POWERING OUR REGION WITH PURPOSE, PEOPLE, AND PROGRESS
With a legacy dating back more than 136 years, Avista Utilities is more than just a utility company—it’s a cornerstone of our regional growth, innovation, and community spirit. Founded in 1889 as the Washington Water Power Company, Avista has played a vital role in shaping the Inland Northwest, bringing light, heat, and economic vitality to generations of residents and businesses across Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and beyond.
A LEGACY OF SERVICE, A FUTURE OF INNOVATION
Avista began serving the Coeur d’Alene area in 1906, just 17 years after its founding in Spokane. What started with a group of entrepreneurs harnessing hydroelectric power from the Spokane River has evolved into a dynamic, investor-owned utility providing electricity to nearly 423,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers across a 30,000-square-mile service area. Today, Avista operates eight hydroelectric facilities and continues to lead with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Their mission? To enable vibrant communities through energy—safely, responsibly, and affordably. That means putting people first, from the customers they serve to the 1,950 dedicated employees who live, work, and play in the communities they power.
NOT JUST A UTILITY—A COMMUNITY PARTNER
Avista’s presence in North Idaho is more than infrastructure—it’s deeply personal. Employees are embedded in the community, volunteering with local organizations, supporting small businesses, and building relationships that go far beyond meters and wires.
One shining example is the Avista Foundation, which has awarded more than $17 million in community grants over the past two decades. In 2024 alone, over 150 grants were given to organizations making a difference—including CDAIDE, Family Promise of North Idaho, Lake City Senior Center, CDA Youth Orchestra, and The Carrousel Players of the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater.
Avista also partners with the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, along with other local Chambers of Commerce, to connect with small businesses, provide energy efficiency guidance, and foster regional prosperity.
“Behind all the poles, pipes, and wires, we’re human-powered just like every other business in our region. After 136 years, we’re still your hometown, community-based utility,” shared Todd Kiesbuy, Regional Manager, North Idaho and Western Montana.
EMPOWERING SMALL BUSINESS
One of Avista’s standout efforts is its Energy Efficiency Program for rural small businesses. Through strategic outreach, rebates, and incentives, the company helps small businesses save money while reducing energy use—an approach that benefits both the customer and the utility.
“Helping people understand that we actually want them to use less energy can be surprising,” says Kiesbuy. “But it’s true. Lower usage means lower bills for our customers—and less energy we need to generate or purchase. It’s a win-win.”
A recent initiative brought critical weatherization training from Bellingham, WA, to local community action agencies, expanding workforce development and making energy savings more accessible to income-qualified households in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
WORKPLACE CULTURE ROOTED IN RESPECT
Avista’s company culture is another key to its long-standing success. With many employees spending 30 years or more with the company, the culture fosters purpose, camaraderie, and growth.
Todd added “We have an incredibly talented and supportive team. Avista takes great care of its people, and that creates a workplace where we show up excited to make a difference.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Avista remains focused on enhancing services for small businesses, expanding energy efficiency programs, and finding new ways to support customers in a sustainable and affordable way.
Whether it’s responding to regional growth, supporting critical infrastructure, or helping reduce monthly bills, Avista brings energy to life—with compassion, care, and community at the core.
🔗 Learn more: www.myavista.com
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