U.S. Geothermal Inc. of Boise said last week it signed an agreement to sell up to 19.9 megawatts of power from a geothermal plant under construction near Gerlach.
Terms of the geothermal company's 25-year contract with NV Energy weren't disclosed.
U.S. Geothermal expects to complete the first of two electric generation plants at its San Emidio property during the fourth quarter of this year. If it's successful, the second unit would come on line in 2013.
The new construction replaces an existing 3.6-megawatt plant at the site.
Two more units also are possibility.
U.S. Geothermal noted, however, that limitations on electric transmission from the area may cap total production from the location at 16 megawatts. Executives of the company said they're looking for ways to resolve that problem.
The power purchase agreement needs the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. U.S. Geothermal said it expects NV Energy to submit the deal for approval within 100 days.
