2005 Nevada Revised Statutes - Chapter 701 — Energy Policy

Title 58 - ENERGY; PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SIMILAR ENTITIES

CHAPTER 701 - ENERGY POLICY

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 701.010 Legislativefindings; state policy.

NRS 701.020 Definitions.

NRS 701.030 Biomassdefined.

NRS 701.040 ConsumersAdvocate defined.

NRS 701.050 Directordefined.

NRS 701.060 Fuelcell defined.

NRS 701.065 Netmetering system defined.

NRS 701.070 Renewableenergy defined.

NRS 701.080 Renewableenergy generation project defined.

NRS 701.090 TaskForce defined.

OFFICE OF ENERGY

Organization

NRS 701.150 Creation;appointment of Director; employment of personnel by Director; classification ofDirector and personnel; conflict of interest prohibited.

 

General Powers and Duties

NRS 701.160 Submissionof report to Governor and Legislature.

NRS 701.170 Administrationof gifts and grants; execution of research contracts and cooperativeagreements; participation in federal programs; assistance to developers;regulations.

NRS 701.180 Generalduties concerning energy resources and energy conservation.

NRS 701.190 Preparationof comprehensive state energy plan.

NRS 701.200 Recommendationof standards for energy conservation and for carrying out comprehensive stateenergy plan.

NRS 701.210 Preparationof petroleum allocation and rationing plans; administration of federal programsinvolving fuel allocation.

 

Regulation of Buildings and Other Structures

NRS 701.215 Preparationof state energy reduction plan for certain state-owned buildings.

NRS 701.217 Adoptionof Green Building Standards for certain public buildings; adoption of Green Building Rating System for certain purposes.

NRS 701.220 Adoptionof regulations for energy conservation in buildings; exemptions; applicabilityand enforcement; procedures for adoption.

NRS 701.230 Prohibitionagainst inclusion in buildings of system using electric resistance for heatingspaces; applicability; exceptions.

 

Programs

NRS 701.240 Programto distribute money to acquire, install or improve net metering systems.

TASK FORCE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

NRS 701.350 Creation;appointment of members; qualifications for members; terms of members;vacancies; requirements and restrictions concerning members who are publicofficers or employees.

NRS 701.360 Selectionand terms of Chairman and Vice Chairman; vacancies; quorum; meetings; membersserve without compensation; per diem and travel expenses; Consumers Advocateto provide support and assistance.

NRS 701.370 TrustFund for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation: Creation; administration ofFund by Task Force; expenditures of money in Fund.

NRS 701.380 Generalduties of Task Force; submission of annual report to Legislative Commission andGovernor.

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 701.010 Legislativefindings; state policy.

1. The Legislature finds that:

(a) Energy is essential to the economy of the State andto the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State.

(b) The State has a responsibility to encourage themaintenance of a reliable and economical supply of energy at a level which isconsistent with the protection of environmental quality.

(c) The State has a responsibility to encourage theutilization of a wide range of measures which reduce wasteful uses of energyresources.

(d) Planning for energy conservation and future energyrequirements should include consideration of state, regional and local plansfor land use, urban expansion, transportation systems, environmental protectionand economic development.

(e) Government and private enterprise need toaccelerate research and development of sources of renewable energy and toimprove technology related to the research and development of existing sourcesof energy.

(f) While government and private enterprise are seekingto accelerate research and development of sources of renewable energy, theymust also prepare for and respond to the advent of competition within theelectrical energy industry and are, therefore, encouraged to maximize the useof indigenous energy resources to the extent competitively and economicallyfeasible.

(g) Prevention of delays and interruptions in providingenergy, protecting environmental values and conserving energy require expandedauthority and capability within State Government.

2. It is the policy of this state to encourageparticipation with all levels of government and private enterprise incooperative state, regional and national programs to assure adequate suppliesof energy resources and markets for such energy resources.

