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

For Immediate Release

Residential and Small Commercial Customers to Benefit
Nevada Power Company plans to spend $9.2 million on energy efficiency programs to assist residential and small commercial customers in managing their energy usage in southern Nevada homes and businesses. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) gave the go-ahead for the program during their meeting today in Carson City.

Joining in the proposal were the PUCN Staff , the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, BP Solar, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project and the Nevada Energy Buyers Network.

The programs will begin in 2003 and promote a multitude of customer-participation initiatives designed to lower air conditioner usage, encourage customers to use energy during off peak hours, provide energy education and consultation. Traditional conservation methods are also part of the program including energy efficient appliances and lighting replacements."This program is designed to help our residential and small commercial customers understand the use of our product, electricity, and to use that product more efficiently," said Robert Balzar, director of energy efficiency and conservation for Nevada Power Co and Sierra Pacific Power Co. A similar program will be launched in northern Nevada.

According to Balzar, some of the programs are new, while other programs have been expanded to include more customers.

"We're adding 3,000 more customers to our Air Conditioning Load Management program, along with the 3,500 already approved," he said. The program includes a minimum $15 per month incentive for customers who allow Nevada Power to automatically switch off their air conditioners for a few minutes each hour, during hot summer weather.

A new pilot program for 6,000 customers will promote efficient air conditioning units, along with time-of-use rates that could lead to an energy reduction rebate. When purchasing a new air conditioner, residential customers would be offered a rebate on the purchase of high efficiency models.

Customers could also qualify for rebates after testing and repairing existing air conditioners and air ducts. To qualify for the program, customers must also sign up for time-of-use rates, which offers an incentive by lowering the price of electricity used during non-peak times and raising the price for usage during peak demand hours.

The program also provides some of the following services for customers.

Low-income weatherization grants and assistance.

Incentives to replace inefficient"second" refrigerators and freezers.

Promotion of energy efficient"Energy Star" appliances and products.

Technical training for contractors and builders.

Consultation on energy efficient new home construction.

Incentive programs for small commercial customers for a wide range of air conditioning, lighting efficiency and building performance measures.

A variety of public energy education presentations and programs that will run throughout 2003.

"We intend to partner with the Nevada State Housing Division to provide weatherization to low income households and assist subcontractors with training and management of these services", Balzar said."We'll also be providing energy education for residences and small businesses about the best uses of appliances and technologies in order to conserve energy."

Nevada Power will offer small commercial customers a custom incentive program for a wide range of air conditioning, lighting efficiency and building performance measures, based upon energy savings.

Balzar said Nevada Power will spend the next few months on the planning and development of these programs, so they're ready for launch to the customers by the beginning of 2003.

He encouraged interested customers to visit Nevada Power's website at www.nevadapower.com for no cost, low cost and other energy efficiency information and tips.

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