NV Energy ups rebates for wind-powered generators

Local power utility NV Energy has boosted rebates it will offer to consumers who install wind-powered electric generators at homes and businesses.

Through NV Energy’s WindGenerations program, residential power users who deploy wind electricity can now earn rebates on up to 60 kilowatts of capacity, up from 30 kilowatts before. Schools and public buildings can now claim rebates on up to 250 kilowatts and 500 kilowatts respectively, up from 50 kilowatts. Small businesses can get incentives on 250 kilowatts of wind power, while agricultural operations can qualify for money back on as much as 500 kilowatts of installed wind generation.

The incentive rate for residential, small-business and agricultural customers is $2.50 on the first 10 kilowatts and $1.50 on the rest. For schools and public buildings, incentives are $3 on the first 10 kilowatts and $2 per kilowatt thereafter.

NV Energy launched WindGenerations, which is part of the company’s RenewableGenerations green-power program, in August 2008. Since then, customers have installed 25 projects generating 72.2 kilowatts. Applications are pending on another 67 installations. NV Energy has paid $235,800 in incentives to participants.