3. It is the policy of this state to assign theresponsibility for managing and conserving energy and its sources to agencieswhose other programs are similar, to avoid duplication of effort in developingpolicies and programs for energy.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1163; A 1983, 2092; 1995, 311;2001, 3263)(Substitutedin revision for NRS 523.011)

NRS 701.020 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,the words and terms defined in NRS 701.030to 701.090, inclusive, have the meaningsascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1163; A 1983, 2092; 1993,1698; 2001, 3263;2003, 1873)

NRS 701.030 Biomassdefined. Biomass means any organic matterthat is available on a renewable basis, including, without limitation:

1. Agricultural crops and agricultural wastes andresidues;

2. Wood and wood wastes and residues;

3. Animal wastes;

4. Municipal wastes; and

5. Aquatic plants.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.040 ConsumersAdvocate defined. Consumers Advocate meansthe Consumers Advocate of the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office ofthe Attorney General.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.050 Directordefined. Director means the Director of theOffice of Energy appointed pursuant to NRS701.150.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.060 Fuelcell defined. Fuel cell means a device orcontrivance that, through the chemical process of combining ions of hydrogenand oxygen, produces electricity and water.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.065 Netmetering system defined. Net meteringsystem has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS704.771.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 1872)

NRS 701.070 Renewableenergy defined.

1. Renewable energy means a source of energy thatoccurs naturally or is regenerated naturally, including, without limitation:

(a) Biomass;

(b) Fuel cells;

(c) Geothermal energy;

(d) Solar energy;

(e) Waterpower; and

(f) Wind.

2. The term does not include coal, natural gas, oil,propane or any other fossil fuel, or nuclear energy.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.080 Renewableenergy generation project defined.

1. Renewable energy generation project means aproject involving an electric generating facility or system that uses renewableenergy as its primary source of energy to generate electricity.

2. The term does not include a project involving anelectric generating facility or system that uses nuclear energy, in whole or inpart, to generate electricity.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.090 TaskForce defined. Task Force means the TaskForce for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation created by NRS 701.350.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

OFFICE OF ENERGY

Organization

NRS 701.150 Creation;appointment of Director; employment of personnel by Director; classification ofDirector and personnel; conflict of interest prohibited.

1. The Office of Energy is hereby created within theOffice of the Governor.

2. The Governor shall appoint the Director. TheDirector:

(a) Is in the unclassified service of the State; and

(b) Serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

3. The Director may, within the limits of availablemoney, employ:

(a) Such persons in the unclassified service of theState as the Director determines to be necessary to carry out the duties of theOffice of Energy pursuant to this chapter; and

(b) Such additional personnel as may be required tocarry out the duties of the Office of Energy pursuant to this chapter, who mustbe in the classified service of the State.

4. A person employed by the Director pursuant to thissection must be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties forwhich the Director employs him.

5. The Director and the persons employed by theDirector shall not have any conflict of interest relating to the performance oftheir duties pursuant to this chapter.

6. The provisions of NRS223.085 do not apply to the Director or to any person employed by theDirector pursuant to this section.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3262)

General Powers and Duties

NRS 701.160 Submissionof report to Governor and Legislature. TheDirector shall prepare a report concerning the status of energy in the State ofNevada and submit it to:

1. The Governor on or before January 30 of each year;and

2. The Legislature on or before January 30 of eachodd-numbered year.

(Added to NRS by 1975, 670; A 1977,1166)(Substituted in revision for NRS 523.181)

NRS 701.170 Administrationof gifts and grants; execution of research contracts and cooperativeagreements; participation in federal programs; assistance to developers;regulations. The Director may:

1. Administer any gifts or grants which the Office ofEnergy is authorized to accept for the purposes of this chapter.

2. Expend money received from those gifts or grants orfrom legislative appropriations to contract with qualified persons orinstitutions for research in the production and efficient use of energyresources.

3. Enter into any cooperative agreement with anyfederal or state agency or political subdivision.

4. Participate in any program established by theFederal Government relating to sources of energy and adopt regulations appropriateto that program.

