Avista Corporation, an energy company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy; and other energy-related businesses primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates in two segments, Avista Utilities and Ecova. The Avista Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity primarily from hydroelectric, thermal resources, and wind; and provides natural gas distribution services to retail customers in parts of eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and northeastern and southwestern Oregon, as well as engages in the wholesale purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas. It offers electric distribution and transmission, as well as natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As of December 31, 2012, this segment operated facilities with a total net capability of 1,844 mega watts; and provided retail electric service to 362,000 customers and retail natural gas service to 323,000 customers. The Ecova segment provides sustainable utility expense management and energy management solutions to multi-site companies in North America. It offers invoice processing, auditing, and payment services; and energy procurement, reporting, and advanced analysis services, as well as analytical support, real-time reporting, and consulting services. In addition, the company is involved in custom sheet metal fabrication of electronic enclosures, parts, and systems for the computer, telecom, renewable energy, and medical industries; real estate investments primarily in commercial office buildings; and investing in emerging technology venture capital funds and fuel cell business. Avista Corporation was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.