20121217Avista to Staff 110,111,115,119 etc..pdf

Avista Corp.
1411 East Mission P.O. Box 3727
Spokane. Washington 99220-0500
Telephone [phone]
Toll Free 800-727-9170
December 14, 2012
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington St.
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Attn: Karl T. Klein
Weldon B. Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General
RECE
'101.1 DEC 17 PH 3:00
lu
UT1LiT COMM
IIVIS TA'
Corp.
Re: Production Request of the Commission Staff in Case Nos. AVU-E-12-08 and
AVU-G- 12-07
Dear Mr. Klein and Mr. Stutzman,
Enclosed are an original and three copies of Avista's responses to IPUC Staffs production
requests in the above referenced docket. Included in this mailing are Avista' s responses to
production requests 110, 111, 115, 119, 125, 126, 132, 134, and 135. The electronic versions of
the responses were emailed on 12/14/12 and are also being provided in electronic format on the
CD included in this mailing.
Also included are Avista's CONFIDENTIAL responses to PR 125C and 126C. This response
contains TRADE SECRET, PROPRIETARY or CONFIDENTIAL information and is
separately filed under IDAPA 31.01.01, Rule 067 and 233, and Section 9-340D, Idaho Code, and
pursuant to the Protective Agreement between Avista and IPUC Staff dated October 16, 2012. It
is being provided under a sealed separate envelope, marked CONFIDENTIAL.
If there are any questions regarding the enclosed information, please contact Paul Kimball at
[phone] or via e-mail at paul.kimba11avistacorp.com
Sincerely,
Paul Kimball
Regulatory Analyst
Enclosures
CC: all parties
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/10/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff-i 10 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide schedules showing the Electric Operation and Maintenance (O&M) accounts by
month, and the administrative and general (A&G) accounts by month for the period, July 1, 2011
through December 31, 2012, in excel format with the following headings:
a)Er
b)Ferc Acct
c)Service
d)Voucher Number
e)Organization Desc
f)Accounting Period
g)Subledger Transaction Id
h)Expenditure Organization
i)Pm Number
j)Project Number
k)Stock Number
1) Vehicle Number
m)Ticket Number
n)Jurisdiction
o)Journal Name
p)Transaction Desc
q)Ava Jet
r)Expenditure Category
s)Invoice Number
t)Report Category
u)Summary Exp Category
v)Accounting Year
w)Task Number
x)FERC
y)Expenditure Type
z)Source Id
an) Transaction Amount
bb) Electric Amt SUM
cc) Gas North Amt SUM
dd) Not Assigned Amt SUM
ee) Project Desc
if) Company
gg) Statind
Page 1 of
hh) Vendor Number
ii) Employee Number
ii) Gas South Amt SUM
kk) Job Title
11) Vendor Name
RESPONSE:
Please see Staff _PR_i 10 Attachment A. This information was also provided to staff on a compact
disc during their onsite audit the week of December 10, 2012.
Page 2 of 2
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/10/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff- i ii TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide schedules showing the Gas Operation and Maintenance (O&M) accounts by
month, and the administrative and general (A&G) accounts by month for the period, July 1, 2011
through December 31, 2012, in excel format with the following headings:
a)Er
b)Ferc Acct
c)Service
d)Voucher Number
e)Organization Desc
f)Accounting Period
g)Subledger Transaction Id
h)Expenditure Organization
i)Pm Number
j)Project Number
k)Stock Number
1) Vehicle Number
m)Ticket Number
n)Jurisdiction
o)Journal Name
p)Transaction Desc
q)Ava Jet
r)Expenditure Category
s)Invoice Number
t)Report Category
u)Summary Exp Category
v)Accounting Year
w)Task Number
x)FERC
y)Expenditure Type
z)Source Id
an) Transaction Amount
bb) Electric Amt SUM
cc) Gas North Amt SUM
dd) Not Assigned Amt SUM
ee) Project Desc
ff) Company
Page 1 of
gg) Statind
hh) Vendor Number
ii) Employee Number
jj) Gas South Amt SUM
kk) Job Title
11) Vendor Name
RESPONSE:
Please see Avista's response to Staff _PRJ 10 Attachment A. This information was also provided
to staff on a compact disc during their onsite audit the week of December 10, 2012.
Page 2 of 2
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/10/20-12
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVTJ-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff-i 15 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide a detailed schedule of any land and/or plant sales (including allocations of system
wide amounts) for Avista Electric and Gas Operations in 2011 and 2012 to date. Please include in
your response the date of sale, -description of the sale, the account numbers posted,
transaction/voucher number, and dollar amounts posted and how they were included in the
Company's filing. If they were not included in the Company's filing, please describe why not.
RESPONSE:
Please see response to Staff _PR_037.
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/12/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff- i 19 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide a-detailed schedule of any judgments, penalties, fines and the like that occurred
during 2011 and 2012 to date. Please include within your response the nature/reason for the
judgment, the date of the judgment, transaction/voucher number, the account numbers posted,
dollar amounts posted and how they were included in the Company's filing.
RESPONSE:
Please note there were no judgments, penalties, or fines that were recorded to the utility and
included in the test period (twelve months ended June 30, 2012). However, the Company did pay
other penalties that were charged to non-utility accounts and therefore were not included in the test
year.
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/10/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 /AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff-125 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please list all attorneys (internal and external) who performed services for the Company or who
were paid by the Company during the test period (12 months ended June 30, 2012). Please identify
the services performed, amounts paid, and accounts charged. If services were performed in
support of a docketed federal/state court or regulatory agency action, please identify the case
name, case number and jurisdiction. Please include within your response how the amounts were
allocated to Idaho Electric and Natural Gas Operations.
RESPONSE:
Please see Avista's response 125C, which contains TRADE SECRET, PROPRIETARY or
CONFIDENTIAL information and exempt from public view and is separately filed under
IDAPA 31.01.01, Rule 067 and 233, and Section 9-340D, Idaho Code.
Staff _PR_125C Confidential Attachment A includes detail of all legal expenses incurred by the
Company and included in the test period (twelve months ended June 30, 2012). Please note the
internal legal expenses have been included in Staff_ PR_125 Attachment B, and therefore
excluded from Staff PR-125C Confidential Attachment A.)
