PUC spares low-income power plan

A program that helps low-income residents conserve power got a reprieve Wednesday.

The Public Utilities Commission voted 3-0 to continue Nevada Power Co.'s energy conservation program for low-income residents although commission staff analysts complained the program was not a cost-effective way to save power.

Commission Chairwoman Jo Ann Kelly said the agency in the past has conducted programs for a trial period before deciding to discontinue or change those programs.

"Let's make (these programs) as cost-effective as we can," Kelly said. "Conservation is a major, major item not only for this state and the country but for the globe."

The commission approved a $2.2 million weatherization program for Nevada Power's low-income customers in 2008. That includes $500,000 for replacement of air conditioners, $500,000 in weatherization through the Nevada Housing Division and $1.2 million in weatherization through a contract. The housing division program money can only be used to help those who make less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, but the outsourced program will be available to those who make less than 80 percent of the county median income.

The limit previously has been 60 percent of the county median.

The attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection, Nevada Power and the state housing division said increasing the maximum income allowed for assistance would improve performance of the low-income weatherization program. Weatherization includes insulation and measures to reduce air leakage.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0420.