Senate Bill 382 Dear Me - Nevada Legislature

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris

Vice Chair Chris Brooks

Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Re: Senate Bill 382 Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee: As an environmentally conscious business with a major presence in Nevada, Patagonia is pleased to submit this letter of support for SB 382, the “Energy Savings” bill, and urges the Committee to pass this bill for several reasons. If Nevada is serious about reaching the climate goals set forth in the State Climate Strategy, we must reduce energy demand and establish more energy efficiency programs to reduce the associated greenhouse gas emissions that currently come from our generation sector. In addition to helping the State meet our climate goals, SB 382 would save Nevadans money through lower utility bills by cutting down on energy use. Utility bill savings are important during times of economic uncertainty and will help Nevada’s economy recover. By establishing more energy efficiency programs throughout the state, we are creating more jobs, cleaner air and water, healthier homes and more affordable electricity. SB 382 will dedicate additional program funds to support low-income customers and historically disadvantaged communities so that NV Energy focuses on programs that help those who need it the most. As you consider proposals to expand energy efficiency programs this legislative session, we hope you will consider these important benefits that energy efficiency provides to the our State. Sincerely, Meghan Wolf Patagonia

Friends of Nevada Wilderness, 1360 Greg Street Suite 111, Sparks, Nevada 89431 PO Box 9754, Reno, Nevada 89507 Phone (775) 324-7667; Fax (775) 324-2677

Visit our Website at www.NevadaWilderness.org

April 5, 2021 RE: Support of SB 382

Dear Chair Harris and members of the Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

On behalf of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, I am writing to ask you to support

SB382. Providing a path forward for ALL Nevadans to become more energy

efficient would make sense under any circumstances. But given the indisputable

urgency to combat climate change and reverse the destructive warming trends in

Nevada cities, it is all the more critical to give all your constituents the tools they

need to become more efficient users of energy and lower their utility costs.

We must also lessen the burden on our power grids as we rethink how to become

less dependent on fossil fuels and invest in infrastructure to reduce energy waste.

I respectfully urge your support of SB 382.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Shaaron Netherton Executive Director Friends of Nevada Wilderness

April 2, 2021

The Honorable Dallas Harris The Honorable Chris BrooksChair Vice ChairGrowth & Infrastructure Committee Growth & Infrastructure CommitteeNevada State Senate Nevada State SenateCarson City, Nevada Carson City, Nevada

Dear Chair Harris and Vice Chair Brooks:

We are writing to encourage you to support Senate Bill 382, which would expand energyefficiency programs. In particular, we support the bill’s provisions to double funding forenergy-saving programs that directly serve low-income Nevadans.

Chispa Nevada, a program of the League of Conservation Voters, builds the power of low-incomeLatinx families to have a say in the decisions that affect their environment. Through countlessconversations with our community, they have shared that lowering their energy bills is one oftheir top environmental priorities. In a poll we conducted with Latino Decisions in December2020, 89 percent of Nevada Latinxs support incentivizing energy efficient appliances that useless power and will reduce expenses. In a bilingual survey we conducted at the same timeamong 271 of our members, respondents listed electricity bills as the biggest household expenseafter rent/mortgage and car payments. Additionally, 42 percent of English-dominant respondentsand 53 percent of Spanish-dominant survey respondents said they think their energy bill isn’taffordable. We have attached memos on poll and survey results for your reference.

Many Latinx families are worried about high energy bills during the summer. Community membersfeel like they have no choice but to use air conditioning during the hotter months, even as theysay the cost of using it is extremely high. Because of climate change, extreme heat waves andlonger summers will become commonplace, exacerbating these problems. It’s not surprising thatin our community survey, 75 percent of all respondents said they would like to invest in changesto make their homes more energy efficient. Our community wants the cost savings andenvironmental benefits of energy efficiency programs.

This is all the more important as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to oursurvey, 50 percent of Latinxs said their financial situation has stayed the same over the past year.Yet one third (33 percent) said it had gotten worse, while 16 percent said it had gotten better.Recent studies show that low-income households face an energy burden1 that is three timeshigher than other households.2

Despite using less energy, low-income households and people of color are spending a higherportion of their income paying energy bills. The median Black and Latinx households in the LasVegas metropolitan area spend 3.2 percent and 3 percent of their income on energy bills,

2 U.S. Department of Energy, "Low-Income Household Energy Burden Varies Among States — Efficiency Can Help InAll of Them,"

1 "Energy burden" refers to the percentage of household income that goes toward energy costs.

respectively, while low-income households and renting households spend 6.5 percent and 3percent, respectively. The median for all Las Vegas households is 2.8 percent.3

This means that for our most vulnerable community members, energy expenses often competewith other needs like housing, food and healthcare. This isn’t just in Nevada; the AmericanCouncil for an Energy Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) found that the overwhelming majority ofsingle-family and multifamily low-income households,4 minority households and rentinghouseholds experienced higher energy burdens than the average household in the same city.5

Energy efficient appliances can significantly lower energy costs for our communities while alsoreducing indoor and outdoor air pollution.6 In fact, according to ACEEE, bringing housing stock upto the efficiency of the median household would eliminate 35% of the excess energy burdenexperienced by low-income households and for multifamily low-income households.7 For Black,Latinx, and renting households, 42%, 68%, and 97% of their excess energy burdens, respectively,could be eliminated by raising household efficiency to the median level.8 Yet low-incomecommunities cannot afford these technologies, and renters are often completely locked out ofaccessing energy efficiency programs unless their landlords make those updates.

SB 382 takes a step forward in addressing this energy burden by doubling the electric utility’scurrent energy efficiency programs for low-income Nevadans. We need to ensure that there issufficient outreach to the communities who most need this relief and that they are the ones tobenefit from these programs. Additionally, while SB 382 does not address access for renters, welook forward to working with the Legislature on future solutions to make sure that the over 40percent of Nevadans who rent are able to benefit from utility energy efficiency programs.

Chispa Nevada supports Senate Bill 382, especially the provisions that seek to strengthen andexpand energy efficiency offerings for low-income Nevadans. We thank you for the opportunity toshare our perspective.

Sincerely,

Rudy ZamoraProgram DirectorChispa Nevada2275 Renaissance Drive, Suite CLas Vegas, NV [email protected]

CC:Speaker Jason FriersonSenator Nicole J. Cannizzaro, Senate Majority Leader

8 Ibid. at 4.7 Ibid. at 4.6 Ibid. at 3.

5 American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Lifting the High Energy Burden in America’s Largest Cities: HowEnergy Efficiency Can Improve Low Income and Underserved Communities, (April 2016)https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/u1602.pdf

4 Defined as those with income at or below 80% of area median income.

3 American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, How High Are Household Energy Burdens? An Assessment ofNational and Metropolitan Energy Burden across the United States, (September 2020)https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/u2006.pdf

TO: Interested Parties FROM: Rudy Zamora, Chispa Nevada Program Director RE: Chispa Nevada December 2020 Community Survey Results DATE: January 15, 2021  Chispa Nevada conducted a bilingual survey of its community base -- Latinx families in Southern Nevada -- in December 2020. Surveys in English and Spanish were distributed to hundreds of community members, and 271 responses were received (178 in English, 93 in Spanish). This memo outlines key results from the survey.   Latinxs are very concerned about climate change. They also see opportunity in climate action. 

● 95% of English-dominant Latinxs and 93% of Spanish-dominant Latinxs are somewhat to very                         worried about climate change. 76% are very worried. English-dominant Latinxs are particularly                       worried about smog and air pollution, droughts and water shortages, the loss of plants and                             animal habitat. Spanish-dominant Latinxs are also worried about extreme heat waves.  

