The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has approved an additional $500,000 for rebates this year to commercial customers of Sierra Pacific Power who install energy-saving equipment.
The previous allocation of $700,000 for rebates in 2006 had been entirely subscribed.
A Sierra Pacific Power spokeswoman said the company continues to accept applications for rebates for this year. Eligible investments include programs such as lighting retrofits and chiller and refrigeration units. (See nevadasurebet.com for application details.)
Rebates are provided on a first-come basis. Eligible programs will be put on a waiting list if money once again runs out this year.
The PUC is required to decide on the amount to be allocated to the Sure Bet program because Sierra Pacific Power and its sister company, Nevada Power in the Las Vegas area, finance the rebates through the rates they charge their customers.
Conservation measures ultimately save customers money, the utility says, by delaying the need to invest in expensive new power plants.
