Media Contact:
Karl Walquist
(775) 834-3891
For Immediate Release

Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power Company are accepting applications for the second year of a statewide program that rewards electric customers for using photovoltaic (PV) technology to turn sunlight into energy.

Customers who install the PV panels are eligible for a rebate of $4 per watt of electricity produced. Participants can also earn credits on their monthly electric bills if they generate more power than they use.

The utilities are accepting applications for Program Year Two of the SolarGenerations program until Jan. 15, 2005, according to Project Manager John Hargrove of Sierra Pacific's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Department. Residential and small business customers, as well as schools and government agencies, are eligible to participate.

Hargrove said Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power are still accepting applications from schools and public buildings for Year One of SolarGenerations. Year One participants are eligible for a rebate of $5 per watt of electricity produced.

“The easiest way to learn about the program is to go to our web site,www.SolarGenerations.com,” Hargrove said. “You'll find information about the program, applications, and contractors qualified to install photovoltaic equipment.” Anyone who is interested can also call toll free, (866) PV-NEVADA, or Program Administrator Larry Burton at (775) 834-4464.

Hargrove said all complete applications will be forwarded to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) for review and approval by February or March. Applications must be approved by the PUCN in order for applicants to qualify for the rebate.

SolarGenerations was created by Assembly Bill 431â€" the Solar Energy Systems Demonstration Program â€" passed by the Nevada State Legislature in 2003. The legislation authorized funding for rebates to Nevadans who install PV systems on their homes or businesses.

A total of 56 solar projects, capable of producing nearly 200 kilowatts of electricity are currently under construction throughout Nevada under terms of the Year One program. Approximately $1 million in rebates will be paid to Year One participants.

Hargrove said 18 different contractors are completing the Year One installations.

The SolarGenerations program is the first of its kind in Nevada, according to Bob Balzar, director of energy efficiency and conservation for Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power and a member of the Nevada Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Task Force.

“The SolarGenerations demonstration program allows us to achieve greater use of the state's abundant sunshine while reducing Nevada's reliance on fossil fuels,” Balzar said. 

Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Sierra Pacific Power Company is the principal utility for most of northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area of California. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP), which also is the holding company for Nevada Power Company, the electric utility for southern Nevada. Sierra Pacific Power also distributes natural gas in the Reno- Sparks area of northern Nevada. Other subsidiaries of Sierra Pacific Resources include the Tuscarora Gas Pipeline Company, which owns 50 percent interest in an interstate natural gas transmission partnership.