Nevada Energy Efficiency Obligation

In 2005, the government of Nevada introduced an energy efficiency obligation for all sectors except transport, covering electricity and gas. Obligated parties include investor-owned utilities. The obligation seeks to achieve 25% renewable energy by 2025. Energy efficiency may currently meet 20% of the standard in any given year, but phases out of the RPS over time. Energy efficiency measures qualify if they are subsidised by the electric utility, reduce demand (as opposed to shifting peak demand to off-peak hours), and are implemented or sited at a retail customer's location after 1 January 2005. Examples include: air conditioner retrofits, efficient lighting purchases, refrigerator recycling, and solar thermal water heating. No specific methods for savings calculation could be identified. The evaluation of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programmes in Nevada relies on regulatory orders (NAC 704). Evaluations are mainly administered by the utilities and are conducted for each programme. There are no specific legal requirements for these evaluations in Nevada. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada established a programme to allow energy providers to buy and sell portfolio energy credits (PECs) in order to meet energy portfolio requirements. 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.

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