Nevada is the first state in the nation with a private utility signing a major contract to build and implement smart grid

March 12, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the news that NV Energy has signed a contract with the Department of Energy, making them the first investor-owned utility in the nation to be contracted by the federal government for smart grid development.  In October 2009, Reid announced nearly $140 million in economic recovery funding for NV Energy for the infrastructure and modernization of Nevada’s electricity delivery systems.  NV Energy plans to match the funding with $160 million for efficient electricity and natural gas delivery initiatives.  Reid’s leadership and vision of Nevada as a leader in developing clean, renewable energy is paying dividends for the Silver State, including hosting this vanguard effort in smart grid technology deployment.
 
“I fought hard to secure Recovery Act funding for smart grid deployment because it’s essential for Nevada to continue growing as a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency,” Reid said. “This project will create jobs, save consumers money and allow Nevadans to take charge of their energy consumption while allowing our state to become the model for other smart grid projects.  I look forward to working with the Department of Energy, NV Energy and Nevada consumers as we pave the way for a better and more reliable grid that will integrate Nevada’s vast renewable resources.”
 
This statewide smart grid project will deliver more than $65 million in annual benefits to the state.  When fully implemented during 2010-2012, 1.45 million advanced/smart electric and gas meters will be installed across 54,600 square miles of NV Energy’s service territory and benefit 2.4 million Nevadans.  These meters will give consumers more choices about managing their energy consumption and make it easier for them to deploy distributed renewable generation at home.