Energy Incentive Programs, Nevada
Updated November 2009
Below you will find questions and answers regarding Nevada's utility energy efficiency programs, including options for load management, demand response, and distributed energy resources, and information about state-sponsored energy efficiency programs.
Nevada utilities budgeted nearly $57 million in 2008 to promote increased energy efficiency in the state. However, almost half of that was specifically geared towards residential programs.
What public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs are available in my state?
Nevada does not have public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs.
What utility energy efficiency programs are available to me?
Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, the two main electric utilities in Nevada, provide energy efficiency programs and funding to commercial/industrial customers as part of their integrated resource planning (IRP) process. In 2008, following their merger in 1999, the combined company announced that both utilities would do business under the NV Energy brand.
NV Energy's business energy incentives include the Nevada Sure Bet Program. Eligible projects must involve a capital improvement that results in energy savings or a permanent shift of electricity load away from peak hours. Prescriptive incentives are offered on a per unit basis for common energy saving technologies in lighting, cooling, motors, and refrigeration. Custom incentives are offered for most measures not covered under the prescriptive rebate option as long as savings are verifiable.
What load management/demand response options are available to me?
NV Energy's Cool Share Program is available to small businesses with air-conditioning units of 10 tons or less. Customers can earn incentives for curtailing their air-conditioning load by allowing direct load control or by controlling thermostats themselves via the Internet.
What distributed energy resource options are available to me?
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) provides information on programs that offer incentives for renewable distributed generation. The following program may be of interest to Federal customers:
NV Energy offers the RenewableGenerations program, which provides incentives to offset installation costs of solar, wind, and hydropower renewable energy systems. Incentive amounts for the 2010/2011 program year for public buildings are $4.20 per watt for solar and $3.00 per watt (up to 10 kW) or $2.00 per watt above 10 kW for wind. Hydropower, available to agricultural customers only, pays $2.50 per watt.
Are there energy efficiency programs sponsored by the state government?
The Nevada State Energy Office in the Department of Business and Industry provides information on energy efficiency resources in the state.
What additional opportunities are available to me?
Federal customers whose utilities have area-wide contracts through the General Services Administration (GSA) (e.g., Idaho Power) may be able to take advantage of third-party financed energy efficiency projects called utility energy service contracts (UESCs). Information is available through the GSA Energy Center of Expertise Library. Federal facilities should contact their account executive to determine the level of each utility's participation.
NOTE: Energy efficiency funds and demand response programs are updated at least annually. Please contact the FEMP webmaster if changes are needed between updates.