Nevada Power has signed six contracts with renewable-energy suppliers, which officials say could bring up to 227 megawatts of electricity to the state.
The deal includes four geothermal energy contracts and two for wind-produced power.
Although owned by the same utility company that owns Sierra Pacific Power, Nevada Power supplies electric power only in Southern Nevada.
Gov. Kenny Guinn said the contracts are significant because they will give the utility experience in managing future renewable-energy projects.
A law approved by the 2001 Legislature mandates that Nevada electric providers enter contracts for renewable energy and that they provide an increasing amount of their power from renewable sources.
Officials have touted Nevada as having excellent potential for both geothermal and wind power.
The four geothermal contracts are to result in creation of 97 megawatts of new electric capacity in the state. The two wind contracts will produce up to 130 megawatts of power.
