Sierra Pacific Power Company
Contact: Gary Aldax
Phone: (775) 834-5508

For Immediate Release

Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power announced the launch of a new energy efficiency program that will offer customer rebates and promotional pricing on ENERGY STAR®-qualified home appliances and lighting. The program is designed to help customers save money by lowering their energy bills. Rebates are being offered on ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances and the program includes a special"two for one"promotion on ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

The ENERGY STAR label is the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy's seal of approval for the most energy-efficient products available today.

According to John Hargrove, project manager, customers are eligible to receive rebates when purchasing ENERGY STAR- qualified clothes washers, refrigerators, room air conditioners, and dishwashers, as well as energy-efficient electric water heaters with a rating of .91 or higher. As part of the program, energy efficient lighting alternatives will be promoted through local events at retail outlets. Customers will be able to take advantage of"two for one"ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL promotions.

"This program helps customers understand how their purchasing decisions affect their energy costs, helps them save money on the purchase of lighting and appliances, and ultimately lowers their energy bills,"Hargrove said. Appliance rebates will run through July 15, or until funding is expended. The CFL promotion will continue through Dec. 31, or until funding is expended.

Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power is offering the following rebates on qualified home appliances through participating retailers:

• ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes washer = $50 rebate
• ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator = $50 rebate
• ENERGY STAR-qualified room air conditioner = $50 rebate
• ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher = $35 rebate
Electric water heater (energy factor of 0.91 or higher) = $40 rebate

In some instances, customers will qualify for additional rebates: Customers purchasing an ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes washer can receive an additional $50 rebate from the manufacturer for a total rebate of $100. Customers purchasing an ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator are encouraged to recycle their inefficient, operating unit with an additional $30 incentive and free pick-up of their old refrigerator.

ENERGY STAR-qualified products help lower utility bills while providing customers with the highest level of performance:

• ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes washers use 60 percent less energy and only 18-25 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine.
• ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerators are on average 40 percent more efficient than a 10-year-old model and can save customers up to $60 per year on their utility bill.
• The ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers'internal sensors maintain an optimum water temperature of 120 degrees, saving customers 10 percent in heating costs.
• One ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL can last as long as nine incandescent bulbs, saving customers up to $30 in energy costs over the life of each bulb.

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