Staff _PR_125-Attachment A includes detail of internal legal labor expenses incurred by the
Company and included in the test period (twelve months ended June 30, 2012).
Total external legal expenses for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2012 was $1,608,287, of
which $414,814, was allocated to Idaho Electric and $99,608 to Idaho Natural Gas. Total internal
legal expenses for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2012 was $792,812, of which
$189,208, was allocated to -Idaho Electric and $50,051 to Idaho Natural Gas.
A general description of the majority of work performed for Avista in 2011 and 2012 follows:
Balch & Bingham LLP - Provided counsel on pole attachment issues.
Cascadia Law Group - Provides counsel on general water rights and environmental issues.
Chapman and Cutler - Provided counsel in connection with corporate bond offerings.
Page 1 of
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - Primary counsel to the Company with respect to
commercial matters and transactions, miscellaneous commercial litigation, energy
resources, stimulus grants, IT, hydro relicensing and employee benefits issues.
Deborah King Law Office - Provided counsel on general matters relating to operations.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP - Provides counsel on a variety of corporate issues, including
proxy statement standards and exchange act compliance. Reviews and assists in the
preparation of Avista's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (10-K, 10-Q,
8-K, S-3, Proxy, etc.) to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Ehlke Law Offices - Provides counsel on Labor and Industries' issues.
Etter Mc Mahon Lamberson Clary - Provides counsel on employment matters.
Garlington Lohn & Robinson - Provides counsel on Montana streambed issues and
litigation.
Hawley Troxeli Ennis & Hawley LLP - Provided counsel on an Idaho tax matter.
Latham & Watkins LLP - Provides underwriter counsel services in connection with
financing and equity issues.
Law Office of Eowen S Rosentrater - Provides counsel on claims matters and litigation
such as collecting liability payments from individuals who damage Avista property.
Lee & Hays PLLC - Provides counsel on Intellectual Property issues.
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP - Provides counsel on compensation matters including
counsel on preparation of portions of the Proxy.
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC - Provides counsel on compensation
matters including counsel on preparation of portions of the Proxy (attorney from Morgan
Lewis firm moved to this firm).
Paine Hamblin LLP - Local counsel providing general litigation support on a variety of
corporate matters such as claim against Avista for injuries associated with an electrical
contact, damage to property from a fire allegedly started by Avista equipment, etc.
Peitzman Weg & Bockius LLP - Provides counsel on bankruptcy matters.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman - Provides counsel on Harbor Oil Superfund site issues.
Randall Danskin Attorneys - Provides counsel on a variety of labor and employment
issues.
Stoel Rives - Counsel to the Company on FERC license matters, Endangered Species Act
matters and employee welfare benefit issues.
Page 2 of 3
Twyman Jamieson LLP - Provided counsel on gas pipeline matters.
Van Ness Feldman - FERC counsel providing representation on a variety of matters,
including western power market issues, rulemakihgs, etc.
Walter B Hogan - Provided counsel on claims litigation matter.
West Publishing Corp - Subscription for Westlaw on-line legal research services.
Page 3 of 3
Sum of Transaction Amount
Accounting Yi Employee NL Ferc Acct OrganizationDesc Summary Exp Category Expenditure Type Total
2011 00365 020000 E01 - Exec Administration Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 110,64660
928000 E01 - Exec Administration Non-Labor 220 Employee Car Rental
235 Employee Misc Expenses
0.00
0.00
00365 Total 110,646.60
01367 1920000 IU01 - Legal Staff [Labor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 14,279.04
01367 Total 14,279.04
02565 920000 E01 -Exec Administration Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 98,711.72
921000 E01 - Exec Administration Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 457.38
930200 E01 - Exec Administration Non-Labor 215 Employee Business Meals
235 Employee Misc Expenses
230 Employee Lodging
0.00
0.00
0.00
02565 Total 99,169.10
02885 920000 U01 - Legal Staff Labor 305 Incentive/Bonus Pay
340 Regular Payroll - NU
2,000.00
63,593.72
930200 U01 - Legal Staff Labor 305 Incentive/Bonus Pay 2,000.00
Non-Labor 210 Employee Auto Mileage
215 Employee Business Meals
220 Employee Car Rental
235 Employee Misc Expenses
205 Airfare
230 Employee Lodging
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
02885 Total 67,593.72
03511 1920000 IUOI - Legal Staff ILabor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 65,893.87
03511 Total 65,893.87
03998 1920000 IUOI - Legal Staff ILabor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 37,961.90
03998 Total 37,961.9
2011 Total 395,544.23
2012 00365 11,110000 E01 - Exec Administration Labor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 87,198.2
928000 E01 -Exec Administration Labor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 27,740.4
00365 Total ___________ 114,938.6
02565 920000 E01 -Exec Administration Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 103,355.80
921000 E01 - Exec Administration Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 457.3
930200 E01 -Exec Administration Non-Labor 215 Employee Business Meals
220 Employee Car Rental
235 Employee Misc Expenses
230 Employee Lodging
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
02565 Total 103,813.18
02885 920000 (JOl - Legal Staff Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 65,841.40
930200 U01 - Legal Staff Non-Labor
-
210 Employee Auto Mileage
215 Employee Business Meals
235 Employee Misc Expenses
205 Airfare
230 Employee Lodging
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
02885 Total 65,841.40
03511 920000 U01 - Legal Staff Labor 340 Regular Payroll - NU 65,674.
930200 U01 - Legal Staff Labor 1305 Incentive/Bonus Pay 500.
923000 U01 - Legal Staff Non-Labor 1230 Employee Lodging 0.
03511 Total 66,174.73
03998 1920000 1U01 - Legal Staff Labor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 46,143.4
921000 1 U01 - Legal Staff Labor 1340 Regular Payroll - NU 356.
03998 Total 46,499.
2012 Total 397,267.7
Grand Total 792,811.9
Staff—PR-1 25 Attachment Axis Page 1 of
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO- DATE PREPARED: 12/1212012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff-126 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please list all consultants who performed services for Avista Utilities for the years 2011 and 2012
to date. Please include within your response the services performed, amounts paid, the accounts
charged, the allocation factor and amount allocated to the Idaho jurisdiction.
