Media Contacts: 
Faye I. Andersen (775) 834-4822, or
Karl Walquist, (775)834-3891

In celebration of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, Sierra Pacific Power Company employees will be on hand during Earth Day festivities and many other events throughout April and May to exhibit new technologies for renewable energy, while demonstrating the benefits of using energy efficiently and the wisdom of conserving energy whenever possible. 

Earth Day festivities will be held in Reno on Sunday, April 22, at Idlewild Park.  Sierra Pacific will have a booth at that event, as well as participate in 10 other events in the coming weeks that promote green building, uses of renewable energy and how to conserve energy in homes and businesses. 

Over the past three years, Sierra Pacific has awarded nearly $1.5 million in energy efficiency rebates to hundreds of businesses, public buildings and schools, according to Mary Simmons, vice president of External Affairs for Sierra Pacific Power Company.  That's in addition to the company funding nearly $2 million in programs for residential customers through appliance rebates and price promotions for compact fluorescent lights.

"Using energy efficiently and conserving energy when we do use it is important because it saves energy and it saves customers money on their power bills,"said Simmons. "We all have to use some energy in our homes and businesses, but Sierra Pacific can help everyone use energy more efficiently and cut down on waste."

In 2006 alone, energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers statewide reduced energy use by nearly 223 million kilowatt hours or enough electricity to serve approximately 18,000 homes for a year. 

According to the company, Nevada will be the number one state in the nation for solar energy on a per capita basis when the SolarOne project in southern Nevada is completed, along with another 10-megawatt photovoltaic power plant proposed near Las Vegas.  All of the electricity produced there is expected to be utilized by Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific customers.

Sierra Pacific customers currently receive 11 percent of their electricity annually from geothermal resources.  Nevada will also be Number One in the nation for geothermal generation per capita when current projects are completed. 

Sierra Pacific's office in Reno was the site of a news conference on April 12 to announce the launch of Green Up!, a consolidation of environment-oriented events being held in April and May throughout the area.  Green Up! is sponsored by Eco-Net, whose members represent a consortium of local government agencies, schools, community groups and individuals, for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Sierra Pacific's energy efficiency and conservation experts, along with contractors for their Solar Generations and Sure Bet programs, will represent the company at these upcoming events. 

April 22â€" Earth Day, Idlewild Park in Reno, 10a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 26â€" Carson Valley Business Showcase, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2 to 7 p.m.
April 28â€" Tahoe-Truckee Earth Day Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 1â€" Renewable Energy Showcase, Sierra Pacific's Auditorium, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
May 5& 6 -- Cinco de Mayo, Victorian Square in Sparks, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May 11â€" Design and Construction Practices of Green Buildings, Sierra Pacific Power Co., 9 a.m. to noon
May 12& 13â€" Elko Home Show, Elko Convention Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 18â€" Bike to Work Day, community-wide event
May 18â€" Facility Energy Management, Sierra Pacific Power Company, 9 a.m. to noon
May 25 - 27â€" Regional Green Building Symposium& Truckee Home& Building Show, Truckee High School, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete listing of the times/dates for all of the Green Up! events, visitwww.GreenUpDays.org.