Northern Nevada Organizations Plan to Merge
The Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce (RSCC), the Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce (NNCC) and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) has announced an agreement to pursue combining the three business organizations. The final outcome would create a cohesive, streamlined organization that serves businesses in Northern Nevada. Currently, each organization is talking to its members as well as community business and civic leaders to identify programs and events that are most important to help determine the best course of action. A temporary transition committee has been organized to help facilitate the process.
NV Energy Grants $250,000 to UNR’s College of Engineering
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) College of Engineering has received a gift of $250,000 from NV Energy to support its renewable energy program The gift is the first of two in support of the program over the next two years, which will total $500,000. In total, NV Energy has donated $1.25 million for the University’s renewable energy program. UNR plans to use $50,000 on workforce development efforts, the development of new online courses and support for the Renewable Energy Center. The remaining $200,000 will be used to create a new faculty position for researching renewable energy and developing new applications for the power grid.
Public Utilities Commission Celebrates 100 Years
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has now been regulating utilities in Nevada for 100 years. The PUCN has played a role in everything from regulating railroads during the Commission’s beginnings in 1911 to overseeing Nevada’s set aside program during the gas shortages of the 70’s and now through the approval of the State’s new One Nevada Transmission Line and implementation of Advanced Service Delivery (smart meters). The Commission regulates 77 utilities that include natural gas, electric, telecommunications, water and waste-water, railroads and renewable energy.
Largest Photovoltaic Solar Power Installation Dedicated in Boulder City
Governor Brian Sandoval, along with Boulder City Mayor Roger Tobler, recently attended the dedication of Copper Mountain Solar. Construction of the facility began in January of last year. The 380-acre desert site has nearly 775,000 thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, making it the largest such site in the U.S. The facility is currently generating enough emission-free electricity to power 14,000 average homes.