RESPONSE:
The company does not track our consulting services separately; any consulting services would be
recorded as a professional service.
Staff _PR_126C Confidential Attachment A includes details of all professional service expenses
incurred by the Company and included in the test period (twelve months ended June 30, 2012).
Total external professional service expenses for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2012 was
$12,077,598, of which $3,062,789, was allocated to Idaho Electric and $538,347 to Idaho Natural
Gas.
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/10/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: John Wilcox
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: Resource Accounting
REQUEST NO.: Staff-132 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide a schedule of the Company's bad debt amounts for 2011 and 2012 to date.
RESPONSE:
Please see Staff PR 132 Attachment A.
Page 1 of 1
AVISTA CORP.
RESERVE FOR UNCOLLECTIBL.E CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS
(Shading indicates projections)
2011-2012
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 10 11 12
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER.
4,400,906 4,701.584 5,052,602 5,313,433 5,434,995 5,173,806 4,956,843 4,842,013 4,662,304 4,712,646 4,741,535
Budgeted Monthly Provision
Adjustment
UNCOLLECTIBLES EXPENSE
Recoveries
Reinstatements
Writeoffs
NET WRITE-OFFS
BAL. END OF PERIOD
Budgeted Monthly Provision
Adjustment
UNCOLLECTIBLES EXPENSE
Recoveries
Reinstatements
Writeoffs
NET WRITE-OFFS
BAL. END OF PERIOD
77,923 110,153 125,464 88,951 78,668 96,558 74,079 95,293 97,035 88.160 103,936
96,473 215,655 100,057 165,047 160,265 116,572 177,046 130,609 192,807 151,700 144,067
(343,718) (444,790) (434,690) (602,436) (720,123) (705,092) (720,955) (760,611) (594,300) (505,972) (448,507)
(169,322) (118.982) (209,169) (348,438) (481,189) (491,963) (469,830) (534,709) (304,658) (266.111) (200,504)
Projected
YTD
4,400,906
5,640,000
(1,315,000)
4,325,000
1,108,709
1,764,153
(6,721,949)
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER YTD
3,744,567.27 4,078,423.24 4,362.110.19 4.582,025.99 4,598,786.22 4,538.763.74 4,418,643.14 4,327,524.85 4,227,59210 4,216.126.00 4,410,686.82 4,423,023.07 3,744,567.27
450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450.000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 5,400,000.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (225,000.00) (225,000.00) (450,000.00
450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 225,000.00 225,000.00 4,950,000.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
83,860.77 96,622.04 91,335.98 97,748.94 75,226.46 79,726.58 96,279.83 83,617.22 96,274.34 140,438.25 93,856.22 74,834.48 1,109,821.11
97,686.70 99,976.12 121,624.87 112,935.93 98,017.83 115,414.77 134,602.82 101,266.00 111,661.40 149,476.49 138,514.46 108,332.31 .1,389,509.70
(297,691.50) (362.911.21) (443,045.05) (642,924.64) (684,266.77) (765,261.95) (772.001.14) (734,815.17) (669,402.44) (545,353.92) (445,034.43) (430,283.70) (6,792,991.92
(116,144.03) (166,313.05) (230,084.20) (432,239.77) (511,022.48) (570,10.60) (541,118.49) (549,931.95) (461,466.70) (255.439.18) (212,663.75) (247,116.91) (4,293,681.11
StaffPR_1 32 Attachment A.xisx Page 1 of 1
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/13/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E- 12-08 -I AVU-G- 12-71- WITNESS: Scott Morris
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Shirley Wolf
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: Corporate Communication
REQUEST NO.: Staff- 13 4 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please provide copies of the employee newsletters issued during 2011 and 2012 to date.
RESPONSE:
The employee newsletters are the "e.view' which is emailed weekly to all employees, and the
"View" which is delivered monthly to hourly employees, and both are also available on the
Company's intranet. Please see Staff _PR_134 Attachment A for one copy of each of the
newsletters, as a sample of the communications to the employees as they are too voluminous to
print. All prior newsletters are available for review on-site.
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 1 of 11
Delivering timely news and information right to your desktop.
' Q4 Employee Meeting recap, working together through times of change
1' Avista's Clarkston construction office gets a new flagpole to honor veterans
) Employees put safety training to work for customers
Get your Avista holiday cards today - print or e-cards
' Share your holiday memories in the holiday edition of e.view
Avista's annual Holiday Show coming soon - Mark your calendars for Dec. 13
Employee nature photos: Quack, Quack
) Reminder: Managing Transition and Change training available
AVAnet Poll, What's happening, & Diversity Calendars
December 5, 2012 Vol. 13, Issue 69
Q4 Employee Meeting recap, working together through times of change
For over a decade, officers at Avista have been dedicated to providing quarterly updates about the business
to employees—keeping employees informed and giving them a forum to ask questions. This year has been
no exception.
The Q4 meetings featured Avista Corp. President, Chairman of the Board, and CEO, Scott Morris, Avista
Utilities President, Dennis Vermillion and Vice President of Energy Resources, Dick Storro. The focus
was on providing employees with an update about the company, explaining in more detail the objectives
regarding sustainable operating and maintenance savings and sharing some of the significant work and
success stories from the Energy Resources department.
Morris kicked-off the meetings with a candid overview of Avista Corp.'s third
quarter earnings and clarified once again, that the weak results at Ecova for
Q3 2012 were not a driver for the Voluntary Severance Program and other
O&M cost cutting measures at Avista Utilities. The Voluntary Severance
Program is needed to slow the pace of growth in our utility operating costs.
Since 2010, we've been talking about our industry and how costs have been
outpacing customer growth. Several measures have been taken to create
sustainable savings, but they haven't been enough. As a company, we need
to find more sustainable savings for 2013 and beyond.
Vermillion provided an update on what's top of mind for most employees,
the Voluntary Severance program and 2013 budgeting activities. Vermillion
said right off the bat, "In the midst of change, our priorities haven't waivered.
