Contact: Karl Walquist (775) 834-3891

Nonprofit groups in Tonopah are getting nearly $10,000 in grants from Sierra Pacific Power that they'll use to make energy efficiency improvements that will lower their power bills.

The energy efficiency grant checks will be presented on Thursday, June 16, at 9 a.m. at the Tonopah Fire Station, 100 Main St., to the Tonopah Development Corporation and the Tonopah Senior Center.

The purpose of the utility's grant program is to help nonprofit groups better manage their utility costs and to reduce the total amount of energy Sierra Pacific needs to produce at its power plants or purchase from other energy suppliers, said Larry Rackley, project manager for energy efficiency at the utility.

A check for $5,000 will be going to the Tonopah Development Corporation, an organization created to improve the economy and the quality of life in Tonopah. The agency will use the grant to install an efficient wall heater and an energy efficient glass door for its entryway. A portion will also be used to install carpeting on the office's concrete floor. With the improvements, the Tonopah Development Corporation could save up to $1,000 per year on energy costs, Rackley said.

Senior Center Grant

The Tonopah Senior Center is getting a $4,962 grant which will be used to replace eight single pane windows at the Senior Thrift Store, 216 Florence Ave., with energy efficient double pane windows. Revenues from the Thrift Store are used to help fund senior transportation and nutrition programs in Tonopah.

Rackley said the new windows could save the center up to $700 annually on its energy costs.

In 2004, Sierra Pacific Power awarded more than $75,000 in grants to 16 nonprofit organizations in northern Nevada to fund energy efficiency improvements. Approximately $100,000 in grant funding is expected to be awarded in 2005 to 20 nonprofit groups, Rackley said.