Rural Towns Across Nevada Complete Energy Projects That Lower Costs and Modernize Community Facilities
Contact: press@nevadacef.org
CARSON CITY, NV – The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), in partnership with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE), today announced the completion of several clean energy and energy efficiency projects in rural Nevada communities. Using funds from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, GOE partnered with NCEF to help rural local governments implement practical projects that reduce energy and operating costs and improve public facilities with efficient lighting, solar systems, and other upgrades. Participating local governments include the Cities of Carlin, Ely, and Wells, as well as Lincoln and Mineral Counties.
“Rural communities are leading by example by investing in projects that make public buildings more efficient, resilient, and affordable to operate,” said James Humm, Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy. “This is a great example of how federally-funded programs can give local governments flexible tools to deliver real savings for taxpayers while modernizing essential community infrastructure.”
The completed projects include lighting upgrades at county and municipal facilities, solar equipment improvements at public safety and community buildings, and other energy-saving measures designed to lower utility bills for local governments. These investments help communities stretch limited public dollars further while improving the facilities Nevadans rely on every day.
“For small communities, every dollar we save on energy can be redirected toward services residents need,” said Mayor Cameron Kinney of Carlin. “Upgrading the lighting at the city’s equestrian center will modernize a valued community facility with energy-efficient technology that reduces operating costs while improving visibility, safety, and reliability for riders, visitors, and event participants.”
“Replacing the inverters and adding storage batteries in the solar energy system at our fire station has already offset electricity costs at the City of Ely’s most important public safety facility,” said Mayor Nathan Robertson of Ely. “This project is expected to save the community hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year while supporting the firefighters and emergency responders who serve our residents.”
“The City of Wells is proud to invest in energy upgrades that make our public facilities more efficient and affordable to operate,” said Mayor Gary Pollock of Wells. “These improvements will help reduce utility costs, modernize aging infrastructure, and ensure our facilities continue serving residents well into the future.”
“Upgrading lighting fixtures at the Lincoln County Courthouse is a practical investment that will improve the building for employees and visitors while lowering energy use,” said Janine Woodworth, Lincoln County Commissioner. “We appreciate GOE and NCEF for helping rural counties complete projects that might otherwise be difficult to fund.”
“Mineral County’s project demonstrates how targeted energy upgrades can make a meaningful difference for rural facilities and the taxpayers who support them,” said Tony Ruse, Chairman of the Mineral County Board of Commissioners. “By improving efficiency in public buildings, we can reduce operating costs and reinvest savings in the community.”
“The Nevada Clean Energy Fund is proud to support Nevada’s rural communities in completing projects that deliver immediate, tangible benefits,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “Efficient lighting and solar equipment may not always make headlines, but they make public buildings less expensive to operate and help communities keep more resources local.”
The EECBG Program supports state, local, and tribal governments to implement strategies to reduce energy use, improve energy efficiency, and lower energy costs. DOE’s flexible funding allows communities to choose projects that best meet local needs, from building upgrades and energy planning to equipment investments that improve facility performance.
NCEF provided support to help communities identify, implement, and complete projects that align with local priorities and deliver long-term savings. The partnership with GOE reflects a shared commitment to ensuring rural communities can access clean energy resources and federal funding opportunities.
About Nevada Clean Energy Fund
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. Established by state legislation in 2017, NCEF serves as Nevada’s green bank and works to expand clean energy opportunities for households, businesses, and communities statewide.