Media Contact: Gabriel Romero (702) 367-5241

Nevada Power will award $1000 scholarships to 21 area high school student at our Sixth Annual Powerful Partnerships reception on Thursday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at the company's Pearson Building located at 6226 W. Sahara Avenue (west of Jones.)

All high school students were eligible to apply for funds that are given annually through the Sierra Pacific Resources Foundation. Students must not only qualify academically, but are required to write an essay on how they have served their local community and the importance of philanthropy in their own lives.

"Powerful Partnerships Scholarships underscores our commitment to education,"said Pat Shalmy, president of Nevada Power."We extend our warmest congratulations to all recipients, and wish them unlimited success in their chosen professions."

Nevada Power began the Powerful Partnerships program in 2000, as a way to recognize outstanding high school students who show leadership in academics and community service.

Nevada Power Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the distribution, transmission, generation, purchase and sale of electric energy in the southern Nevada communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Searchlight, Laughlin and their adjoining areas. The Company also provides electricity to Nellis Air Force Base, the Department of Energy at Mercury and Jackass Flats at the Nevada Test Site. Nevada Power Company provides electricity to approximately 739,786 residential and business customers in a 4,500 square mile service area.

Headquartered in Nevada, Sierra Pacific Resources is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power Company, the electric utility for most of southern Nevada, and Sierra Pacific Power Company, the electric utility for most of northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area of California. Sierra Pacific Power Company also distributes natural gas in the Reno-Sparks area of northern Nevada. Other subsidiaries include the Tuscarora Gas Pipeline Company, which owns 50 percent interest in an interstate natural gas transmission partnership and several unregulated energy services companies.