The Las Vegas Review Journal
www.lvrj.com
Guinn plugging for statewide conservation plan
Cooperative strategy designed to reduce energy dependence
By SEAN WHALEY
May 10, 2001
Nevada's utility companies have made power purchases that
will get the state through the summer without the blackouts
experienced in neighboring California, barring any unforeseen
power plant breakdowns, Gov. Kenny Guinn said Wednesday.
But a statewide energy conservation plan is still needed
to reduce dependence on expensive electrical power supplies,
he added.
"Conservation is not a new concept, but my plan represents
a renewed emphasis on common sense conservation measures,
and features a cooperative effort between government, private
businesses and the general public," Guinn said, asking
Nevada residents and businesses to help the state and themselves
by doing all they can to conserve electricity, from turning
off the computer to turning up the thermostat.
Such simple actions as turning out lights when leaving
a room, turning off a computer when it is not in use, and
setting the thermostat at 78 degrees can save a homeowner
15 percent to 25 percent on a typical power bill, he said.
Businesses and government agencies can make the same types
of savings, Guinn said.
Don Soderberg, chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission,
said the agency's Carson City office has achieved a 20 percent
savings through conservation efforts over the past several
months.
While businesses are being asked to conserve, and Nevada's
major hotel-casinos are making changes including replacing
light bulbs with more efficient models, the lights on the
Strip or in downtown Las Vegas and Reno won't go out, Guinn
said.
Tourists come to Nevada in part to see the bright lights,
and the spectacle is an important part of the state economy,
he said.
Guinn, who said the conservation plan is voluntary, also
indicated support for the concept of price tiers for electricity
as recommended by state Consumer Advocate Tim Hay. Hay wants
to establish a base "affordability rate" for users
of small amounts of electricity, charging more for higher
consumption.
A tiered system would protect consumers who need a basic
amount of electricity to survive, and encourage conservation
by charging bigger users more. The proposal is under consideration
in the Legislature.
Guinn's conservation plan outlines resources and provides
advice on how to reduce energy consumption. The governor,
using the resources of the PUC, has also taped public service
announcements to increase awareness for the need to conserve.
Conservation is just one element of Guinn's Nevada Energy
Protection Plan, which also addresses the need for reliable
energy sources and the development of new power plants.
Guinn's 46-page statewide energy conservation plan is available
via the Internet on the state Web site, http://silver.state.nv.us/
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