● 85% said they have already experienced the effects of climate change.  ● 90% of English-dominant Latinxs and 81% of Spanish-dominant Latinxs said climate action                       

could stimulate the economy and create jobs.  But right now, climate change isn’t Latinxs’ top concern. Coronavirus is.  

● At least one third of Latinxs are doing worse-off economically since the pandemic started, and                             that’s even higher (nearly 50%) among Spanish-dominant community members. Nearly a third                       (32%) of our community have lost their job due to the pandemic and 25% were looking for work.  

● We know that climate change isn’t a singular issue and that it affects other challenges the                               community is concerned with, like the economy, jobs, health care, housing and immigration.   

For the Latinx community, the health risks posed by climate change are a top concern.  ● 96% of community members are worried about air quality. Nearly a third have family members                             

who suffer from respiratory problems, or suffer from them themselves.  ● Latinxs are worried about the dangers of heat waves and air pollution on their health and their                                 

families’ health, and are also concerned that climate change could cause an increase in                           diseases and epidemics. For our community, lowering health care costs is especially important                         -- and the climate crisis is worsening health outcomes and increasing health care costs for                             families, with missed days of work or school, increased hospitalization rates, increased                       mortality rates due to heart and lung illnesses made even worse by air pollution.   

 Latinxs are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills.  

● After rent and car payments, electricity bills were listed as the next biggest household expense.                             42% of English-dominant respondents and 53% of Spanish-dominant respondents said they                     think their energy bill isn’t affordable. Many are particularly worried about how high energy bills                             

get during the summer, when extreme heat makes families amp up the air conditioning.                           Community members feel like they have no choice but to use A/C, even as they say the cost of                                     using it is absurdly high and they don’t really understand what they’re being charged for.  

 Latinxs support policies that increase access to clean, affordable energy, transportation and energy                         efficiency. They want to see policies that help renters and provide incentives for big switches to                               electric appliances, electric vehicles and clean energy.  

● Latinxs strongly support energy efficiency programs and clean energy.  ○ 75% of survey respondents said they would invest in changes to make their homes more                             

energy efficient.  ○ 70% are interested in solar energy, but either don’t own their home or think they can’t                               

afford solar panels. They want to see purchase incentives or community solar programs                         to help them access clean energy.  

● It’s important to keep in mind that about half of Latinxs rent their homes, and therefore have                                 little control over their appliances, home weatherization or other clean energy options like                         rooftop solar.  

○ Only 25% of English-speaking respondents in the survey, who were predominantly under                       30 years old, own their home, with most renting or living with family or roommates. 60%                               of Spanish-speaking community survey respondents own their home.  

● Most Latinxs (above 50% for Spanish-dominant, nearly 80% for the English-dominant) have                       considered buying an electric or hybrid vehicle, but only 7.5% own one.  

○ They see EVs as an opportunity to save money on gas, emit less pollution, drive more                               efficiently, but they don’t think EVs are affordable or within their price range. They have                             questions about charging EVs, how they affect their electricity bill, their cost, how they’re                           repaired and maintained, how the batteries work. Some have concerns about their                       reliability, or want an SUV.  

○ 95% said they want to see EV charging stations in our communities.  ● Latinxs say overwhelmingly that public transit options are not adequate, due to inefficient                         

routes, long waits, lack of reliability and safety issues. Most say they do not take public transit                                 regularly because it takes too much time. If more public transit options were offered, Latinxs                             would like to see rapid transit, light rail and more public buses.  

● Latinxs also strongly support a carbon cap limiting emissions across sectors of the economy.   Latinx community members ranked priorities for Chispa Nevada as: 

1. Fighting for a strong state or federal climate plan(s) that prioritizes justice for low-income                           communities of color in polluted neighborhoods. 

2. Fighting for more energy efficiency opportunities for homes and buildings (and incentives for                         low-income communities). 

3. Fighting for phasing out fossil fuels, stopping any new pipelines and setting a limit for carbon                               emissions. 

4. Fighting for clean and electric cars, buses, school buses, trucks and charging stations (and                           incentives for low-income communities). 

5. Fighting for community solar gardens and other clean energy options for renters or low-income                           households. 

1

Cl imate Change: A Policy Priority for Latinos in Nevada December 2020 Poll of Nevada Latinos by Latino Decisions

In Partnership with Chispa Nevada and the Nevada Conservation League The term hypergrowth is often associated with Latinos in Nevada given that their population jumped from 124,000 in 1990 to over 900,000 today. Despite this impressive growth, research about Latinos in Nevada is sparse. As a consequence, public policy is often made without knowing its impact on this population. This analysis seeks to add to our understanding of this dynamic population by examining Latino attitudes toward climate change and other environmental issues. The focus on climate change and the environment is driven by the desire to broaden Nevada’s conservation efforts by challenging the belief that environmental policy issues are low priority for Latinos. The data presented here is based on a unique statewide survey of 600 Latinos carried out by Latino Decisions in collaboration with Chispa Nevada and the Nevada Conservation League.1

In the survey, Latinos were asked to state the importance of a series of policy issues the governor and state lawmakers might address. TABLE 1 reports the percentage of respondents who answered “extremely” or “very important.” Not surprisingly, reducing the spread of coronavirus ranked first. Creating good paying jobs and increasing funding for K-12 education were also top issues. Interestingly, environmental issues did not rank far behind these top issues. Indeed, reducing smog and air pollution were tied with protecting immigrant rights as a policy priority. Considering that cl imate change and air pollution directly impact diseases, the health and safety of

1LatinoDecisionsinterviewed600adultLatinos,regardlessofcitizenshiporvoterregistrationstatus,inEnglishandSpanishbetweenNovember30toDecember8,2020inNevada.Thesampleinterviewedisablendoflandlines,mobilenumbers,andon-line,weightedtomatchknownpopulationcharacteristicsfromtheBureauoftheCensus.Theoverallnominalmarginoferroris+/-4percentagepoints.

63%68%

72%72%

76%78%78%79%80%81%81%82%82%85%

IncreasepublictransportaQonservicesIncreasetaxesonpolluQngindustries

PasslegislaQontocombatclimatechangeProvidefinancialassistancetomakehomesenergy

ProtectpubliclandsandparksProtectimmigrantrights

ReducesmogandairpolluQonIncreaseconservaQonofwater

CreateaffordablehousingLowerhealthcarecosts

ProtectthesafetyandwellbeingofworkersIncreasefundingforK-12educaQon

CreategoodpayingjobsReducethespreadofcoronavirus

TABLE1.HOWIMPORTANTDOYOUTHINKITISFORNEVADA'SGOVERNORANDSTATELAWMAKERSTOADDRESSEACHOF

THEFOLLOWINGISSUES

2

workers, and health care costs, it is evident that environmental issues overall are top policies priorit ies for Latinos in Nevada.

In a separate question, respondents were asked about their concerns over climate change. Nearly nine-in-ten Latinos (86%) said they were somewhat to very worried about climate change. For Latinos, direct experience with the effects of climate change underlies their worry. In a separate question, nearly three-quarters (74%) said they have experienced the effects of climate change in Nevada in the form of heat waves and droughts. Latinos are also worried about the health consequences of cl imate change, with 84 percent stating that air pollution was a serious health threat to them and their famil ies. Their concerns with the health of families extend to those who live outside of the United States. In the survey, 48 percent of Latinos say they are very worried (34 percent somewhat worried) about how environmental problems impact their families residing in their countries of ancestry.