We still need to keep a laser focus on our five utility strategies and continue
to build upon our strong culture of collaboration. By doing that, we'll make it
RELATED ARTICLES
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The best ideas come from
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Avista meeting 2012
renewable portfolio
mandates
http://avanet.avistacorp.com/news/company/eview/20 12/12-05-201 2.htm 12/11/2012
Staff..PR_1 34 Attachment A Page 1 of 13
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page2of 11
through this time of change."
Vermillion also emphasized that we need to look for lasting sustainable
savings, "something that takes us beyond 2013 and 2014." As he and
Morris took turns speaking about the Voluntary Severance Program, they
recognized that the process is one of great change for our organization.
They thanked employees for their patience and understanding as the
executive team works through scenario planning.
Coyote Springs-2 sees first
major overhaul
Coyote Springs - An inside
look at one of Avista's
electric generation
resources
"Not everybody who applied is going to get a double "yes," Morris said.
"This process is going to be very challenging for everyone, but we are going
to do our very best to do what is right for the organization and its people."
Vermillion also talked about two new resources for employees: the "Share
Your IDEA's" program and additional informational sessions about
"Managing Transition and Change". The informational sessions will be
offered twice in December and are open to everyone in the company. For
those outside of Spokane, there is the option of attending via live webinar.
Access information for the webinar will be emailed before each session to
all employees. In the Friday and Monday meetings he also recapped the
process for interest gathering to assist with scenario planning. More
information about the opportunity was emailed to all employees on Friday.
"Please continue working together through all this change," Vermillion said.
"If you have a question, ask it, if you have a cost savings idea, please share it through our IDEA's program
or talk about it with your manager and please, if you have success stories, continue to share them through
Our Focus, e.view and VIEW."
Storro closed the meetings by sharing some of the significant work and success stories coming out of
Energy Resources. He highlighted the great work at Palouse Wind this summer as well as our recent
success story with 1-937 and Kettle Falls. He also spoke about the decision to upgrade four generating units
at Nine Mile Dam as well as the project to update the existing Nine Mile Dam powerhouse. Lastly, he talked
about the major maintenance we did this year at our Coyote Springs combined cycle natural gas plant and
the great cost savings ideas that came out of that project.
"It's amazing how far one person or team can carry an idea," Storro said. "In the case of Coyote Springs,
two great cost savings ideas came from employees who took the initiative to pursue an idea, research the
process and recommend change. Their tenacity helped make the process more efficient and created
sustainable savings."
Each meeting ended with ample opportunity for employees to ask questions. Most of them were about the
Voluntary Severance Program and the change that will be taking place in our organization. Here -are a few
of the most commonly themed questions at the meetings. A complete catalog of frequently asked questions
regarding the Voluntary Severance program is available on AVAnet.
How and when will I be notified as to whether I am approved? Q9 in FAQ
Will all applications for the VSIP be approved? Q 16 in FAQ
What happens if I volunteer for the voluntaryseverance program but amnot accepted? Q19 in FAQ
When will I be notified if I am not approved? Q20 FAQ
(Back to top)
http://avanet.avistacorp.com/news/company/eview/20 12/12-05-201 2.htm 12111/2012
Staff_PR_i 34 Attachment A Page 2 of 13
At the flagpole dedication event,
Line Foreman, Gene Dickenson,
was presented with his uncle's
flag- something his family
wanted him to have.
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 3 of 11
Click here to watch the Flagpole dedication video at Avista's Clarkston construction office.
Avista's Clarkston construction office gets a new flagpole to honor
veterans
Avista a big supporter of veterans and military families
Pride and patriotism were flowing on Friday, Nov. 30 when more than
50 Avista employees gathered to dedicate a new flagpole located near
the front entrance of the Clarkston construction office. The Lewis Clark
Valley Veterans Council was at the event to perform an official flag-
raising ceremony.
Two flag raisings took place. The first flag rose in honor of Line
Foreman, Gene Dickenson's uncle, who served in World War II.
Dickenson's uncle, Dan Marshall, served in the U.S. Army from 1942-
1945. Marshall's flag was raised to the top of the pole and then
lowered to half staff while The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by
guest, Sandy Riggers of Craigmont, Idaho. Dickenson was later
presented with his uncle's flag - something his family wanted him to
have.
The second flag raised was a new, permanent flag, that will fly proudly
on the new flagpole. Major Kay Kalbfleish, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Retired helped conduct the ceremony.
Clarkston Operations Manager, Glenn Logsdon spoke about the
significance of this event saying, "this is one of the proudest moments
of my career at Avista. I have always wanted to do something to honor
our veterans. Today is a great day to thank and honor those who have
served our country."
Avista Corp. President, Chairman and CEO, Scott Morris also noted
how proud he was of his co-workers who have served in the military
http://avanet.avistacorp.com/news/company/eview/20 12/12-05-201 2.htm 12/11/2012
Staff_PR_i 34 Attachment A Page 3 of 13
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 4 of 11
and marveled at the strength of their families. Currently Avista has
approximately 112 self-declared veterans of military service, about 7
percent of our workforce. As the number of veterans returning home
from service increases, Avista is actively working with local
organizations to identify opportunities to support veterans-to-work
initiatives.
Clarkston gas and electric personnel volunteered to install the flag
pole.
(Back to top)
Employees put safety training to work for customers
Whether it's during an emergency situation or while training
others to avoid emergency situations, Avista employees put
their safety knowledge to work for our customers and
communities in compassionate and innovative ways. Four
employees recently were honored with silver safety
medallions for doing just that.
(from left to right) Paul Good, Shawn
Slinkard, Dan- Holden and John
Schwendener. Slinkard and Holden were
presented with safety medallions for
In his report on the incident, Holden said, "...Thank you and performing CPR on an elderly man until
Avista-for all the training I have received over the years. I was first-responders arrived on scene.
prior military with medic training and have been going to CPR
classes for 20+ years. You never know how you will react or if you will remember what to do. Everything
Dee (McFarland) and Rita (Gregovich, retired) have been teaching us for years just came back instantly. I
appreciate the commitment that Avista has made to safety and specifically to each employee."
