EXHIBIT 12 AVISTA CORPORATION Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividend Requirements Consolidated (Thousands of Dollars) 12 months ended Years Ended December 31, March 31, -------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Fixed charges, as defined: Interest expense $107,198 $100,841 $ 64,846 $ 61,703 $ 66,158 Amortization of debt expense and premium - net 7,141 5,639 3,409 3,044 2,859 Interest portion of rentals 5,285 5,140 4,324 4,645 4,301 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total fixed charges $119,624 $111,620 $ 72,579 $ 69,392 $ 73,318 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Earnings, as defined: Income from continuing operations $ 43,004 $ 59,605 $101,055 $ 28,662 $ 78,316 Add (deduct): Income tax expense 24,399 34,386 76,998 16,897 43,430 Total fixed charges above 119,624 111,620 72,579 69,392 73,318 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total earnings $187,027 $205,611 $250,632 $114,951 $195,064 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.56 1.84 3.45 1.66 2.66 Fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements: Fixed charges above $119,624 $111,620 $ 72,579 $ 69,392 $ 73,318 Preferred dividend requirements(1) 3,812 3,835 41,820 34,003 13,057 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total $123,436 $115,455 $114,399 $103,395 $ 86,375 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements 1.52 1.78 2.19 1.11 2.26 - ---------- (1) Preferred dividend requirements have been grossed up to their pre-tax level.