Veryworried,50%

Somewhatworried,36%

Nottooworried,9%

Notatallworried,5%

TABLE2.LATINOCONCERNSABOUTCLIMATECHANGE

80%

82%

83%

84%

85%

87%

87%

89%

Requirecarmanufacturerstomakemoreelectricvehicles

GastaxesbeusedtoexpandpublictransportaQon

TransiQonpublicvehiclestoelectric

ProvidestateincenQvesforpurchasingelectricvehicles

AllowcommuniQestosharesolarenergy

ReducesmogandairpolluQonfromoldervehicles

LimitcarbonpolluQonacrossallsectors

Provideassistancetobuyenergyefficientapplicances

TABLE3.LATINOSUPPORTFORPOLICIESAIMEDATCOMBATINGCLIMATECHANGEINNEVADA

3

Latinos in Nevada want action on the part of the governor and the state legislature to combat climate change. Respondents were presented with a broad array of policy proposals. TABLE 3 reports the percentage who said they somewhat to strongly support these policies. Most popular among Latinos are efforts to assist homeowners and renters in purchasing energy efficient appliances. They are also supportive of solar energy, and the expansion of electric vehicles and public transportation. In a separate question, respondents were asked whether enacting strong laws in the state to combat climate change would have positive or negative economic consequences. A majority, 58 percent, said it would improve economic growth and create jobs, while a mere 19 percent believed it would adversely impact the economy.

Large majorities of Latinos are supportive of making their homes more energy efficient but economic barriers hamper their ability to access clean energy (TABLE 4). In another question, over half (55%) of respondents said they did not own an electric vehicle because they were too expensive, and another 10 percent said it was because they were too costly to maintain. The economic barriers to environmental action Latinos face cannot be understated. At the time of the survey, 33 percent of Latinos said their economic situation had worsened during the past year and among Latina women that figure jumps to 40 percent. Overall, the survey finds that Latinos in Nevada are deeply concerned about climate change and about protecting the environment broadly. These concerns are driven by their direct experience with climate change and concerns over the health and wellbeing of their families. They expect decisive action on the part of Nevada lawmakers and are supportive of a wide-range of policies aimed at combating cl imate change. Latinos want access to clean energy sources, but face significant economic barriers in acquiring those sources. Interestingly, close to half of the respondents did not identify with the label “environmentalists.” Yet, among them, 86 percent agreed that, they were “someone who cares about the environment.” Nevada lawmakers have a unique opportunity to reduce air pollution and combat climate change by partnering with the Latino population. Latinos are ready to do their part, all that is required is for lawmakers to provide access to the technologies and policies that will help their families lessen the impacts of climate change.

11%

26%

62%

Idon'tagreewitheitherstatement

IworryaboutglobalwarmingandclimatechangeandIwouldbewillingtopaymoretoaccesscleanenergyopQons

formyhome

IworryaboutglobalwarmingandclimatechangeandIwouldbewillingtoaccesscleanenergyopQonsformy

homebutIcannotaffordthem

TABLE4.LATINOSFACEECONOMICBARRIERSTOCOMBATCLIMATECHANGE

1

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure

Vice-Chair Chris Brooks Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure

RE: Small Businesses support SB 382, an act establishing minimum energy efficiency goals for electric utilities by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada

Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee, The following comments by E2 - Environmental Entrepreneurs express support for SB 382, a bill that will ensure programs that help businesses like ours save money on our electric bills. We appreciate the opportunity to state why we support this bill. E2 strongly supports the approval of increased energy efficiency programs and urge the Committee to approve this bill so that Nevada’s electric customers gain access to programs that provide long-term economic recovery and relief. Energy efficiency has the ability to not only reduce overall energy demand, thereby avoiding the need for additional power plants, but it can also reduce customer’s electric bills at a time when they need it most. The negative impacts of COVID-19 will continue to create an undue hardship for Nevada businesses. One of the best tools in the legislature’s toolbox to address this hardship is to save money for electric customers, strengthen opportunities for local jobs in Nevada, improve indoor air quality in buildings, and reduce energy waste and water consumption. Energy efficiency has created more than 11,0001 local, family-waged jobs that can’t be outsourced across our state including more than 6,374 jobs in the Las Vegas area alone.2 It is no coincidence that when Nevada invests in energy efficiency, both the small businesses and the economy benefit. I believe it is more important than ever to offer opportunities for customers to control their electricity costs. We thank you for leadership in driving this common-sense legislation forward and encourage your full support so that all Nevadans reap the benefits of energy efficiency. Sincerely,

Susan Nedell Mountain West Advocate E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs

1 U.S Energy And Employment Report, 2020, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a98cf80ec4eb7c5cd928c61/t/5e78152bcb34ef3967e090a2/1584928044717/Nevada-2020.pdf 2 Environmental Entrepreneurs, Energy Efficiency Jobs in America: Nevada: https://www.e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/NEVADA_2019_Final.pdf

April 2, 2021

Dear Chair Harris, Vice Chair Brooks, and members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

Re: Senate Bill 382

I am writing on behalf of the Natural Resources DefenseCouncil (NRDC) to express support for Senate Bill382. NRDC works to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems onwhich all life depends. We have around 25,000 members and online activists in the State of Nevada.

NRDC supports Senate Bill 382 for the following reasons:1. Saving energy in buildings is critical to addressing climate change in an equitable manner.

Comprehensive economy-wide modeling conducted by Evolved Energy Research and described inPathways and Policies to Achieve Nevada’s Climate Goals show the need to dramatically accelerateadoption of super-efficient appliances, and super-efficientinsulation, in Nevada’s homes andbusinesses.

2. Electric utility energy efficiency programs have a huge role to play in scaling up energy efficiency. Forexample, in order for a customer to replace their old water heater with a new, highly efficient heatpump water heater, their contractor needs to know about the high-efficiency option, have it in stock,be prepared to describe its benefits, and offer it at a good price. Utility energy efficiency programswork with contractors, retailers, distributors, and customers to coordinate these actions. In a statewith good utility energy efficiency programs, choosing the efficient option is easy.

3. We show evidence in the Pathways report that low-income households pay large portions of theirincomes on utility bills. Customers in historically-underserved communities in Clark County are alsomore likely to be at risk in heat waves, such as the historic one we experienced in August 2020.Energy efficiency keeps the lights on and customers save during heat waves. By reducing the amountof energy needed to cool our homes through more efficient air conditioning, we can be moreprepared to provide reliable and affordable power, no matter the weather. Utility-run low-incomeenergy efficiency programs help address high bills, make low-income households moreresilient, and can fill-in gaps in existing programs, such as weatherization programs funded bythe Universal Energy Charge.

4. While it represents a doubling of the current standard, the 10 percent low-income/historicallyunderserved community requirement in the bill would just bring Nevada up to the national average forlow-income spending as a percent of portfolio investment.

5. NV Energy can and should increase energy efficiency program savings and investment, andthe 1.3 percent goal is appropriate. Other utilities in the region are saving more each year than NVEnergy. Xcel, Colorado’s large investor-owned utility, saved at least 1.55 percent of sales in 2018, andthe utility plans to save 1.8 percent of sales ineach of 2021 and 2022. Arizona’s elected utility

NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL303 West 3rd Street | Reno, Nevada | 89501 | (312) 953-2533 | [email protected]

regulators just approved a 1.3 percent savings requirement for Arizona Public Service and TucsonElectric Power.

NRDC strongly urges you to support Senate Bill 382, and we thank the Committee, Chair Harris, and ViceChair Brooks for bringing the bill forward.