5. Assist developers of renewable energy generationprojects in preparing and making requests to obtain money for developmentthrough the issuance of industrial development revenue bonds pursuant to NRS 349.400 to 349.670, inclusive.

6. Adopt any regulations that the Director determinesare necessary to carry out the duties of the Office of Energy pursuant to thischapter.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1165; A 1979, 624, 1560; 1983,2093; 1993, 1699; 2001,3264)(Substituted in revision for NRS 523.051)

NRS 701.180 Generalduties concerning energy resources and energy conservation. The Director shall:

1. Acquire and analyze information relating to energyand to the supply, demand and conservation of its sources.

2. Utilize all available public and private means toprovide information to the public about problems relating to energy and toexplain how conservation of energy and its sources may be accomplished.

3. Review and evaluate information which identifiestrends and permits forecasting of the energy available to the State. Suchforecasts must include estimates on:

(a) The level of demand for energy in the State for 5-,10- and 20-year periods;

(b) The amount of energy available to meet each levelof demand;

(c) The probable implications of the forecast on thedemand and supply of energy; and

(d) The sources of renewable energy and otheralternative sources of energy which are available and their possible effects.

4. Study means of reducing wasteful, inefficient,unnecessary or uneconomical uses of energy and encourage the maximumutilization of existing sources of energy in the State.

5. Encourage the development of:

(a) Any sources of renewable energy and any otherenergy projects which will benefit the State; and

(b) Any measures which conserve or reduce the demandfor energy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

6. In conjunction with the Desert Research Institute,review policies relating to the research and development of the Statesgeothermal resources and make recommendations to the appropriate state andfederal agencies for establishing methods of developing the geothermalresources within the State.

7. Solicit and serve as the point of contact forgrants and other money from the Federal Government and other sources topromote:

(a) Energy projects that enhance the economicdevelopment of the State;

(b) The use of renewable energy; and

(c) The use of measures which conserve or reduce thedemand for energy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

8. Coordinate the activities and programs of theOffice of Energy with the activities and programs of the Task Force, theConsumers Advocate and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and otherfederal, state and local officers and agencies that promote, fund, administeror operate activities and programs related to the use of renewable energy andthe use of measures which conserve or reduce the demand for energy or whichresult in more efficient use of energy.

9. Carry out all other directives concerning energythat are prescribed by the Governor.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1164; A 1983, 2093; 2001, 3264)(Substitutedin revision for NRS 523.131)

NRS 701.190 Preparationof comprehensive state energy plan.

1. The Director shall prepare a comprehensive stateenergy plan which provides for the promotion of:

(a) Energy projects that enhance the economicdevelopment of the State;

(b) The use of renewable energy; and

(c) The use of measures which conserve or reduce thedemand for energy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

2. The comprehensive state energy plan must includeprovisions for:

(a) The assessment of the potential benefits ofproposed energy projects on the economic development of the State.

(b) The education of persons and entities concerningrenewable energy and measures which conserve or reduce the demand for energy orwhich result in more efficient use of energy.

(c) The creation of incentives for investment in andthe use of renewable energy and measures which conserve or reduce the demandfor energy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

(d) Grants and other money to establish programs andconduct activities which promote:

(1) Energy projects that enhance the economicdevelopment of the State;

(2) The use of renewable energy; and

(3) The use of measures which conserve or reducethe demand for energy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

(e) The development or incorporation by reference ofmodel and uniform building and energy codes and standards which are written inlanguage that is easy to understand and which include performance standards forconservation of energy and efficient use of energy.

(f) Oversight and accountability with respect to allprograms and activities described in this subsection.

(g) Any other matter that the Task Force determines tobe relevant to the issues of energy resources, energy use, energy conservationand energy efficiency.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1164; A 1979, 1560; 2001, 3265)(Substitutedin revision for NRS 523.141)

NRS 701.200 Recommendationof standards for energy conservation and for carrying out comprehensive stateenergy plan.

