March 26, 1999
Sierra Pacific Resources
Contact: Faye I. Andersen
Phone: (775) 834-4822

For Immediate Release

LAS VEGAS and RENO, Nevada (March 23, 1999) - Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP) and Nevada Power Company (NYSE, PCX:NVP) officials announced today that Steven S. Boss has been named president, Sierra Pacific Energy Company.

Operating under the brand name of Simple Choice, Sierra Pacific Energy Company offers an array of brand name products and services for customers'homes.

Following the merger of Sierra Pacific Resources and Nevada Power Company, Boss will assume a similar role for the non-regulated businesses operated by the new company.

Boss will begin his new duties in Las Vegas on March 29, 1999. Until completion of the merger he will report to Malyn Malquist, current chairman, president and chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources. Following merger completion, he will report to Michael Niggli, who will become chairman and chief executive officer of the new company and chairman of its subsidiaries.

Boss brings extensive experience in natural gas contracts and federal and state regulation of the natural gas industry to his new position. He is currently an attorney and business management consultant for Guy, Boss and Associates following the sale of equity interest in Natural Gas Transmission Services, Inc., Dallas, Texas. From 1984-92 he was president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of Sunrise Energy Services, Dallas.

He previously held positions with Lear Petroleum Corporation; Producer's Gas Company; Texas Oil and Gas Corporation; Pacific Lighting Corporation; The Aerospace Corporation; and McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Company.