Thank you,

Dylan Sullivan

Senior ScientistClimate & Clean Energy Program

April 2, 2021Dear Governor Sisolak and Nevada policymakers, As businesses, higher education institutions, and healthcare systems across the West, we write to urge our state leaders to pursue ambitious building decarbonization policies. Reducing carbon emissions throughout the design, construction and operation of buildings will save money while spurring innovation, improving public health, and helping drive economic recovery. Climate change poses a significant risk to our long-term economic success, impacts the health and livelihood of the communities in which we operate and live, and disrupts the value chains on which we rely. We are already feeling the effects of climate change across the West一from increased heat waves and extreme wildfires, to drought and hazardous air quality. Because of these risks, we are making significant commitments and investments to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.1 The energy use at our facilities is a significant cost and increasing our energy efficiency is a major focus of our sustainability efforts. Clean energy investments are an economic opportunity, saving major energy buyers in the U.S. billions of dollars a year while reducing emissions.2 Including robust building decarbonization policies and programs in our tool box will help us meet our goals faster and more cost-effectively, all while reducing climate-related risk. Building decarbonization policies and practices include energy efficiency programs; building energy benchmarking programs; sustainable building design approaches; sustainable building design approaches; performance standards for new and existing buildings; strategic electrification; building energy and water codes; strategic energy management; building-level distributed generation and storage; and demand-side management (DSM) programs. Building decarbonization practices can provide energy users valuable insights into how much energy a building uses, helping us better manage performance, identify opportunities to cut energy costs, and make informed capital investment decisions. All consumers, businesses, and institutions benefit when we eliminate energy waste. At the microgrid, community and grid scale level, building decarbonization investments also support resiliency. As climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, building decarbonization policies–such as those supporting distributed energy resources and demand response一enable strategic grid management and enhance grid resiliency, ensuring all customers have access to reliable power. Carbon emitted during construction, which includes emissions from the manufacture and transport of building materials, must also be addressed.3 While climate benefits from operational savings accrue over decades, reducing carbon from building materials delivers immediate climate benefits. New tools are available to easily and accurately calculate, track and compare the carbon footprint of materials used in construction. This will allow recovery efforts to fully address the total carbon impact of new investments.

1 Nearly early half of all Fortune 500 companies have set goals to reduce GHG emissions, procure renewable energy, and invest in energy efficiency, see: https://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/power-forward-3; Health systems in the U.S. have committed to increasing climate resilience and reducing GHGs, see: https://noharm-uscanada.org/healthcareclimatechallenge. 2 In 2017, major energy buyers in the US saved nearly $3.7 billion a year from investments in clean energy, see: https://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/power-forward-3 3 Embodied carbon will account for more than half of building related GHGs through 2050; see: https://architecture2030.org/new-buildings-embodied/

Decarbonizing the building sector will also generate economic, public health, and equity benefits. Investing in more efficient buildings will help the West build a more robust and resilient economy as we grapple with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating local jobs that pay well and are not easily outsourced.4 Inefficient buildings and appliances disproportionately impact the health and financial stability of marginalized and low-income communities一the same communities most affected by the pandemic. Investments in these communities can reduce exposure to hazardous indoor and outdoor air pollutants and improve energy affordability, improving public health and raising disposable incomes.5 We strongly support the establishment of robust building decarbonization policies. As the West recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, these policies will help ensure the long-term health of the region’s economy and citizens. Sincerely,Adobe* Ameresco* AR Green Consulting Autodesk* Avocado Green Brands BAR Architects Ben & Jerry’s* Biotic Brands Bolt Design Studio Boulder Organic Foods Burton Snowboards* Change Finance Cree Lighting* DSM* Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican* Eaton Corporation* eBay* Energy Management Solutions France Sustainable Solutions Franklin Energy Geostrategies, LLC Green EconoME IKEA Retail U.S.* JLL*

Legacy Vacation Resorts Lundberg Family Farms* Lutron Electronics* Mithun National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) Nature’s Path* New Belgium Brewing* Numi Tea O’Brien 360 PayPal* Proctor Engineering Group Repurpose, Inc. Schneider Electric* SERA Architects Seventh Generation* Siemens* Sierra Nevada Brewing* Switch Automation Turner Real Estate Unilever* Uplight* ZGF Architects

* Denotes over $100 Million in annual revenue

For more information or to connect with the signatories, please contact [email protected].

4 E2. “Clean Energy & COVID-19 Crisis | June 2020 Unemployment Analysis.” July 10, 2020. https://e2.org/reports/clean-jobs-covid-economic-crisis-june-2020/ 5 Rocky Mountain Institute. “Gas Stoves: Health and Air Quality Impacts and Solutions.” 2020. https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health; ACEEE. “How High Are Household Energy Burdens? An Assessment of National and Metropolitan Energy Burdens across the U.S.”” September 10, 2020 https://www.aceee.org/research-report/u2006.

April 2, 2021

Senator Dallas Harris, ChairSenate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure401 South Carson StreetCarson, City, Nevada 89701

RE: Support energy efficiency reduce energy costs, prioritize low-income families, and tackle theclimate crisis

The Nevada Conservation League urges your support on SB 382, energy efficiency legislationthat would provide energy and cost savings for Nevadans, increase funding for low-incomeprograms, and make progress towards our state’s emissions reduction goal.

At its core, energy efficiency is a basic, yet fundamental method that uses less energy to producethe same amount of output -- in the process, we save energy and reduce electricity bills. SB 382would establish mandatory energy efficiency goals, encouraging our electric utility to ramp upprograms that make energy efficiency an easy and affordable choice and lead to electricitysavings of at least 1.3 percent of sales. These programs would incentivize homeowners,landlords, and business owners to choose the energy-efficient option by supporting redesigningbuildings to include energy efficiency improvements or retrofitting homes. SB 382 would allowNevada to join the ranks of states with legislated energy savings requirements, including Alaska,Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. We must prescribe morerobust targets to accelerate energy and cost savings to get results for Nevadans.

Targeted energy efficiency programs are critical for reducing low-income families’ economicburden, as low-income Americans, on average, spend a higher percentage of their income onelectricity and may not be able to afford energy efficiency updates such as electric appliancesand added insulation in their home. Currently, NV energy is required to spend at least 5 percentof its energy efficiency program budget directed to low-income customers. SB 382 wouldimprove the spending requirement and double it to direct 10 percent of their budget to thesetargeted programs, aligning with the national average. Targeted energy efficiency measureswould lessen the strain for families paying high energy bills and prevent them from facingdifficult decisions between paying bills or putting food on the table.

Energy efficiency is vital for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The electricity we depend on topower light switches or outlets in homes and buildings pull energy from nearby power plants,which often burn fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and methane gas, releasing harmful greenhouse gasesinto the atmosphere. Energy efficiency must be the foundation upon which we build our responseto the climate crisis and reduce emissions. While we are currently not on track to hit our state’sclimate goals, this bill is an important step that will help steer Nevada in the right direction.

Nevadans overwhelmingly support bold, aggressive action that confronts the climate crisis,including energy efficiency. 82 percent of Nevada voters support initiatives that provideassistance for homeowners and renters to increase the energy efficiency of their homes andreduce energy use. Nevadans are calling on legislators to prioritize policies to help plan for thefuture of clean energy in our state.

SB 382 would deliver on energy and cost savings to Nevadans and bolster energy efficiencyprograms to support low-income customers, while working to reach our ambitious carbonreduction goals. We hope you will support this key legislation that would help put a clean energyfuture within reach for Nevada.

