 Nevada’s Portfolio Standard (PS) is one of the most aggressive renewable eneryg and energy efficiency portfolio standards in the country. The 25% by 2025 standard is implemented over time. The schedule is:
6% renewables and or energy efficiency in 2005 and 2006
9% renewables and or energy efficiency in 2007 and 2008
12% renewables and or energy efficiency in 2009 and 2010
15% renewables and or efficiency in 2011 and 2012
18% renewables and or efficiency in 2013 and 2014
20% renewables and or efficiency in 2015 through 2019
22% renewables and or efficiency in 2020 through 2024
25% renewables and or efficiency in 2025 and thereafter
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has established a program to allow energy providers to buy and sell portfolio energy credits (PECs) in order to meet energy portfolio requirements. One PEC represents one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by a portfolio energy system, with the exception of photovoltaics (PV), for which 2.4 PECs are credited per one actual kWh of energy produced. An adder of 0.05 is tacked on to the 2.4 multiplier for PV if the system is deemed by the PUCN to be a customer-maintained distributed generation system; that is, customer-sited PV is eligible for a 2.45 multiplier. In addition, the number of kWh saved by energy efficiency measures is multiplied by 1.05 to determine the number of PECs. For electricity saved during peak periods as a result of efficiency measures, the credit multiplier is increased to 2.0. PECs are valid for a period of four years.
Nevada’s non-regulated utilities are not subject to the PS. The state’s non-regulated rural cooperatives include: Harney Electric, Mount Wheeler Power, Penoyer Valley Electric Cooperative, Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative, Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Sunrise Valley Electric, Valley Electric Association, Inc., and Wells Rural Electric. Nevada’s municipal utilities include: Boulder City, Caliente, Fallon, and Pioche. The general improvement districts are: Alamo Power District #3, Lincoln County Power District #1, and Overton Power District #5. The Colorado River Commission is the state’s only wholesale electric service provider.
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 AB 178 of the 2007 Legislature amended Nevada’s net metering laws, increasing the 30kW limit to 100 kW. The bill further changed NRS 704.771 “Net metering system” defined to include systems with a generating capacity of not more than 1 MW.
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Model Codes and Ordinances |
 AB 236 of the 2005 Legislature requires a local government to amend its building codes and, if necessary, it’s zoning ordinances and regulations to permit a person to use solar energy systems and wind energy systems to reduce the energy costs. The amendments may address:
· The inclusion of characteristics of land and structures that are most appropriate for the construction and use of systems using solar and wind energy
· The recognition of any impediments to the development of systems using solar and wind energy
· The preparation of design standards for the construction, conversion or rehabilitation of new and existing systems using solar and wind energy
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 Clark County's wind codes are now online. To access the codes click here.
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Nevada Legislature
The Nevada Legislature passes the laws which govern the development of the state’s renewable energy resources and which regulate the state’s electricity providers.
Office of the Governor, Nevada State Office of Energy
The Nevada State Office of Energy encourages a reliable and affordable supply of electricity and natural gas, advocates the diversification of Nevada’s electricity supply, strives to improve the efficiency of energy use and supports the improved reliability of Nevada’s transportation fuel supply. Dr. Hatice Gecol is the Director of the Nevada State Office of Energy.
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is responsible for adopting the rules and regulations that govern Nevada’s regulated utilities. This includes responsibility for Nevada’s Portfolio Standard (PS) and for the Solar Energy Systems Program, the Small Wind Energy Systems Program and the Small Hydro Energy Systems Demonstration Program. Jo Ann P. Kelly is the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Under the direction of the Consumer Advocate, the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) protects Nevada consumers and legitimate businesses from various deceptive and unfair business practices. The BCP also advocates the consumer’s voice in complex cases involving the rates and services of privately-owned utility (telephone, electric and natural gas) companies before the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and similar government agencies.
Nevada Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Authority
In 2009 the Nevada Legislature created the Nevada Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Authority. The Authority is managed by a Nevada Energy Commissioner. The current Commissioner is Dr. Hatice Gecol. The Commissioner is also the Chair of the New Energy Industry Task Force. The Task Force is made up of renewable energy and energy efficiency stakeholders, including a representative from the wind industry.
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Policies 