FW: Nevada Does U-Turn Away From Coal, Toward Renewables, Gas

The future of utility energy architectures is now cast.

Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
646.402.5076
www.arcstarenergy.com

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Subject: Nevada Does U-Turn Away From Coal, Toward Renewables, Gas


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04/05/2013 11:26 AM      ShareThis
Nevada Does U-Turn Away From Coal, Toward Renewables, Gas

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NV Energy, Nevada's largest utility, says it will close four coal plants
near Las Vegas and re-direct investments to renewable energy and natural
gas. 

"Environmental regulatory uncertainty and aging coal generation facilities
have intersected at this point in time to necessitate forward thinking
innovative plans and solutions to address Nevada's future energy needs,"
says NV Energy.

In its first move to own and operate renewable energy plants, the utility
plans to build, acquire or contract for 600 megawatts (MW) of wind, solar
and geothermal projects over the next five years. 

Its investment in natural gas is bigger, however. NV Energy wants to build
or acquire 1,000 MW over the next five years and 1,000 MW more over the next
10 years. 

This "NV Vision" plan would raise utility rates by about 4% over the next 20
years, says NV Energy.

Paiute Indians have been pushing to close the coal plants for years because
tribal members are sick from the soot and gases.

"The facility's coal ash ponds and landfill leach toxics into the
groundwater, and dust from coal, coal ash and poisonous residues pollutes
our reservation day in, day out," tribal chairman William Anderson told the
Associated Press. 

The switch to natural gas and renewables will create about 4700 construction
jobs and about 200 permanent positions. 

Harry Reid (D-NV) has also been calling for the transition. Last year,
he released a report showing how federal legislation has spurred the growth
of renewable energy in Nevada, and what's needed to drive more investment.

His report highlights six projects that have contributed over $1 billion to
the state's economy, while adding over 2,200 renewable energy jobs.  

NV Energy's plan has to be approved by the state legislature.

In March, Los Angeles made a similar announcement - cancelling projects with
all coal plants and focusing on renewables.

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