Signed,

Paul Selberg, Executive Director, Nevada Conservation League

1

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee Legislative Building 401 S. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701

Vice Chair Chris Brooks Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee Legislative Building 401 S. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701

Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

Re: Comments of the Ceres in Support of Senate Bill 382 I am writing on behalf of Ceres – a national nonprofit working closely with some of the country’s largest investors and companies to advance sustainability solutions throughout the economy, including many of the largest companies in the Fortune 500 and many with operations, facilities, and business interests in Nevada. Climate change poses a significant risk to the long-term economic success of our members and the larger business community. It threatens the health and livelihood of the communities in which businesses operate and disrupts the value chains on which they rely. Because of these risks, companies in Nevada and nationwide are making significant commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.1 However, businesses are often constrained in how much they can do to drive down their total GHG emissions footprint. For example, their direct ability to optimize the sources of energy that power the economy is limited. Therefore, they have a significant interest in finding ways to systematically improve the emissions performance of our electricity and gas systems, including through the support of policies and programs that eliminate energy waste and reduce peak demand. In addition to helping the state mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and businesses manage energy costs, energy efficiency investments can help the state recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, Nevada needs tested, proven investments that pay for themselves, create local jobs, help hard hit industries, protect vulnerable populations, improve air quality and public health, and position the state to recover as quickly as possible. Nevada has a rare window of opportunity to accelerate its recovery by doubling down on its energy efficiency programs – all at a time when residents and businesses need it the most. 1 Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies have set goals to reduce GHG emissions, procure renewable energy, and invest in energy efficiency, see: Ceres. “Power Forward 3.0: How the largest U.S. companies are capturing business value while addressing climate change” April 15, 2017. https://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/power-forward-3

2

Given the imperative to take immediate action to combat climate change and address the public health crisis, strong utility leadership on energy efficiency is needed. Accordingly, we urge you to support Senate Bill 382 in order to: ● Position NV Energy to achieve ambitious goals for saving energy and reducing peak

demand so that it is delivering savings commensurate with other leading utilities in the southwest such as Salt River Project in Arizona and Xcel Colorado;

● Ensure energy-saving programs are afforded robust funding so that they can meet the diverse needs of businesses and consumers.

These actions would send a strong signal to the thousands of energy efficiency contractors and construction workers that Nevada remains open for business. In 2019, energy efficiency investments helped create more than 11,000 jobs across the state.2 These jobs pay well, are local, and are in hands-on fields like installation so they cannot be easily outsourced. Many of these positions are with small businesses that are struggling to survive in the face of economic uncertainty. With a potential rise in COVID-19 cases, it is possible that the efficiency sector could once again lay off employees. Ensuring ambitious programs supported with robust funding would provide important assurances to the industry so that it retains its highly skilled workforce. Additionally, passage of Senate Bill 382 would direct NV Energy to increase funding for low-income energy efficiency programs and implement new approaches and more comprehensive offerings to better serve historically disadvantaged communities. The profound connections between environmental and human health underscore that a just, sustainable future cannot exist without an end to inequality. Unfortunately, due to a historic lack of policy protections and stakeholder engagement, low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change. NV Energy must enhance its efficiency offerings to ensure that all communities are served, especially those most adversely impacted by climate change. Passage of Senate Bill 382 would direct NV Energy to better serve these communities. Finally, in light of the historic west-wide heat wave that occurred earlier this year, the importance of energy efficiency investment to prevent future blackouts cannot be understated. California’s recent challenges underscore the important role that demand side management (DSM), including energy efficiency, demand response, and conservation, plays to reduce energy loads and ensure all customers have access to reliable power. In fact, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) was able to avoid additional blackouts by issuing alerts that asked customers to reduce their consumption. Importantly, DSM is an extremely flexible and diverse resource composed of numerous strategies, products,

2 “Clean Jobs Nevada 2019,” E2, April 4, 2019, https://e2.org/reports/clean-jobs-nevada-2019/

3

technologies, and programs that can be temporally and locationally targeted to reshape the net load curve, flatten ramps, and relieve grid strain during critical time periods such as heat wave events. Passage of Senate 382 would send an important signal to NV Energy to continue to leverage DSM to support greater grid flexibility and mitigate grid stress. In closing, effective energy efficiency programs will benefit Nevada’s economy, its communities, and the health of its citizens and businesses. At this time of economic upheaval and climatic uncertainty, we urge you to prioritize the passage of Senate Bill 382. Doing so would send a clear signal to businesses and the people of Nevada that the state is serious about working its customers to address our dual public health and climate crises. We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments and share the perspectives of the private sector. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if we can provide additional information. Sincerely,

Emily Duff Manager, State Policy Ceres

________________________________________________________ 1667 K Street NW, Suite 700 Tel 202/822-0950 Washington, DC 20006 Fax 202/822-0955 http://www.naesco.org

April 2, 2021 Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

Re: NAESCO Support for Senate Bill 382 I am writing on behalf of the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) to request your support of Senate Bill 382 which would expand the energy efficiency programs implemented by NV Energy. Nevada’s energy efficiency programs have been a success. For example:

• NV Energy’s customers saved about 2.5 billion kWh per year in 2019 and cut their peak demand by 534 MW as a result of demand side management programs implemented from 2010-2019.

• In 2019 alone, efficiency programs eliminated the equivalent carbon emissions of ~160,000 cars from the road.

Senate Bill 382 will build on this success by accomplishing three main objectives. It will:

1. Ramp up NV Energy’s energy efficiency programs so that they deliver electricity savings equivalent to 1.3 percent of its retail sales each year—something that peer utilities in Colorado, Arizona, and other states are already doing,

2. Double funding for programs that serve low-income customers, and

3. Create new performance-based incentives to better align NV Energy’s business model with state energy efficiency goals

NAESCO asks you to support this legislation because we believe that energy efficiency is the most prudent energy investment we can make today. The electricity industry is going through an upheaval, as existing coal and nuclear plants are increasingly priced out of the market and are replaced by more economic options including gas and renewables (wind and solar). We expect these trends to continue and expect that the long-term technology and economics of electricity generation will become clear in the next decade. In the meantime, the safest policy is to eliminate energy waste, which benefits ratepayers, and minimizes premature investments in expensive new generation. To make sure that utilities support this energy efficiency investment, it is necessary to enact policy supporting robust investment in energy efficiency.

In addition to the benefits of fiscal prudence, energy efficiency programs produce thousands of good jobs; redirect taxpayer money currently spent on wasted energy into modernizing public facilities; and reduce harmful environmental emissions. We urge you to support Senate Bill 382 as it is considered in Committee and is brought to the floor of the Senate for consideration. Thank you for considering these comments.

Sincerely,

Donald Gilligan President

Introduction to NAESCO NAESCO is the leading national trade association of the energy services industry. NAESCO

numbers among its members some of the world's leading energy services companies, including: ABM Industries, AECOM, Ameresco, Brewer-Garrett, CEG Solutions, Centrica Business Solutions, Clear Energy, Climatec BTG, CM3 Building Solutions, CMTA Consulting Engineers, Con Edison Solutions, Constellation, CTI Energy Services, E3, Energy Solutions Professionals, Energy Systems Group, Energylink, ENGIE Services, Entegrity, FPL Energy Services, Georgia Power, GRP Wegman, Hannon Armstrong, Honeywell International, Johnson Controls, McClure Company, McKinstry, METCO Engineering, Navitas, New York Power Authority, NORESCO, Perfection Group, Performance Services, PowerSecure, Schneider Electric, Siemens Industry, sitelogiq, smartwatt, Southland Energy, Stark ESCo, The Efficiency Network, Trane Technologies, Veregy, Wendel Energy Services and Willdan Energy Services.

