide energyaccounting services to 23 U.S. Postal Service offices in thePortland area in a one-year test."The U.S. Postal Service was looking for an effective toolthat would allow them to continuously monitor their energyperformance," he said. "Our product fit their need."Company spokeswoman Teri Orr said the program could beexpanded.Avista Advantage is an operating company of Avista Corp. TheWWP board of directors authorized the formation of Avista inFebruary.Gary Ely is Avista's chairman and chief executive officer.