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 September 30, -------------------------------------------------- 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Fixed charges, as defined: Interest expense $ 86,085 $ 96,005 $ 100,180 $ 64,765 $ 61,666 Amortization of debt expense and premium - net 8,017 8,861 5,639 3,409 3,044 Interest portion of rentals 5,793 6,140 5,140 4,324 4,645 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total fixed charges $ 99,895 $ 111,006 $ 110,959 $ 72,498 $ 69,355 ============ =========== =========== =========== =========== Earnings, as defined: Income from continuing operations $ 47,583 $ 42,174 $ 68,241 $ 109,065 $ 31,223 Add (deduct): Income tax expense 35,595 34,849 40,585 81,143 18,276 Total fixed charges above 99,895 111,006 110,959 72,498 69,355 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total earnings $ 183,073 $ 188,029 $ 219,785 $ 262,706 $ 118,854 ============ =========== =========== =========== =========== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.83 1.69 1.98 3.62 1.71 Fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements: Fixed charges above $ 99,895 $ 111,006 $ 110,959 $ 72,498 $ 69,355 Preferred dividend requirements(1) 2,977 4,387 3,878 41,394 33,914 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total $ 102,872 $ 115,393 $ 114,837 $ 113,892 $ 103,269 ============ =========== =========== =========== =========== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements 1.78 1.63 1.91 2.31 1.15 (1) Preferred dividend requirements have been grossed up to their pre-tax level.