During the past twenty years, NAESCO member companies have implemented hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of energy efficiency, demand response, renewable energy and distributed generation projects for Nevada federal, industrial, commercial, institutional and residential customers. Nationally, NAESCO member projects have produced:

• $60 billion in projects paid from operational savings • $65 billion in savings – guaranteed and verified • 500,000 person-years of direct employment • $45 billion in infrastructure improvements in public facilities • 480 million tons of CO2 savings at no additional cost

ESPC Job Creation ESPC projects create thousands of jobs because they re-purpose the money public agency is

currently spending on wasted energy and failing equipment into a payment stream for projects that reduce deferred maintenance backlogs and improve long-term operating efficiency.

Jobs Means FTEs; Employment Multipliers from the RIMS II Model, see: https://www.bea.gov/regional/rims/rimsii/

Contact: Donald Gilligan, President 978-498-4456 [email protected]

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas HarrisSenate Committee on Growth andInfrastructure

Vice-Chair Chris BrooksSenate Committee on Growth andInfrastructure

RE: SWEEP Support for SB 382, Legislation to Expand Energy Saving Programs for AllNevadans

Dear Chair Harris, Vice-Chair Brooks, and Members of the Senate Growth and InfrastructureCommittee,

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated toadvancing energy efficiency and clean transportation in Nevada in order to save customersmoney, protect the environment, address the climate crisis, and build a more resilient,sustainable economy.

Now, more than ever, Nevada needs investments that pay for themselves, create local jobs thatpay well and are not easily outsourced, save taxpayers money, increase wealth, help hard-hitindustries, protect vulnerable populations, improve air quality and public health, save water, andposition the state to recover as quickly as possible as the economy re-opens. Energyefficiency is that investment.

Nevada has a rare window of opportunity to recover quickly by doubling down on energyefficiency investments and projects. Investing in more efficiency now will result in us creatingmore jobs and realizing even more savings, all at a time when Nevadans residents andbusinesses really need it.

For all of these reasons, SWEEP writes to support the expeditious passage of Senate Bill382 to expand and strengthen energy efficiency programs for all Nevadans. Senate Bill382 would deliver on this outcome by:

● Directing NV Energy to design and implement programs that deliver electricity savingsequivalent to 1.3 percent of its retail sales each year — a level of performance that peerutilities in Colorado, Arizona, and across the nation are already achieving.

1

● Doubling funding for programs that serve low-income and historically disadvantagedcommunities.

● Establishing new performance-based incentives to better align NV Energy’s businessmodel with the achievement of the state’s climate and energy savings goals.

Energy efficiency in Nevada has more than delivered on its promises to reduce costs,create jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure we have cleaner air and water, whichleads to healthier communities. In fact:

● In 2019 alone, every $1 invested in efficiency returned $2.36 in benefits, savingcustomers more than $135 million.1

● Efficiency programs have created more than 11,000 family-wage jobs.2 These are goodpaying jobs that can’t be easily outsourced because they are in hands-on fields likeinstallation.

● Since 2010, energy efficiency programs implemented by NV Energy have saved morethan 390 million gallons of water - an amount equivalent to the annual water use ofabout 3,860 Las Vegas area households.3

● In 2019 alone, programs eliminated more than 232 million pounds of carbon dioxide fromthe atmosphere4 - an amount equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of ~23,000passenger vehicles driven for one year.5

These benefits will only continue to grow with the passage of SB 382.

We should continue to invest in what has been proven to work. After all, we have so much morewe can do to establish a clean energy future in Nevada.

Thank you for your consideration of our comments.

Angie DykemaNevada RepresentativeSWEEP

Caryn PotterManager, Utility ProgramSWEEP

Ellen ZuckermanCo-Director, Utility ProgramSWEEP

5 United States Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator,https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator

4 Ibid at 1.

3 “Nevada Electric Utility Energy Efficiency Programs: A Success Story,”https://www.swenergy.org/Data/Sites/1/media/2021-new-nv-dsm-programs-fact-sheet-2020.pdf

2 E4TheFuture, Environmental Entrepreneurs, and BW Research Partnership, 2019 Energy Efficiency Jobs inAmerica: Nevada, https://www.e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/NEVADA_2019_Final.pdf

1 NV Energy, 2019 Annual DSM Program Year Results,http://pucweb1.state.nv.us/PDF/AxImages/DOCKETS_2020_THRU_PRESENT/2020-7/2969.pdf

2

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Vice Chair Chris Brooks Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

Re: Senate Bill 382 Health Care Without Harm seeks to transform health care worldwide so that it reduces its environmental footprint, becomes a community anchor for sustainability, and a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice. With offices on four continents and partners around the world, Health Care Without Harm is leveraging the health sector’s expertise, purchasing power, political clout, workforce development, and moral authority to create the conditions for healthy people, communities, and the environment. Health Care Without Harm supports energy efficiency investment for several reasons:

1. The World Health Organization has recognized climate change as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century, altering our planet with dire consequences for generations to come if we do not join together now and design a better future. The health impacts of climate change are happening now and projected to get worse without further action – from hotter and longer heat waves, more severe respiratory and heart disease, and increased rates of vector and waterborne diseases.

2. A recent study revealed fossil fuel air pollution is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths around the world, with the worst impacts in low-income communities that are exposed to the most pollution because of where they live. Climate science is clear – we must reduce greenhouse emissions to protect planetary and human health.

3. Investment in energy efficiency helps to reduce pollution and emissions, improve indoor and outdoor air quality, and save lives.

4. Health care is the second most energy-intensive building sector in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Energy.1 Hospital buildings operate 24/7 and have unique energy needs and requirements, using 2.5 times more energy than an office building of the same size.

5. 6. At the same time, the health care sector is experiencing the largest boom in health care

construction and renovation in decades.2 Green building strategies and innovative technologies that reduce energy use can save hospitals substantial amounts of money that can be reinvested into patient care and help hospitals to maintain healthy healing and work environments.

1 https://noharm-uscanada.org/issues/us-canada/energy-efficiency 2 Ibid.

7. Unlike many other sectors, hospitals must be outage-proof and be able to provide essential care, especially in times of climate-caused extreme weather events when their communities need them most. Investments in efficient, resilient energy technologies and equipment, such as combined heat and power, can help hospitals to survive major disasters.

8. Energy is used in the manufacturing of products and procurement of services throughout the healthcare sector’s supply chain.3 Programs that help infuse energy efficiency throughout this supply chain help to reduce the sector’s overall costs. They also help to reduce the sector’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

As you consider proposals to expand energy efficiency programs this legislative session, we hope you will consider these important benefits that energy efficiency provides to the healthcare sector. Sincerely, Robyn Rothman, JD Associate Director of State Policy Programs Health Care Without Harm

3 https://noharm-europe.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/5047/2017-10-09HCWHEurope_Energy_Efficiency_Position_Paper.pdf

1620 Eye Street, NW, Suite 200 · Washington, DC 20006 · (202) 387-6121 ·

[email protected] www.ConsumerFed.org

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris Vice Chair Chris Brooks

Nevada Senate Growth and Infrastructure Nevada Senate Growth and Infrastructure

Committee Committee

Re: Support for NV Senate Bill 382, a bill relating to utility energy efficiency programs

Dear Chair Harris, Vice Chair Brooks and Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure

Committee:

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), established in 1968, is an association of

more than 250 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including Nevada, working to advance

the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education. We write to support SB 382

and its goal of promoting cost-effective utility energy efficiency programs as they provide

energy savings to consumers.

