NV Energy seeks approval of One Nevada transmission line

NV Energy has announced that it will file with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) its Integrated Resource Plan for the company's southern territory.

The purpose of the filing is to seek approval for a number of key initiatives that are planned for over the next three years in the areas of renewable energy, transmission, and energy efficiency and conservation.

Michael Yackira, president and CEO of NV Energy said, "This resource plan primarily focuses on two key components of our company's three-part strategy - expanding the use of renewable resources and increasing our energy efficiency and conservation programs. Our priority in this filing is to provide our customers with access to the abundant natural resources available throughout Nevada and to further programs that will help reduce energy usage and its impact on utility bills and the environment."

The company is seeking several approvals of initiatives including the following:

• Construction of the One Nevada Line (ON Line) 500 kV transmission line with an in-service date of 2012,
• New energy efficiency and conservation programs and the expansion of existing programs,
• Renewable Energy - two purchased power agreements for two solar projects, continued development of China Mountain wind and Amargosa solar projects, and construction of three utility-scale solar photovoltaic facilities.

Yackira added that the ON Line initiative will provide greater system reliability by linking the northern and southern systems for the first time; as a result of this, the renewable development in Nevada will expand for all those who live there.

These initiatives are subject to the approval of the PUCN. Any costs associated with the approval will be sought in a later general rate case.