Preventing and emergency with Call Before You Dig
Each year, there are more than 460 dig-ins to Avista's natural
gas lines. Most of these can be avoided by having services
located before any digging is done. Tim Mair, assistant gas
construction manager, and Debbie Simock, communications
manager, teamed up to develop an innovative tool to help
community members, first responders and others better
understand the safety need for calling 811, the Call Before
You Dig locating hotline.
The Call Before You Dig Box is a table top, hands-on tool in
which there are gas, electric, cable and telephone lines
hidden beneath a topper of fake grass. A locator tool passed
over the grass top will beep when it "locates" the underground
utilities. The box is easily transported to community events,
civic presentations and training programs, giving people of all
Putting CPR into action
After completing a service call, Gas Serviceman Dan Holden
and Gas Serviceman Apprentice Shawn Slinkard heard
pleas for help coming from a nearby home. Responding to
the neighbor's calls, they found an elderly gentleman
slumped on the ground. After they quickly assessed the
situation, Holden and Slinkard began CPR and activated the
AED from their service truck until first-responders arrived on
scene.
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The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 5 of 11
ages first-hand experience with the need for and the safety Tim Mair, assistant gas construction
value of locating underground services, manager, and Debbie Simock,
communications manager, teamed up to
In honoring their innovative safety strategy, Public Safety develop an innovative tool to help
Specialist Dawn Donahoo said, "I recently traveled to the community members, first responders
Northwest Joint State meeting, where I presented the safety and others better understand the safety
box to the group of utility companies and public agencies that need for calling 811, the Call Before You
all have experience with dig-ins. The response from the group Dig locating hotline.
was positive with many interested in boxes for their own
organization. As a public safety specialist, I've had the opportunity to interact with community members with
this tool at locations like Mobius, Home Depot, schools and fire departments. Hats off to these two creative
employees."
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Get your Avista holiday cards today - print or e-cards
The Avista holiday cards are now available for you to order from
Graphics or send electronically through your email. This year there are
two festive designs to choose from.
Whether you prefer a quaint community scene, or a touch of nostalgia
with a festive snow globe, you're in luck with these selections.
Beginning today, the print cards will be available through Graphics,
extension 4201. Cards are $0.30 cents each, including an envelope
Electronic cards are on AVAnet.
Printed holiday cards are
available from Graphics now.
e-cards
Electronic format of holiday cards are
available here. Easy-to-use directions are
included on the web page.
For easy reference, you may want to
bookmark this page. You may have to modify
some settings in Outlook to send the e-card,
so please view the troubleshooting section if
you have trouble.
'Tis the season; so make it a warm and bright
one for everyone on your list with an Avista
holiday card.
(Back to top)
Option 1: Quaint Option 2: Festive Snow
Community Scene Globe
Send e-cards today, click-here
Share your holiday memories in the holiday edition of e.view
On Dec. 24, e.view will be a special Holiday edition
us the season to share - your story. It's that time of the
year, the most wonderful time of the year some say.
Family, giving, parties, parades, lights, music, shopping,
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The A-vista e.view December 5, 2012
Page 6 of 11
cold weather— it's all in full swing.
As part of a special holiday issue of e.view on Dec. 24,
we'd like to share some of your favorite holiday stories
and photographs. Imagine it's a big holiday card that
we're all sending to each other. In order to get the issue
prepared in time for Santa's big night, please have your
items sent in by Friday, Dec. 14.
What should you send in? Stories about your favorite
winter holiday (around 250 words), such as:
• The time Santa actually visited your house and
you caught him
• The time you were snowed-in and played board
games for hours
• A perfect gift (like a new addition to the family)
• Your favorite reaction to your kids opening
presents
• A time when you gave back to others in need, or
were the recipient
• Photos or short video (three-minutes in length max) of your winter celebrations, like:
- Your office holiday party
- The family feast
- Snowy photos of any kind
- Holiday photos of your pets
- Show us your kids or grandkids or niece and nephews by the tree or in the snow
- Old photos are great too - how about a shot of grandpa next to a 9-foot-high pile of snow
A few simple guidelines - send in anything you think might bring a smile to
your co-workers' faces. Include a description of what the photo shows,
including names, places and dates (if applicable). We may edit your stories
for length if need be. We recognize the diversity of holiday traditions,
religious or otherwise, and we hope you'll feel free to share yours with us.
Retiree photos, videos and stories are welcome.
Submissions
E-mail any stories, photographs or video to Brandi Smith.
Mail any videos for downloading, photos for scanning or handwritten notes
(to be returned) to:
Corp Communications, do Holiday e.view at MSC-18
Still have questions? Contact e.view editors Brandi Smith or Dan Kolbet.
(Back to top)
Avistats annual Holiday Show coming soon - Mark your calendars for
Dec. 13
Avista's annual holiday show is Thursday, Dec. 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at
the Mission Campus in the auditorium. Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Mark Thies will emcee the event. Lunch with Azar's starts at
Ii a.m. You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to get an additional dose
of holiday cheer. The program is always a big hit.
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The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 7 of 11
Back to top)
Employee Nature Photos: Quack, Quack
Distribution Dispatcher, Eric Walker has a talent for photography. Check out one of his latest nature
photos, a lovely wood duck.
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The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 8 of 11
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Reminder: Managing Transition and Change training available
As the end of the year approaches, Avista employees are facing a great deal of
change. In order to help employees through this time, Avista is offering one-
hour training called Managing Transition and Change by Dr. Paul Davis, Senior
Workplace Specialist from our employee assistance program.
This presentation will provide attendees with an understanding of global and
individual reactions to changes in the workplace and steps employees and
supervisors can take to successfully manage change.
Dr. Davis has been a speaker for Avista on other workplace topics, and has
been a featured speaker for Washington's Institute for Mental Health Research
and-Training in managing change and burnout. We encourage you to attend
the training.
Managing Transition and Change
Mission Campus Auditorium (and online)
Dec. 11, 10-11 a.m.
Managing Transition
and Change by Dr. Paul
Davis, Senior Workplace
Specialist
A live webinar will be available for employees in offices outside Spokane. More
information about how to attend the event is listed in the, "What's Happening" section below.