By way of background, CFA has long supported cost-effective energy and water

efficiency policies and practices, advocating for appliance efficiency standards because of the

tremendous consumer benefits they provide. These standards strengthen the minimum energy-

and water-saving requirements of home appliances and electronics save consumers money on

their utility bills through reduced energy consumption; save water; reduce air pollution from

electricity generation; mitigate the risk of electric shortages and blackouts; and drive down utility

costs by avoiding the need for costly and unnecessary electric grid investments.

Utility energy efficiency programs play an important role in helping to spur the adoption

of these cost-saving standards. They help drive the leading edge of technologies and make

efficient products more widely available and accessible, especially among those residential and

business consumers who are “hardest to reach.” Thus, state policies outlined in Senate Bill 382,

which ensure the availability and expansion of utility energy efficiency programs, are a critical

component for realizing the $2.4 trillion in utility bill savings that will be saved nationally thanks

to the implementation of appliance standards through 2035. For Nevada alone, the net present

value of these savings is $18.9 billion.

Expanding the state’s energy efficiency programs is a win-win-win for Nevada. It will cut

energy and water waste, save consumers and businesses money, and reduce greenhouse gases.

CFA urges you to consider the consumer benefits that efficiency programs provide and to forge

the way for the state of Nevada to be a leader on energy efficiency.

Thank you for your consideration and for your work to advance energy efficiency in the

state of Nevada.

Sincerely,

Mel Hall-Crawford

Director of Energy Programs

Consumer Federation of America

1101 30th Street, N.W., Suite 100A Washington, D.C. 20007 202-333-8931

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Vice Chair Chris Brooks Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Re: National Housing Trust Support for Senate Bill 382 Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee: National Housing Trust (NHT) is a non-profit that creates and preserves affordable homes to provide opportunity, advance racial equity, reduce economic disparities, and strengthen community resilience through practice and policy. NHT is committed to promoting energy efficiency and sustainability for low‐income residents across the country. Increasing energy efficiency in the affordable multifamily sector is a win for everyone. Making affordable rental housing more efficient is a cost‐effective way to reduce energy consumption, reduce pollution, maintain housing affordability, and create healthier, more comfortable living environments. Despite these many benefits, energy efficiency improvements are far less likely to be implemented in multifamily rentals than in any other type of housing. As you consider Senate Bill 382, we write to express our support for the bill’s provision that would double funding for low‐income energy efficiency programs – funding that is sorely needed. After all, Nevada ranks 30th in the country for overall poverty.1 Adoption of this provision would ensure that Nevada’s valuable low‐income programs continue to be offered and will also be expanded. As it stands, Nevada trails many of its neighboring states in the amount spent on low‐income energy efficiency programs per low‐income resident. For example, Colorado invests $8.84 per income-qualified resident compared with Nevada’s $5.15.2 The lack of efficient housing creates high energy burdens that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.3

Thank you for considering our comments. We would be happy to provide you with additional information on the benefits of energy efficiency for low‐income families. Sincerely, Todd Nedwick Senior Director of Sustainability Policy

1 Talk Poverty, Nevada 2020 Report, https://talkpoverty.org/state-year-report/nevada-2020-report/ 2American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, The 2020 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/u2011.pdf 3 ACEEE, How High Are Household Energy Burdens? An Assessment of National and Metropolitan Energy Burden across the United States (September 2020)

April 2, 2021 Chair Dallas Harris Vice Chair Chris Brooks Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee Re: Senate Bill 382 Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee: On behalf of Ormat, I am writing to encourage the Committee to support Senate Bill (SB) 382, the Energy Savings bill. As a vertically integrated renewable energy power producer headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Ormat is pleased to see state leaders take action on one of the easiest ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping Nevada reach its climate goals. Ormat is committed to advancing new technologies and building a sustainable energy future for its employees and all Nevadans, and this includes supporting energy efficiency programs which are some of the most impactful, proven mechanisms to save consumers and businesses money on their utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our homes and buildings, improve air quality, and boost public health. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

Alora Bartosz Associate, Business Development

April 2, 2021Chair Senator Dallas HarrisVice Chair Senator Chris BrooksSenator Pat SpearmanSenator Scott HammondSenator Keith F. Pickard

Nevada Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee401 S. Carson St.Carson City, NV 89701Sent via email to: [email protected]

Re: SB382

Dear members of the Nevada Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure,

I am writing to express strong support for SB382. If passed, this crucial energy efficiency legislation will provide economic, public health, and environmental benefits for Nevada.

SB382 will save people money on electricity bills and provide funding for low-income energy efficiency programs for the most vulnerable Nevadans. Due to the economic hardship caused by the pandemic, these savings are more important than ever.

As of October 2020, more than 10,000 Nevadans were employed in energy efficiency. Entry level wages in all sectors of energy efficiency jobs exceed the national average. This bill would create even more high quality, local jobs throughout Nevada. For more information on energy efficiency workers please see the attached state fact sheet for Nevada from the 2020 Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report.

The energy efficiency programs in SB382 will improve indoor and outdoor air quality thus improving public health. Reducing emissions will decrease asthma attacks and emergency department visits which are costly to Nevada’s health care system.

If passed, SB283 will create a more resilient energy system in Nevada. Decreasing energy use throughout the state will allow Nevada to provide more reliable and affordable energy to its residents despite increasingly common extreme weather events.

All Nevadans will reap the benefits of the policies proposed in SB382. Please do all you can to bring about the passage of this important legislation. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Pat StantonDirector of Policy

205 Newbury Street, Suite 203 • Framingham, MA 01701 • 774-777-5121

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 1

State sNEW MEXICO Energy Efficiency Jobs in America

-2000

-1800

-1600

-1400

-1200

-1000

-800

-600

-400

-200

0

Feb.2020

March2020

April2020

May2020

June2020

July2020

Aug.2020

Sept.2020

Oct.2020

EE Job Losses in Nevada due to COVID-19

1,498 net job losses

COVID-19 Impacts on the EE Job Sector

Nevada Energy Efficiency Jobs in America

10,490*

11,988

Oct 2020

Dec 2019

Clean energy workers are a huge and important part of America’s workforce. We know from our country’s last economic crisis that clean energy can lead the way to recovery.

Hundreds of thousands of workers are ready to return to work to build a better, cleaner, more equitable economy for tomorrow. With innovative policies we could get these workers back on the job today. Congress can start by spurring investments in energy efficiency (EE) and help the economy recover and grow for years to come.

Presented by:

12.5% DECLINE in

Employment since

COVID-19

*Source: Clean Energy Employment Initial Impacts from the COVID-19 Economic Crisis, March 2020-October 2020. **first available sector-specific data

The 2020 pandemic shocked our nation’s labor market with massive job losses. Nevada’s energy efficiency industry lost as many as 1,498 jobs since its onset, a 12.5% decrease compared to total jobs in December 2019—wiping out the last year of gains.

This disruption continues to ripple throughout the supply chain, slowing or halting the manufacture of efficiency equipment and components including insulation; windows; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; and other building systems technologies.

The energy efficiency workforce has the skills and expertise to meet this moment. Historically the Nevada EE workforce grew steadily, gaining 25.4% since 2016.**

As the U.S. advances our economic recovery, policy solutions must create conditions to return to work laid-off/furloughed EE workers and to create a pathway for new workers to join this vital sector.

Baseline

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 2

What are EE Jobs?

Jobs that deliver goods and services that lower energy use by improving technologies, appliances, buildings, and energy systems.

▪ Manufacture and install high efficiency systems, controls, windows, insulation and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and products in existing and new homes, commercial & industrial buildings

▪ Design and construct high performance buildings such as those earning LEED certification

▪ Upgrade and repair heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) and water heating equipment

▪ Educate property owners and managers on building improvements to unlock savings for businesses, homeowners, schools, states, municipalities, military bases and more

▪ Analyze building energy data using software to maximize savings through targeted performance improvements and behavioral changes

▪ Review and approve loans to finance energy savings performance contracts to improve the comfort, health and operational costs of buildings

How does EE compare in Nevada? Energy efficiency is the second largest energy sector in Nevada.

