Nevada Power
Contact: Sonya Headen
Phone: (702) 367-5222

For Immediate Release

LAS VEGASÂ- Nevada Power today announced the distribution of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants to eight non- profit organizations throughout southern Nevada. The grants will be used to upgrade lighting and cooling systems, install programmable thermostats, and benefit ongoing energy conservation efforts and operational efficiency. The recipients were:

• Boys and Girls Club of Henderson
  
• Nevada Children's Center
  
• Help of Southern Nevada
  
• Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
  
• United Way of Southern Nevada
  
• Classroom on Wheels
  
• Center for Independent Living
  
• Nevada Association for the Handicapped
  

In all, the power company will provide grants totaling approximately $37,000 to fund conservation efforts that are expected to save the organizations more than $70,000 in operational costs over the next five years, helping to keep program services affordable and available to those in need.

Nevada Power President Mark Ruelle termed the grants,"aiding charities in their struggle to save energy and operate efficiently. These funds, together with conservation advice from our energy educators, are designed to conserve the resources of organizations that help so many. By providing this impetus for change, we can do our part to help create a better life for our Nevada neighbors," Ruelle said.

Identifying ways to reduce energy costs often can be fairly simple, according to Bob Balzar, Nevada Power's director of energy efficiency and conservation.

Balzar spearheaded the program that will replace more than 100 lights and 13 thermostats in the gymnasium of the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson."Over the next five years, we hope to have saved the children that attend this club more than $9,000," Balzar said.

"Those savings are expected to be great enough to create a new computer lab," said Boys and Girls Club spokeswoman Kim Spore."Nationally, about 80 percent of all households have at least one computer. But, fewer than 40 percent of our children have computers at home. This computer lab will give our kids the same opportunities that most children enjoy across the country."

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