(Back to top)
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Staff—PR-1 34 Attachment A Page 8 of 13
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 9 of 11
AVAnet Poll and Calendars
We asked ... You answered
AvistaIWWP trivia time. Every aspect of what we do Is aligned with five
guiding principles that remain deeply rooted in our company. They are,
Relationships, Integrity, Trust, Collaboration and
Happiness
Innovation 94%
Joy
Fun 3%
Total Responses 4
Great resources for company news besides e.view, VIEW and AVAnet are available
on the Avista Blog and Avista Utilities Facebook page. Check it out.
Email Brandi Smith or Dan Kolbet with poll question ideas or additional
thoughts.
What's Happening at Avista?
December
6: The Association of Retired Avista Employees welcomes all company retirees and spouses
to its meetings on the first Thursday of the month at the Golden Corral, 7117 N. Division in
Spokane. Come early and get your lunch through the great buffet. The meeting begins at 12
p.m. On Dec. 6, the program will be Christmas Music presented by Riff Raff, a part of Sweet
Adelines. We will also be accepting donations to the Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund.
Last year our group donated $500. We hope you will join us to renew old acquaintances and
meet new Avista retiree friends. Spouses are welcome too. For more information, call Tim
Rahman at 509-244-3467.
6:Applications for Interest Gathering Posting to Assist with VSIP Scenario Planning are due.
Click here to access additional information.
7:2013 Annual Benefit Open Enrollment deadline. Learn more here.
11: Managing Transition and Change seminar by Dr. Paul Davis, Senior Workplace Specialist.
To attend in person, simply show up, there are no reservations needed. If you are unable to
attend in person, you may participate via Live Meetings by clicking on the Join the meeting"
link below using your desktop or laptop computer and dial in using the audio information
provided below (the conference bridge is limited to 50 participants). Please direct any
questions about the presentation to Human Resources.
Click to join the presentation with Dr. Paul Davis -Join the meeting
AUDIO INFORMATION
Dial: [phone]
Access Code: 9540798
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Staff_PR_i 34 Attachment A Page 9 of 13
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 10 of 11
13:Avistas annual holiday show is from 10:30 to 11:30 am. at the Mission Campus in the
auditorium. Lunch with Azar's starts at 11 am.
14:1st Yes-Volunteer Applications due by 5 p.m. (/SIP Agreement)
If you have an event that you would like to add to the 'What's Happening at Avista" calendar,
contact editors Brandi Smith or Dan Koibet.
Diversity Calendar
Provided by the Avista Diversity Ambassadors
It's always the season
1: National Day (Romania) to celebrate diversity!
1: Rosa Parks Day (U.S.) Commemorates the arrest of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama,
in 1955 and the birth of the modem civil rights movement. Ms. Parks refused to give up her
seat on a bus for a white passenger, an incident that led to a yearlong boycott of the city's
buses and the end of segregation on municipal buses throughout the southern U.S.
1:World AIDS Day (U.N.) A day designated by the United Nations and the World Health
Organization to increase awareness about AIDS.
2:Advent (Christian) The four Sundays of Advent are a preparation for Christmas. This first
Sunday is the beginning of the liturgical year.
2: National Day (Laos)
2: National Day (United Arab Emirates) Anniversary of the day in 1971 when a federation of
seven sheikdoms of the former Trucial States united and declared independence from Great
Britain.
3: International Day of Disabled Persons (U.N.) Promotes the continuing integration of
persons who are disabled into general society.
6: Independence Day (Finland)
6:St. Nicholas Day (International) Celebrates the life of St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop from
what is now Turkey, known for his good deeds. In many European countries, families
exchange gifts on this day rather than on Christmas.
7:Commemoration Day (Côte D'Ivoire) A day to honor the death of the country's first and
longtime president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, who was in office from August 7, 1960, until his
death on December 7, 1993.
7: Earthquake Victims' Memorial Day (Armenia) Commemorates the 1988 earthquake,
which killed 60,000 people and left thousands homeless.
7Pearl Harbor Day (U.S.) On this day in 1941, nearly 200 Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, damaging nearly the entire Pacific Fleet anchored there, as well as destroying
200 aircraft on the ground. The raid, which lasted only about an hour, left 2,403 dead and
1,178 wounded. The Japanese also attached the Philippines and Guam on this day. The
attack brought the U.S. into World War II and widened the European war into the Pacific.
8: Bodhi Day (Buddhist) Celebrates the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. Siddhartha
Gautama sat for 7 days under a bo (fig) tree vowing to understand the meaning of life. On the
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StafCPR_1 34 Attachment A Page 10 of 13
The Avista e.view December 5, 2012 Page 11 of 11
eighth morning, he realized the Four Noble Truths of suffering and the way to overcome them
by the Eightfold Path. At this moment he reached bodhi (a Sanskrit word meaning
awakening") and was named Buddha, or Enlightened One.
8:Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian, Catholic)
9:Hanukkah (Feast of Lights/Dedication) (Jewish) An 8-day festival commemorating the
recapture of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BCE by the Maccabees from Syrian Greeks.
When the temple was restored and cleansed, only 1 day's supply of oil was found for the daily
lighting of the menorah (a ritual candelabra). This small supply lasted 8 days, and today an
eight-branched menorah is lit to remind Jews of the miracle. Begins at sundown the previous
day.
10:Constitution Day (Thailand) Commemorates the signing of a national constitution by
King Rama VU in 1932.
10: Human Rights Day (U.N.) Established in 1948 by the U.N. to commemorate the adoption
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
10: Maunajiyaras (Jam) A day of fasting, silence, and meditation on the five holy teachers of
Jainism. It is also regarded as the anniversary of the birth of many of the Tirthankaras, or
Pathfinders.
Click here for local diversity events.
(Back to top)
e.view and e.view EXTRA
Nov. 30 EXTRA: Scenario planning for VSIP is currently underway
Nov. 28, 2012
Nov. 19 EXTRA: Mandatory FERC Standards of Conduct Training
Click here for other e.view archives
(If you have difficulty viewing graphics or attachments, go to Archives and click on the Issue date.)
You are encouraged to submit items of interest to Avista employees for publication in The Avista
e.view. Send your news to Dan Kolbet or Brandi Smith, editors, or call extension 2611 or 2874.
