NV Energy files for expansion to serve Switch, Apple
CARSON CITY — NV Energy has filed requests with state regulators to expand two large-scale solar photovoltaic projects in Southern Nevada to serve the renewable energy goals and growth of data-storage companies Switch and Apple.
The filings made Monday with the Nevada Public Utilities Commission include power purchase agreements with an average cost of both new projects at less than $50 per megawatt hour over the life of the plants.
The first power purchase agreement is for a 79-megawatt addition to the previously approved 100-megawatt Switch Station, located north of Las Vegas and developed by First Solar. This new project supports Switch’s goal of using 100 percent renewable energy for its technology ecosystems in Southern and Northern Nevada.
The second power purchase agreement is for the 50-megawatt Boulder Solar II project, which will be developed by SunPower and built next to the previously approved 100-megawatt Boulder Solar I project in the Eldorado Valley. The development of the Boulder Solar II project will provide incremental renewable resources intended to offset Apple’s expansion of its operations in Northern Nevada.
Both customers will pay a premium for the green energy under the NV GreenEnergy Rider tariff. This tariff ensures that costs associated with these two new projects will not negatively affect NV Energy’s other customers.
Apple’s data center at the Reno Technology Park began operating in early 2013. Switch, which began in Southern Nevada, has expanded into Northern Nevada as well.
“This filing reflects our commitment to working with large customers to meet their specific energy needs, without negatively impacting the rates of other customers,” said Paul Caudill, NV Energy president and CEO. “It also reflects our focus on using the state of Nevada’s tremendous renewable energy resources to position us for a low-carbon future in line with our environmental respect principle.
“Importantly, these two new low-cost solar projects also allow us to blend down the overall cost of the renewable energy we use to meet the needs of our customers and bring needed jobs to southern Nevada,” he said.
The filings also include the terms and conditions of the city of Las Vegas transaction with NV Energy under the NV GreenEnergy Rider tariff, which will allow the city to use a portion of the output from the previously-approved Boulder Solar I project to offset its retail load with 100 percent renewable energy.
The filings are subject to approval by the PUCN.
NV Energy Inc. provides a wide range of energy services to 1.3 million customers throughout Nevada and more than 40 million tourists annually. NV Energy is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries, Nevada Power Co. and Sierra Pacific Power Co., are doing business as NV Energy.
Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.