1. The Director may recommend to state agencies, localgovernments and appropriate private persons and entities, standards forconservation of energy and its sources and for carrying out the comprehensivestate energy plan.

2. In recommending such standards, the Director shallconsider the usage of energy and its sources in the State and the methodsavailable for conservation of those sources.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1165; A 1983, 2094; 1997,2010; 2001, 3266)(Substitutedin revision for NRS 523.161)

NRS 701.210 Preparationof petroleum allocation and rationing plans; administration of federal programsinvolving fuel allocation. The Director shall:

1. Prepare, subject to the approval of the Governor,petroleum allocation and rationing plans for possible energy contingencies. Theplans shall be carried out only by executive order of the Governor.

2. Carry out and administer any federal programs whichauthorize state participation in fuel allocation programs.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1165)(Substituted in revisionfor NRS 523.151)

Regulation of Buildings and Other Structures

NRS 701.215 Preparationof state energy reduction plan for certain state-owned buildings. The Director shall prepare a state energy reduction planwhich requires state agencies, departments and other entities in the ExecutiveBranch to reduce grid-based energy purchases for state-owned buildings by 20percent by 2015.

(Added to NRS by 2005, 22nd SpecialSession, 76)

NRS 701.217 Adoptionof Green Building Standards for certain public buildings; adoption of GreenBuilding Rating System for certain purposes.

1. The Director, in consultation with the State PublicWorks Board and any other interested agency, shall:

(a) In cooperation with representatives of the buildingand development industry, adopt guidelines establishing Green BuildingStandards for all occupied public buildings whose construction will besponsored or financed by this State or a local government.

(b) Adopt a Green Building Rating System, such as theLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System orits equivalent, pursuant to subsections 4 and 5. With regard to buildings orstructures that are not public buildings or structures, the Green BuildingRating System adopted by the Director is to be used only for the purposes ofdetermining eligibility for tax abatements or tax exemptions that areauthorized by law to use the Green Building Rating System.

2. Guidelines adopted pursuant to paragraph (a) ofsubsection 1 must include, without limitation, suggested:

(a) Requirements for the use of resource-efficientmaterials for the construction and maintenance of the building;

(b) Standards for indoor environmental quality;

(c) Standards for the efficient use of water, includingthe efficient use of water for landscaping purposes;

(d) Standards for the efficient use of energy; and

(e) Requirements for the design and preparation ofbuilding lots.

3. If standardsequivalent to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green BuildingRating System are adopted, the standards adopted must provide reasonableexceptions based on the size, location and use of the building.

4. Subject to the provisions of subsection 5, the Directorshall establish a process for adopting a Green Building Rating System, such asthe Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating Systemor its equivalent. The process must include, without limitation:

(a) The gathering and development of scientific data;

(b) Comments from representatives of the buildingindustry;

(c) Consensus from representatives of the buildingindustry;

(d) A method by which the Director, the State PublicWorks Board and other interested agencies may cast ballots on the proposedstandards;

(e) A pilot program for the purpose of refining thestandards; and

(f) A process by which an aggrieved person may file anappeal of the standards adopted.

5. In adopting a Green Building Rating System pursuantto subsection 4, the Director is not required to adopt and is not limited tousing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building RatingSystem but may adopt an equivalent rating system based on any other nationallyrecognized standards for green buildings, or any combination of thosestandards.

(Added to NRS by 2005, 22nd SpecialSession, 75)

NRS 701.220 Adoptionof regulations for energy conservation in buildings; exemptions; applicabilityand enforcement; procedures for adoption.

1. The Director shall adopt regulations for theconservation of energy in buildings, including manufactured homes. Suchregulations must include the adoption of the most recent version of the InternationalEnergy Conservation Code, issued by the International Code Council, and anyamendments to the Code that will not materially lessen the effectiveenergy savings requirements of the Code and are deemed necessary tosupport effective compliance and enforcement of the Code, and mustestablish the minimum standards for:

(a) The construction of floors, walls, ceilings androofs;

(b) The equipment and systems for heating, ventilationand air-conditioning;

(c) Electrical equipment and systems;

(d) Insulation; and

(e) Other factors which affect the use of energy in abuilding.

