Las Vegas Sun

February 10, 2012

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Nevada Power to build solar energy plant at school

By Cy Ryan (contact)

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 | 11:29 a.m.

CARSON CITY – Nevada Power Co. failed to meet its requirements in producing and buying renewable energy in 2009 and as a result it will build a solar energy plant at a public school in Clark County.

The staff of the state Public Utilities Commission found that Nevada Power, a subsidiary of NV Energy, was deficient in its renewable energy credits in solar, wind and geothermal, and recommended a fine of $192,000.

But a stipulation was presented to PUC Hearing Officer David Noble today that, instead of an administrative fine, the company agrees to build a solar energy plant at a low-income school that would produce 25-50 kilowatt hours of power.

The company wouldn't be able to claim any return on its investment under the agreement as outlined by Shawn Elicegui, associate general counsel for NV Energy, the parent of Nevada Power Co.

The solar plant will cost anywhere from $150,000 to $192,000.

Thomas Fair, vice president of renewable energy for NV Energy, said Nevada Power was required to sell 12 percent of its power in 2009 in solar, wind or geothermal but only reached 10.5 percent.

He predicted the company would reach 14.5 percent of its output in renewables this year with 12 percent still being the requirement.

Fair said the power company would work with the Clark County School District in choosing the school where the new solar plant would be built.

This stipulation with the staff will be on the agenda in October for the full Public Utilities Commission to approve.

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