Doing Business with Avista
What We Value
Our vision is to deliver better energy for life. We strive to fulfill that vision by improving the lives of our customers through the safe, responsible and affordable delivery of energy. Furthermore, we are committed to conducting business ethically and honestly, and providing a trustworthy, innovative, and collaborative culture that enhances equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Our Commitment to Supplier Diversity
We believe that diversity in our backgrounds, culture, ethnicity, race, gender and other personal and shared group experiences makes us stronger as a company and as a leader in our communities. By operating our business through a diverse lens, Avista gains the benefit of multiple perspectives, leading to innovative breakthroughs for our customers, suppliers, and communities.
Our commitment to diversity extends to our suppliers as well. We strive to engage with diverse suppliers in support of our values and business strategies, and to reflect the values and expectations of our stakeholders. Avista wants our suppliers to be representative of the communities we serve. We believe that a diverse supplier base strengthens partnerships, fosters innovation and competition, enhances customer loyalty and contributes to the economic growth and development of our communities.
Interested in Doing Business with Avista
To see if your company may be a good fit for doing business with Avista, please submit a Business Inquiry Form
While submitting a Business Inquiry Form does not guarantee a business relationship with Avista, it does serve as an important first step in our vetting process for new suppliers (goods or services) and contractors. The vetting process may be initiated when a specific need arises that is related to your industry.
Supplier Requirements
We are committed to Corporate Responsibility, integrity, responsible sourcing, and the safety and well-being of workers across our supply chain. As such, Avista holds our suppliers and contractors to the same standards and requirements of ethical, social, environmental, and sustainable conduct that we adhere to. These standards and requirements are described in the following policies:
- Contractor Code of Conduct
- Our Commitment to Human Rights
- Avista Code of Conduct
- Conflict Minerals Policy & Statement
- Purchase Order Terms & Conditions
Expectations of doing business with Avista
Avista works with contractors, suppliers, and vendors who provide high-quality products and services. In addition to quality standards, Avista expects its contractors, suppliers, and vendors to value and maintain the following:
- Ethical and regulatory compliant business practices
- Environmental, health, and safety measures that meet or exceed industry standards
- Data privacy and security measures that meet or exceed industry standards
- Insurance coverage in types and amounts appropriate for the nature of work being performed, including, but not limited to Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- Competitive pricing with cost breakdowns to support invoices
- Adherence to import/export limitations and conflict minerals prohibitions
Permits and Inspections
Find information about the permit and inspection process in your area.
Washington
Idaho
Oregon (Natural Gas Only)
- Douglas County (Roseburg)
- Jackson County
- Klamath County
- Medford
- Union County (La Grande) - Visit the County Office to apply for a permit in Union County
Business Spotlight
The relationships Avista forges with our vendors are critical. Our Business Spotlight celebrates business partners that contribute to the needs of our customers and communities in an environmentally responsible, affordable, safe, and reliable manner.
Volt has been a partner with Avista since 2009. The professional services recruiting firm helps Avista find quality contractors to help support Avista’s teams and projects. Volt is a valuable, strategic partner helping Avista navigate the dynamic world of talent acquisition.
Since 2009, Volt has hired more than 900 contractors to work at Avista.
“We love working with Avista and feel honored to be able to work with such an amazing company every day.” –Volt
At a glance:
- Named Avista’s Vendor of the Year multiple times
- Innova, Volt’s parent company, had more than $100 million in diversity spend in 2022 (20% of all vendor spend)
- 140+ Volt employees hired by Avista
Get to know more about Volt in this Q&A.
What characteristics of your team do you most credit for your company’s success?
Our team has a customer-service mindset. We are here because of our clients, and we take that responsibility seriously when we represent them while talking with candidates. Teamwork is also important to us. Our team genuinely likes coming to work and helping each other, and it shows.
How do you inspire your employees?
We encourage our employees to be themselves and allow them to make mistakes, it’s how we all get better.
What should we know about the Volt team?
Our small team has a combined 41 years of experience working with Avista.
Since 2021, Palouse Power has provided high-quality and safe support to Avista’s critical downtown network and emergency/storm projects.
In 2022, Palouse Power established a permanent office in North Idaho to support Avista’s projects across the Inland Northwest.
At a glance:
- Avista’s first diverse business for the National Ascend Program
- Completed 30+ Avista projects
- General Foreman experience averages 23 years
Get to know more about Palouse Power in this Q&A.
What is your service territory?
We currently serve Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We also provide storm crews as far as the East Coast.
What characteristics of your team do you most credit for your company’s success?
We’re fortunate to have an amazing and diverse team with a depth of knowledge and experience. Their focus on expertise, project management, and safety has ensured our success. Their willingness to go the extra mile has also cultivated strong relationships and built trust with our customers.
What sets you apart from your competition?
Our understanding of customer expectations, commitment and adherence to quality, proactivity, excellent project management, and communication make us unique.
What’s your approach to project management?
We operate as a strong matrix organization deploying Waterfall, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Critical Chain Management (CCM), as needed.
What else do you do?
Our teams support civil and electrical construction of transmission, distribution, and substation (greenfield and brownfield) projects with dozens of regional utilities, municipalities, and federal contracts.
