Contractors learn the ins and outs of the Sure Bet program.

More than 120 contractors came out to Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power to learn the latest details on the Sure Bet Program, which promotes energy efficiency and conservation among commercial customers.

In its fifth year, Sure Bet helps commercial customers save money on electric bills by building energy efficient facilities and improving existing facilities. Incentives and rebates are offered for a range of projects including everything from window film to escalator motor controllers.

"The interest has been tremendous," said John Hargrove, Sure Bet project manager. "We see this as a tool to help contractors get these things done."

For 2007, the available pool of money for Nevada Power customers has increased from about $1 million to $3.49 million. For Sierra Pacific Power, there is $900,000 available, up from about $850,000 a year ago.

Additionally, incentives are no longer capped at $100,000. Now, qualified projects are eligible for a 100 percent incentive up to $100,000, and project amounts between $101,000 and $300,000 are available for a 50 percent incentive. Over $300,000, projects can receive a 25 percent incentive.

The utilities are seeing significant return on their investment. In 2006, Nevada Power’s Sure Bet efforts resulted in energy reduction of about 68 million kilowatt hours, and Sierra Pacific Power cut energy use by about 31 million kilowatt hours through the program. Goals for 2007 are 62 million kilowatt hours and 24 million kilowatt hours, respectively.

The utilities can provide contractors and customers with technical assistance on their energy-saving projects as well as help in assessing energy saving opportunities.

For more information visit nevadapower.com/surebet, sierrapacific.com/surebet or call 1-800-342-6335.