Theregulations must provide for the adoption of the most recent version of the InternationalEnergy Conservation Code, and any amendments thereto, every third year.

2. The Director may exempt a building from a standardif he determines that application of the standard to the building would notaccomplish the purpose of the regulations.

3. The regulations must authorize allowances in designand construction for sources of renewable energy used to supply all or a partof the energy required in a building.

4. The standards adopted by the Director are theminimum standards for the conservation of energy and energy efficiency whichapply only to areas in which the governing body of the local government has notadopted standards for the conservation of energy and energy efficiency inbuildings. Such governing bodies shall assist the Director in the enforcementof the regulations adopted pursuant to this section.

5. The Director shall solicit comments regarding theadoption of regulations pursuant to this section from:

(a) Persons in the business of constructing and sellinghomes;

(b) Contractors;

(c) Public utilities;

(d) Local building officials; and

(e) The general public,

beforeadopting any regulations. The Director must conduct at least three hearings indifferent locations in the State, after giving 30 days notice of each hearing,before he may adopt any regulations pursuant to this section.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 1794; A 2001, 1251, 3266; 2003, 32; 2005, 22nd SpecialSession, 76)

NRS 701.230 Prohibitionagainst inclusion in buildings of system using electric resistance for heatingspaces; applicability; exceptions.

1. In a county whose population is 100,000 or more, abuilding whose construction began on or after October 1, 1983, must not containa system using electric resistance for heating spaces unless:

(a) The system is merely supplementary to another meansof heating;

(b) Under the particular circumstances no other primarymeans of heating the spaces is a feasible or economical alternative to heatingby electric resistance; or

(c) The Office of Energy determines that the present orfuture availability of other sources of energy is so limited as to justify theuse of such a system.

2. This section does not prohibit the use ofincandescent or fluorescent lighting.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1575; A 1985, 2289; 1993,1699)(Substituted in revision for NRS 523.167)

Programs

NRS 701.240 Programto distribute money to acquire, install or improve net metering systems.

1. The Director shall develop a program to distributemoney, within the limits of legislative appropriation, in the form of grants,incentives or rebates to persons to pay or defray, in whole or in part, thecosts for those persons to acquire, install or improve net metering systems, ifthe Director determines that the distribution of money to a person for thatpurpose will encourage, promote or stimulate:

(a) The development or use of sources of renewableenergy in the State or the development of industries or technologies that usesources of renewable energy in the State;

(b) The conservation of energy in the State, thediversification of the types of energy used in the State or any reduction inthe dependence of the State on foreign sources of energy;

(c) The protection of the natural resources of theState or the improvement of the environment;

(d) The enhancement of existing utility facilities orany other infrastructure in the State or the development of new utilityfacilities or any other infrastructure in the State; or

(e) The investment of capital or the expansion ofbusiness opportunities in the State or any growth in the economy of the State.

2. The Director may adopt any regulations that arenecessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

3. The Director shall not distribute money to anyperson pursuant to this section unless:

(a) The person complies with any requirements that theDirector adopts by regulation; and

(b) The distribution of the money is consistent withone or more of the public purposes set forth in paragraphs (a) to (e),inclusive, of subsection 1.

4. As used in this section, person includes, withoutlimitation, any state or local governmental agency or entity.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 1872)

TASK FORCE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

NRS 701.350 Creation;appointment of members; qualifications for members; terms of members;vacancies; requirements and restrictions concerning members who are publicofficers or employees.

1. The Task Force for Renewable Energy and EnergyConservation is hereby created. The Task Force consists of 11 members who areappointed as follows:

(a) Two members appointed by the Majority Leader of theSenate, one of whom represents the interests of the renewable energy industryin this State with respect to biomass and the other of whom represents theinterests of the mining industry in this State.

