November 23, 2005
Nevada Power lining up developers for energy rebate
program
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Southern Nevada electric utility and state officials
are backing a $14.5 million program to provide rebates to home builders
to install energy-efficient air conditioners that would reduce power
bills for homeowners.
Nevada Power Co., state Public Utilities Commission staff, the state
attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection and air conditioner
maker Freus have signed an agreement that would let the Las Vegas-based
utility give rebates to home builders during the first half of next
year.
About one-fifth of the money would go toward rebates of $300 to $900
to homeowners who want to replace older air conditioners with
energy-efficient units.
The participants want to start offering builder rebates Jan. 1. But
during a hearing Tuesday, Commissioner Carl Linvill said he wants more
information about the cost-effectiveness of the program before he
supports it. Linvill said the PUC should schedule hearings if staff and
bureau find the program won't be cost-effective.
Thirty builders are set to participate in the program, said Bob
Balzar, Nevada Power's renewable energy and conservation program
director. They include KB Home, Beazer Homes, Lennar Homes, Pulte Homes,
DR Horton, Rhodes Homes and Pardee Homes.
If approved, an estimated 20,000 new homes built during the first
half of next year could get energy-efficient air conditioners, Balzar
said. The average rebate to the home builder would be $300 per unit.
Home buyers would see lower energy bills, Balzar said.
Using more energy-efficient air conditioners would reduce the number
of new power plants Nevada Power would need to build and cut the amount
of expensive peak power it purchases during the summer, Balzar said.
Costs of power plant investments and high-priced wholesale power are
passed on to customers.
Homeowners who want to replace existing air conditioners with an
energy efficient units also will be eligible for rebates.
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On the Net:
Nevada Power Co.:
http://www.nevadapower.com
Nevada Public Utilities Commission:
http://www.puc.state.nv.us
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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal,
http://www.lvrj.com |