C Avista Corp. AU rights reserved
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Staff-PR-1 34 Attachment A Page 11 of 13
journeyman Lineman, Joel journeyman
out of Othello sent
us this picture of a successful
bear hunts this summer.
HAVE A
GREAT youffli.RN
PHOTO?
Well run photos taken by
employees throughout the year
It you have one, send it into
Communications Specialist
Brand! Smith at brandi,
[e-mail] .
Voluntary Severance—ç.ont'd from pg 1
related to our future pension and post- reskeng that even with the revenue
retirement medical obligations, increases from the setlierrient, v.,e would
Updated 'nifomiat'ron was provided to all have to immediately initiate incremental,
the parties in our pending general rate case aggressive coat cutting measures to
in Washington, which was filed April 2, slow the pace of growth in our costs.
2012. However, the recommendations of One of the aggressive cost-cutting
the non-Aviate parties to the commission, measures it the Vofontary Severance
in their testimony flied in September 2012, Program. Because the savings associated
generally did not reflect these increased with the severance program would need
costs or the decrease in revenue. The to begin by Jan. 1. 2013, the program had
parties recommended a rate reduction to begin almost immediately. The program
for Avista, rather than a rate increase, requires a 45-day otter consideration
The recommendations of the non-Aviata period and various other deadlines that
parties raised serious concems about pushed the eventual conclusion of the
whether we would receive sufficient revenue severance process to the final week
increases, whether of 2012. Thus, the program
through litigation or Cutting was announced on Oct. 22, 8 2012 and the Otter' period settlement, to cover significant amount began on Oct. 29, 2012. our costs and have a
reasonable opportunity from Avista's O&M cutting a significant amount
to earn a fair return in budget puts the from Avistais O&M budget puts
2013. However', we the cc.rrrpany in a position to
also recognised that company in a earn a more reasonable return
our utility operating position to earn a in 2013. Over the past few
expenses for 2013 more reasonable years, we've been earning
in the updated well below the ROE allowed
financial forecast return in 2013. by the Commission. Because
reflected a significant investors 'rave a choice in the
increase in costs companies they invest in, we
over 2012. at the same lime our retail must remain competitive with our peer
revenues were essentially flat. In light of utilities in order to attract those investors,
these circumstances, we believed it was Some news reports have made it seem
appropriate to take a more aggressive as though Avrals's unregulated subsidiary. approach to managing the growth Ecova, is the reason the utility needs to in our utility operating expenses. cut its O&M budget. This isn't the case.
A multi-party settlement was reached on The need for O&M decreases is clearly
Oct. 15 and filed with the commission on outlined above. Ecova hasn't performed
Oct. 19. The settlement, which is subject as well as orinalty anticipated in 2012,
to approval by the W1JTC, provides which did impact the corporstionis overall
known revenue increases for 2013 and earnings, but the utility isn't attempting
2014. We entered into the settlement to make up the difference related to
Staft_PR_134 Attachment A
Avista team earns top Avisas Voluntary Severance Program: Why now?
honors in local pole top
rescue competition
origratutatlons to Journeyman
Lineman, Math Kane and
Journeyman Lineman, Jarred
Thompson. The pair won first
place at the 2012 Governors
Safety Conference Pole Top
Rescue Competition held earlier
this fall in Riverfront Park, lathe
preliminary competition hosted at
the Jack Stewart Training Center,
nine teems front other Washington
utilities competed tars chance to
rrrove on to the finals. Congrata
again to Kane and Thompson
for their strong performance.
vista's recant news, recall many of these efforts: load forecast completed
announcing a Voluntary • Capital Planning: Using in July 2012, as well as
Severance Program consistent toots to our best estimate of chilly
and otrrer sustainable prioritize spending operating expenses for
cost saving efforts, may • Supply Chain: 2013 and beyond. The
have seemed sudden
to some. White large- Reviewing what we
buy, how we buy it and
revised toad forecast
showed a significant
in reduction retail revenue scale efforts have been
underway for years to from which suppliers in2013. due primarily to
stow the increase in the • In the field: Prioritize an expectation thvit the
company's operations and work, share resources recovery in the economy
maintenance (O&M) costs and Optimize will not occur as quickly as
the need for immediate work planning we had previously expected
and sustainable savings • Our Focus: To ensure (ie., 'n the 2011 retail
became apparent as employees understand load forecast). Updated
we experienced several how tney directly utility operating eapenett
events described below, contribute to success increased significantly
In 2010, Aviate began While each of the above in 2013 die. in part, to
Implementing cost-saving efforts has been successful items su expansion
expense, post-retirement and efficiency measures and likely sustainable, medical costs. and power under the umbrella of they haven't alone been plant O&M costs, The Performance Excellence, enough to slow the continued decline in interest Trends in our business growth in our costa. rates is causing growth and industry led us to In August 2012 we updated in the expense we incur believe we needed to make our financial forecast to changes. You are lively to reflect the revised retail coat'd on pgli
4 TA Page 12 of 13
Ecove. The measures being taken at
the utility are directly related to earning a
reasonable return from utility operations.
Aviate has undergone marry measures
to more efficiently manage our business.
We saw the trends beck in 2010. But
immediate, sustainable savings became
a necessity after Avisla updated its
forecasts in 2012 regarding lower
customer loads and higher expected
expenses in 2013 and beyond.

Spokane County Sheriff films anti-
copper theft commercial with Avista
opper theft is problem
inAivstsivservice
territory. Criminals risk their
lives to steal a few bucks
worth of scrap copper. It's a
danger to members of thai
public, our employees and
the criminals too. It causes
power outages. On Oct. 4
Spokane County Sheriff's
Office Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich
and MIDI Marketing filmed a
public outreach commercial
at an Avista substation.
Aviata's Rick Vermeers. Debt
Simock and Dan Kolbet
worked with law enforcement
at Avista's Ninth and Central
substation on Spokane'
South I-lit for the filming.
You may have already seen
the copper theft awareness
commercial that began airing on
Spokane television stations lest
week and will sir through Dec.