(b) Two members appointed by the Speaker of theAssembly, one of whom represents the interests of the renewable energy industryin this State with respect to geothermal energy and the other of whomrepresents the interests of a nonprofit organization dedicated to theprotection of the environment or to the conservation of energy or the efficientuse of energy.

(c) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of theSenate to represent the interests of the renewable energy industry in thisState with respect to solar energy.

(d) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of theAssembly to represent the interests of the public utilities in this State.

(e) Two members appointed by the Governor, one of whomrepresents the interests of the renewable energy industry in this State withrespect to wind and the other of whom represents the interests of the gamingindustry in this State.

(f) One member appointed by the Consumers Advocate torepresent the interests of the consumers in this State.

(g) One member appointed by the governing board of theState of Nevada AFL-CIO or, if the State of Nevada AFL-CIO ceases to exist, byits successor organization or, if there is no successor organization, by theGovernor.

(h) One member appointed by the Governor to representthe interests of energy conservation and the efficient use of energy in thisState.

2. A member of the Task Force:

(a) Must be a citizen of the United States and aresident of this State.

(b) Must have training, education, experience orknowledge concerning:

(1) The development or use of renewable energy;

(2) Financing, planning or constructingrenewable energy generation projects;

(3) Measures which conserve or reduce the demandfor energy or which result in more efficient use of energy;

(4) Weatherization;

(5) Building and energy codes and standards;

(6) Grants or incentives concerning energy;

(7) Public education or community relations; or

(8) Any other matter within the duties of theTask Force.

(c) Must not be an officer or employee of theLegislative or Judicial Department of State Government.

3. After the initial terms, the term of each member ofthe Task Force is 3 years. A vacancy on the Task Force must be filled for theremainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.A member may be reappointed to the Task Force.

4. A member of the Task Force who is an officer oremployee of this State or a political subdivision of this State must berelieved from his duties without loss of his regular compensation so that hemay prepare for and attend meetings of the Task Force and perform any work thatis necessary to carry out the duties of the Task Force in the most timelymanner practicable. A state agency or political subdivision of this State shallnot require an officer or employee who is a member of the Task Force to:

(a) Make up the time he is absent from work to carryout his duties as a member of the Task Force; or

(b) Take annual leave or compensatory time for theabsence.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3260; A 2003, 1865; 2005, 22nd SpecialSession, 77)

NRS 701.360 Selectionand terms of Chairman and Vice Chairman; vacancies; quorum; meetings; membersserve without compensation; per diem and travel expenses; Consumers Advocateto provide support and assistance.

1. The members of the Task Force shall select aChairman and Vice Chairman from among their membership. The Vice Chairman shallperform the duties of the Chairman during any absence of the Chairman.

2. The Chairman and Vice Chairman serve in thosepositions for terms of 1 year. If a vacancy occurs in the Chairmanship or Vice Chairmanship,the vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the samemanner as the original selection.

3. A majority of the members of the Task Forceconstitutes a quorum. A majority of the members present during a quorum mayexercise all the power and authority conferred on the Task Force.

4. The Task Force shall meet at least four timesannually or more frequently at the discretion of the Chairman.

5. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection,the members of the Task Force serve without compensation and are not entitledto the per diem and travel expenses provided for state officers and employeesgenerally. For each day of attendance at a meeting of the Task Force and whileengaged in the business of the Task Force, a member of the Task Force who:

(a) Is an officer or employee of this state or apolitical subdivision of this state is entitled to receive the per diem andtravel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally, paid byhis governmental employer.

(b) Represents the interests of a nonprofitorganization is entitled to receive the per diem and travel expenses providedfor state officers and employees generally, paid from the Trust Fund forRenewable Energy and Energy Conservation.

