Clean vs. Dirty Energy: A Guide for the PUCN
In preparation for Public Utilities Commission of Nevada’s General Consumer Sessions coming next week, here is a guide comparing Clean and Dirty forms of energy in Nevada.
Nevadans cannot afford to pay for dirty energy, whether in their increasing utility bills or in the health care costs associated with breathing polluted air. Investing in Clean Energy will put Nevadans back to work and help fund essential services in our state.
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Clean Energy – Solar, Wind, & Geothermal Projects |
Dirty Energy – Coal Power Plants |
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Production Cost – Present |
Solar: 20.1-27.6 ¢/kWh Geothermal: 7-13 ¢/kWh |
The cost to buy coal, including shipping from out-of-state companies: Reid Gardner spends as much as $100 million per year to produce 557 megawatts.
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Production Cost – Future |
Will Decrease with Advancements in Technology: |
In order to restrict the environmental impact of Reid Gardner - including preventing the coal ash waste, the evaporation ponds, landfills, etc. NV Energy will have to spend: $200-$250 million on upgrades to the facility. |
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Impact on Public Health |
In 2010 alone, the Clean Air Act is estimated by the EPA to have prevented 160,000 premature deaths, 130,000 heart attacks, and 1.7 million asthma attacks In 2020, it’s projected that the Clean Air Act will prevent more than 230,000 premature deaths, 200,000 heart attacks, and 2.4 million asthma attacks. |
Health Care Costs without Clean Energy Projects: Pollution from Reid Gardner causes an estimated $28 Million in annual health care costs, according to the Clean Air Task Force. |
Instead of continuing to dump money in to the pit of Reid Gardner, the PUCN should encourage using those funds to invest in Clean Energy projects in Nevada.
Additionally, it is important to note that the 2009 Nevada State Legislature developed the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a MINIMUM threshold for Clean Energy. Our plan should be to go beyond the goal of 25% of energy consumed coming from renewable sources by the year 2025.
Greatness is achieved through exceeding expectations and our utility should view the RPS as a floor, not a ceiling.
Join the Nevada Conservation League at the PUCN’s General Consumer Session and stand up for Clean Energy:
Reno: Monday, October 3rd at 1:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Washoe County Commission Chambers
1001 E Ninth Street, Building A, Reno, NV 89512
Las Vegas: Wednesday, October 5th at 1:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
9075 West Diablo Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89148
