Nevada senators consider renewable energy legislation

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- A Senate panel on Friday advanced legislation meant to induce power companies to get more electricity from solar panels. But votes on two more comprehensive renewable energy bills were delayed.

The Commerce and Labor Committee approved AB296, more than doubling the credits utilities get for generating or buying power from solar sources.

The measure also gives power companies more credit for buying electricity generated through a relatively obscure tire recycling process. A company is considering locating an industrial plant using the reverse polymerization process in Wells, in the rural northeastern corner of Nevada.

More ambitious energy legislation by Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, generated interest but no action on Friday. AB431 would create a four-year pilot program including new incentives to homes and businesses to use solar energy.

Giunchigliani said it would help expand use and decrease the expense of sun-catching panels. "It's the critical mass that we have to get to drive the cost down," she said.

The Senate panel heard opposition to parts of the measure from Las Vegas-based utility Nevada Power. Though lawmakers seemed to like the idea, they waited to take a vote until some of the concerns could be addressed.

Lawmakers also began review of AB429, allowing for grants, rebates and other incentives to help Nevadans cover costs of systems that can make their electrical meters run backward.

The bill by Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Gardnerville, transfers $250,000 from a state regulatory fund to make those payments. Lawmakers have noted that amount would not go very far but some said it could be increased later.

The measure also adds waterpower to the list of renewable energies. Several amendments have been proposed by other Assembly members and outside companies looking to earn state money from their conservation efforts, but lawmakers were cool to the suggestions.

Sen. Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, worried the amendments would dissolve an effort to focus on renewable energy.

The panel also advanced AB32 to the full Senate. The measure ensures that normal energy fees and taxes are paid by customers -- like some casinos -- that buy power from alternatives to the state's main public utilities, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific.

Senators are expected to continue review of AB419 and AB431 next week.