6. The Consumers Advocate shall provide the TaskForce with administrative and clerical support and with such other assistanceas may be necessary for the Task Force to carry out its duties. Such supportand assistance must include, without limitation, making arrangements forfacilities, equipment and other services in preparation for and duringmeetings.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3261)

NRS 701.370 TrustFund for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation: Creation; administration ofFund by Task Force; expenditures of money in Fund.

1. The Trust Fund for Renewable Energy and EnergyConservation is hereby created in the State Treasury.

2. The Task Force shall administer the Fund. As administratorof the Fund, the Task Force:

(a) Shall maintain the financial records of the Fund;

(b) Shall invest the money in the Fund as the money inother state funds is invested;

(c) Shall manage any account associated with the Fund;

(d) Shall maintain any instruments that evidenceinvestments made with the money in the Fund;

(e) May contract with vendors for any good or servicethat is necessary to carry out the provisions of this section; and

(f) May perform any other duties that are necessary toadminister the Fund.

3. The interest and income earned on the money in theFund must, after deducting any applicable charges, be credited to the Fund. Allclaims against the Fund must be paid as other claims against the State arepaid.

4. Not more than 2 percent of the money in the Fundmay be used to pay the costs of administering the Fund.

5. The money in the Fund remains in the Fund and doesnot revert to the State General Fund at the end of any fiscal year.

6. All money that is deposited or paid into the Fundmay only be expended pursuant to an allocation made by the Task Force. Moneyexpended from the Fund must not be used to supplant existing methods of fundingthat are available to public agencies.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3259)

NRS 701.380 Generalduties of Task Force; submission of annual report to Legislative Commission andGovernor.

1. The Task Force shall:

(a) Advise the Office of Energy in:

(1) The development and periodic review of thecomprehensive state energy plan with regard to the use of renewable energy andthe use of measures which conserve or reduce the demand for energy or whichresult in more efficient use of energy.

(2) The distribution of money to personspursuant to NRS 701.240 to pay ordefray, in whole or in part, the costs for those persons to acquire, install orimprove net metering systems.

(b) Coordinate its activities and programs with theactivities and programs of the Office of Energy, the Consumers Advocate andthe Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and other federal, state and localofficers and agencies that promote, fund, administer or operate activities andprograms related to the use of renewable energy and the use of measures whichconserve or reduce the demand for energy or which result in more efficient useof energy.

(c) Spend the money in the Trust Fund for RenewableEnergy and Energy Conservation to:

(1) Educate persons and entities concerningrenewable energy and measures which conserve or reduce the demand for energy orwhich result in more efficient use of energy.

(2) Create incentives for investment in and theuse of renewable energy and measures which conserve or reduce the demand forenergy or which result in more efficient use of energy.

(3) Distribute grants and other money toestablish programs and projects which incorporate the use of renewable energyand measures which conserve or reduce the demand for energy or which result inmore efficient use of energy.

(4) Conduct feasibility studies, including,without limitation, any feasibility studies concerning the establishment orexpansion of any grants, incentives, rebates or other programs to enable orassist persons to reduce the cost of purchasing on-site generation systems, netmetering systems and distributed generation systems that use renewable energy.

(d) Take any other actions that the Task Force deemsnecessary to carry out its duties, including, without limitation, contractingwith consultants, if necessary, for the purposes of program design or to assistthe Task Force in carrying out its duties.

2. The Task Force shall prepare an annual reportconcerning its activities and programs and submit the report to the LegislativeCommission and the Governor on or before January 30 of each year. The annualreport must include, without limitation:

(a) A description of the objectives of each activityand program;

(b) An analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency ofeach activity and program in meeting the objectives of the activity or program;

(c) The amount of money distributed for each activityand program from the Trust Fund for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservationand a detailed description of the use of that money for each activity andprogram;

(d) An analysis of the coordination between the TaskForce and other officers and agencies; and

(e) Any changes planned for each activity and program.

3. As used in this section, distributed generationsystem means a facility or system for the generation of electricity that is inclose proximity to the place where the electricity is consumed.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 3261; A 2003, 1873)

 

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Nevada may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.