August 19, 1999
Sierra Pacific Resources
Contact: Elise Sauer/Cathy Hayes
Phone: 702-845-7720/702-869-1234

For Immediate Release

Sierra Pacific Energy Company has filed an application to obtain it's license to sell electricity to residential and business customers in Nevada. In addition, it is asking for approval to offer billing, customer service and metering services. Nevadans are able to choose their electric provider, for service beginning March 1, 2000, under the state's new electric restructuring law.

Sierra Pacific Energy Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources. In northern Nevada, the company is doing business as Sierra Pacific Energy; and, in southern Nevada, the company is doing business as Nevada Power Services.

"We are excited about meeting the energy needs of the residents of Nevada,"said Steven Boss, president of Sierra Pacific Energy Company."Our mission is to provide electricity and integrated custom energy solutions to our customers and be a leader in the Nevada competitive energy marketplace."

Sierra Pacific Energy Company is a relatively new and developing company within the Sierra Pacific Resources corporate family. Sierra Pacific Resources recently concluded a merger with Nevada Power Company. The merger and the development of Sierra Pacific Energy Company is in large measure a response to the deregulation of electric service in Nevada."We are committed to bringing competitive choices to Nevada electric customers,"Boss said.

"Sierra Pacific Energy Company brings the experience of officers and employees who previously have been involved in the success of various energy industries, including competitive energy and related products and services to customers,"Boss added."These employees can provide expertise in: energy supply, customer service, sales and marketing, and new product development."

Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP) is the parent company of Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company, Westpac Utilities, Sierra Pacific Energy Company, and other companies providing energy, energy efficiency services and district cooling. Additional information can be obtained on Sierra Pacific Resources at www.sierrapacific.com.