Seattle City Light and Nordstrom Announce PowerAgreement.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 1997--In preparation for the restructuring of California's electric utility industry, Nordstrom has selected Seattle City Light to provide power to 38 facilities in California beginning Jan. 1, 1998.

The agreement calls for City Light to provide 15

to 30 megawatts of power to the California/Oregon border. Seattle City Light owns a share of the Pacific Northwest Intertie, a high voltage line that connects the Northwest to California. Nordstrom will pay local utility costs once the power reaches California, continuing their established relationships with several California utility distribution companies.

"After looking at various power providers for our California needs, we are happy we have reached an agreement with Seattle City Light," said Geri Capeloto, corporate facilities project manager for Nordstrom. "Our roots in Seattle go back to 1901 -- we are glad that we can get the power we need at a fair price and support our hometown in the process."

City Light Superintendent Gary Zarker says, "We are pleased we can extend our service to an outstanding company that's been our customer in Seattle for 90 years."

City Light's power generation system traditionally produces electricity in excess of what is needed by local customers. This power is normally sold on the wholesale market and the income from surplus power helps keep Seattle's rates among the lowest in the nation. Having a set price for this power benefits Seattle, while having a dependable supplier benefits Nordstrom. The agreement allows both to avoid the volatile electricity spot market.

CONTACT: Seattle City Light

Sharon Bennett

206/684-3008 or 206/386-4233 pgr

or

Nordstrom

Brooke White

206/628-1961