21 or you may have noticed
one of the 10 billboards that
are around Spokane through
Dec. 3. Commercial and public
service announcements began
airing on five Spokane radio
stations in mid-Spptember and
will sir until Dec. 21. Ads also
appeared on the website of
is the radio stations. By the end
of the mufti-media information
campaign, it is expected that
448,000 people will have seen
or heard the message about
reporting copper theft.
Under a full moon, the last blade
at Palouse Wind installed
Under the cover of darkness and a lull moon, the last blade was
installed at the Palouse Wind farm on Oct. 25. Once ontne, the
wind farm is estimated to generate 40 MW of electricity. That's
enough to power approximately 30,000 homes annually.
VHIEW NOVEMBER 2012
First touch point team out of Oregon tackles seasonal gas relights to improve customer experience
savings in our O&M budget.
The process is simple: Access AVMet and
navigate to the Employee Resources category
and click on the forms fink to find the form to
share your ldes. Yo(J're responsible for outlining
the issue, proposed solution and estimated
The best
'
id
-
pas come from within - are you sharing your ideas?
Now is the time to share ideas about sustainable cost-savings
n your lifetime, you may
have entered a store a
time or two and instead
of being greeted you
were ignored. And from
that experience, you may
have formed a perception
about that store that
affected whether or not
you chose to shop there
in the future. Perceptions
are important, and the
only way to Create them
is through the customer
experience, which is why
we have renewed our focus
on how to better serve and
delight our customers.
Recently, the first
touch point team out
of Oregon came up
with an assortment of
improvements to a process
we refer to intemafly as,
"seasonal gas relights."
Message from Dennis Vermillion
Is in our nature as Aviate employees to
share our ideas. We're critical thinkers
who are always looking for new ways of
doing things and perfecting our various
crafts. It's that kind of inventive thinking
that's needed today, as Aviate works to gain
sustainable savings In its operations and
maintenance budget in 2013 and beyond.
Great ideas are discussed and implemented
at Avista all the time. Some are simple. Others
are more complex and take time and care
to reach implementation. Our culture is such
that employees and their managers should
be working together year-round to vet ideas
and implement the appropriate ones. This
work needs to continue, especially today.
After our employee meetings in October, many
employees have been sending ideas to officers,
managers and co-workers about ways that
Avista may be able to save costs in the O&M
budget. The is wonderful thing, but also a
challenge to keep organized and presented
else_PR_i 34 Attachment A
potential cost savings. We'll take these ideas
and distribute them to the appropriate work
groups who will review them and determine if
they went to take action to implement the idea
or not. Ultimately, what happens with the ides
will be up to the subject matter experts in the
work group(s) affected by your idea, but we'll
ensure that you'll receive feedback about the
status of your ides whatever the outcome.
I can't make any promises about every idea
being implemented. The fact is our company
is undergoing significant change and we're
maxed out in many areas. But you will gets
response to your ides, if not immediately, then
in the near future as the dust settles In 2013.
If you have questions about this process,
first talk to your manager or contact Kent
Bradley, Process Improvement Facilitator, who
Is coordinating the submission process.
While not every frIes will be practical today,
many might be possibilities into the future. We
won't know this until you share your idea. I
trust that you've already started having these
discussions in your various work groups. Keep
up the good work. This is all about sustainable
savings - if you've got an Ides, please share it,
The team was lead by
Matt Mullineaux and
included employees
Victor Bautista, Edward
Leon, Use McGarity,
Steve Vincent and
Debbie Williams.
The challenge
In Oregon, we have
approximately 1000
customers that choose to
turn off the pilot lights on
gas heating equipment
each spring. But in the
fail, when the temperature
drops, Avists gets a flood
of cats for gas relights...
witch leaves some
customers waiting in the
cold for up to three days.
The Solution
"The most significant
improvement our team
made is the proactive
communication approach
we took with postcards,
emails and automated
phone calls," said
Mullineaux. "Our team used
the customer experience
intent statement as a guide
for making decisions. Our
hope is that by reminding
customers to call us about
their relights, we will be
able to respond to them in
a more timely and efficient
manner. Since this is
the first season we have
ksplemelited changes.
we will closely monitor thai
new process and will make
changes as necessary. .
In addition to the proactive
communication, the
team also provided our
gas servicemen and
customer service reps
with additional training in
order to maximize the
customers' experience.
'We really wanted to
make sure that we
were doing our best
to honor the customer
intent statement,' said
Mullineaux. "Making it
easy for our customers
to do business with
us and helping remind
them about an essential
service is a great way
for us to win points
with our customers."
Overall, their efforts to
improve the customer
experience hit the mark.
In just four weeks, the
teahi was able to make a
significant improvement
that will no doubt leave
a positive Impression
with our customers, The team developed a postcard to mail to customers reminding them to schedule
a gas relight
in a way that allows the best
opportunity for implementation
now or in the future.
If you've got an idea, you
should first discuss it with your
manager if possible, It's likely
that a frank discussion about
an idea will help improve it or
provide insight into why it may
not be feasible at this time.
In order to provide an additional
tool for employees to propose
opportunities, I'm also sponsoring
an employee idea submission
process that I hope will help us
reach our goal of sustainable
AVISTA CORPORATION
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
JURISDICTION: IDAHO DATE PREPARED: 12/12/2012
CASE NO: AVU-E-12-08 / AVU-G-12-07 WITNESS: Elizabeth Andrews
REQUESTER: IPUC RESPONDER: Jennifer Smith
TYPE: Production Request DEPARTMENT: State & Federal Reg
REQUEST NO.: Staff-135 TELEPHONE: [phone]
REQUEST:
Please list any costs included in the test year (12 months ended June 30, 2012) related to sporting
or entertainment events, including but not limited to season tickets or sky boxes. Provide the
accounts where these costs are booked and if above the line and not already removed in this filing,
please include any and all explanations as to the business purpose of those expenses.
RESPONSE:
There were no costs included in the test year (twelve months ended June 30, 2012), related to
sporting and entertainment events. During the preparation for this general rate case filing,
transactions were reviewed and any transactions related to sporting or entertainment events
charged to the utility in error were removed from the test period in the Miscellaneous Restating
adjustment. See Andrews work papers section "2.10" (electric) and "2.07" (gas) provided with the
Company's filing.