Nonprofits use energy-efficiency grants

Sierra Pacific Power Co.

last week distributed $42,453 in energy efficiency grants to nine nonprofit agencies in Reno.

The agencies will use the funds to install double pane windows, fluorescent lights and make other energy efficient improvements that will help reduce their energy use.

The annual energy savings for each of the agencies is expected to range from $200 to $1,500.

The grants and their uses include:

* VSA arts of Nevada, an organization that gets children and adults involved in the visual and performing arts, plans to use its $5,000 grant for insulation, storm windows and weather- stripping at the historic Lake Mansion, newly relocated to its Court and Arlington Street location, and currently undergoing renovation.

* The Nature Conservancy is getting a $3,500 grant to install a solar-powered pump for ponds in a wildlife preserve east of Reno.

* Friends of Nevada Wilderness will use its $5,000 grant to install double-pane windows at its 1 Booth Street offices.

* Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada will use a $6,700 grant to install the latest generation of energy-efficient fluorescent lights at their 605 Washington St.

offices, along with motion sensors that switch lights on and off automatically when someone enters or leaves a room.

* Nevada Land Conservancy plans to use its $5,000 grant to install double-pane windows.

* Ronald McDonald House will use its $6,950 grant to install upgraded fluorescent lights and motion sensors.

* WARC, an agency that administers programs for people with developmental disabilities, plans to use its $4,500 grant to install more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment at its 790 Sutro St.

location.

* Washoe Legal Services plans to use its $5,000 grant to install double-pane windows and an energy-efficient glass door at its offices at 650 Tahoe St.

* The Children's Cabinet, 1090 S.Rock Blvd., is using its $803 grant to install exit signs that use energy-efficient LED lights.