Energy efficiency in Nevada has seen consistent, reliable job growth – 25.4 percent since 2016.

All EE jobs counted in this report enhance energy efficiency. The above descriptions provide illustrative examples of what some EE workers do, and should not be considered an exhaustive list of all efficiency work.

What type of work are EE workers doing?

Nuclear 125

Energy Efficiency

11,988

Other* 237

Traditional TDS

10,466

Fossil – EPG & Fuels

4,551

Clean – TDS, EPG

& Fuels 20,501

*Includes other energy subsectors such as corn ethanol, woody biomass, large hydropower, and others.

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 3

What do the EE businesses look like in Nevada?

EE Sector =

2,180 Businesses in NV

(Dec. 2019)

↑ 150 over 2018

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

100 or more employees

20 to 99 employees

6 to 19 employees

1 to 5 employees

Field 9 of Field 0 EE Businesses Have Less Than 100 Employees

6.7% of Nevada

residents employed

in EE are Veterans

Energy Efficiency Construction Workers Make Up 9% of NV Construction Workers

1,773

16

57 293

40

Firms by Supply Chain

Construction & Repairs

Manufacturing

Sales & Distribution

Professional Services*

Other**

* Professional services includes finance/accounting, architecture, engineering, R&D, etc.** Other such as maintenance, and business and nonprofit organizations

2,253

6,227

2,126

1,382

Jobs by Sector

ENERGY STAR Appliances &Efficient Lighting

HVAC*

Building Materials & Insulation

Other**

* Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning of higher than standard efficiency/renewable heating & cooling

** Other such as energy audits, building certifications, and software services

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

100 or more employees

20 to 99 employees

6 to 19 employees

1 to 5 employees

99.4% of NV Businesses Have Less Than 100 Employees

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 4

How is EE Doing regarding Diversity in Nevada?

Demographic data is crucial for benchmarks and to measure progress in the energy efficiency industry. In striving for

more diversity in EE jobs, we can create a stronger and more inclusive industry. Promoting diversity in hiring is key

to maintaining a future workforce of talented professionals and ensuring all Nevada communities are represented in

the EE sector.

A significant portion of the Nevada efficiency workforce is in the “55+” category. 10% are likely to retire within the next ten years, providing career opportunities for current and future professionals.

24%

76%

Note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) only includes two genders in their survey. Non-binary gender data is missing from this document due to this limitation.

The EE industry needs to

do more to prioritize

minorities and women for

training and support that

will enable them to obtain

and/or retain employment

at EE businesses.

69

.0%

26

.4%

12

.6%

13

.0%

5.4

%

71

.7%

18

.2%

7.5

%

8.3

%

12

.5%

W H I TE H I S P A N I C A S I A N B L A C K O T H E R

NV EE INDUSTRY BY RACE AND ETHNICITY

Entire Workforce EE Industry

Over 5510%

Under 5590%

NEVADA'S EE WORKERS BY AGE

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 5

Economic benefits of a federal energy efficiency stimulus package include high-quality jobs for U.S. residents,

worker income, boosts to local, state, and federal tax revenues, contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and

energy cost savings.

All these benefits ultimately translate to greater cash flow and stronger local economies. Energy efficiency jobs are

proven to be sustainable wage positions that are accessible to all localities nationwide — regardless of geography or

politics — providing new jobs that cannot be outsourced.

Updates to U.S. energy infrastructure are investments in the collective economic future of Americans; the creation of

a more resilient energy system is vital to economic growth and security.

Modeling finds that federal investment

would create 6,224 full-time

direct, indirect, and induced NV jobs

that will last for at least five years: Over 31,118 job-years total.

A stimulus of this level and the jobs it

would create would also generate more

than $447 million in GDP each

year for the next five years – resulting in

$2.2 billion in economic activity,

more than 3.8 times the investment.

How much energy efficiency is untapped in your state?

Combined, this would displace

the annual electricity

consumption of 692,611 homes.

Why invest in EE?

Source: Build Back Better, Faster.

Source: State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) Platform.

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

Industrial Commercial Residential

gW

h

Nevada Energy Efficiency Potential by Sector

-

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

NEVADA PROJECTED STIMULUS JOB IMPACTS

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 6

Congressional Metropolitan Areas

District Jobs Area Jobs

1 6,938 Carson City 233

2 2,723 Las Vegas-Paradise 7,139

3 1,598 Reno-Sparks 4,111

4 729 Rural 506

Where are EE Jobs?

Energy Efficiency Jobs by County

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 7

State Senate

District Jobs District Jobs District Jobs District Jobs

1 722 7 457 13 1,355 19 254

2 904 8 491 14 179 20 56

3 1,581 9 476 15 186 21 16

4 <5 10 1,001 16 497

5 2,170 11 207 17 379

6 633 12 415 18 7

State Assembly

District Jobs District Jobs District Jobs District Jobs

1 251 13 <5 25 523 37 <5

2 632 14 <5 26 205 38 155

3 558 15 1,092 27 31 39 404

4 198 16 <5 28 <5 40 273

5 96 17 5 29 <5 41 <5

6 802 18 484 30 351 42 <5

7 287 19 179 31 <5

8 1,417 20 160 32 117

9 187 21 242 33 243

10 707 22 235 34 215

11 266 23 67 35 46

12 538 24 972 36 45

2020 – Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Nevada 8

E4TheFuture is dedicated to bringing clean, efficient energy home for every American and promotes energy solutions to advance climate protection and economic fairness. Visit www.E4TheFuture.org

E2 is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors and others who advocate for smart policies that are good for the environment and good for the economy. Visit www.e2.org

BW Research Partnership is a full-service, economic and workforce research consulting firm with offices in Carlsbad, California and Wrentham, Massachusetts. It is the nation’s leading provider of accurate, comprehensive energy and clean energy research studies. Visit www.bwresearch.com

Data Source: Unless otherwise stated, all data are from the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, March 2020, by NASEO and EFI (see Appendix

A, pages 201-206 for methodology details). This methodology -- adopted by the U.S. Dept. of Energy for its 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report,

approved by the Office of Management and Budget and grounded on data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -- provides the broadly

accepted best accounting of all U.S. energy workers.

Dear Chair Harris and members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee, I write on behalf of Western Resource Advocates (“WRA”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the West’s land, air, and water. WRA supports Senate Bill 382 (“SB 382”). SB 382 establishes a goal of 1.3 percent energy savings, averaged over the span of an energy efficiency plan and utility service territories. The bill provides a strong definition of “historically underserved community,” and directs at least 10 percent of total energy efficiency expenditures to be directed to such communities and low-income households. The bill also allows for the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to develop a performance-based incentive to encourage utilities to go beyond the legislated goal for energy savings. Electric utilities already by regulation must meet energy savings of 1.1 percent, averaged over the planning period. The 1.1 percent savings goal is unambitious compared to what legislatures and regulators in other Western states have set. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission set energy efficiency goals for both Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy that ramped to 1.68 percent in 2020. The Arizona Corporation Commission imposed a 1.25 percent annual electricity savings goal in 2011 for investor-owned utilities. Utilities in Arizona now have a 1.3 percent goal. Setting the 1.3 percent energy savings goal proposed by SB 382 would bring Nevada in line with other states in our region. WRA commends the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee on providing strong definitions of “historically underserved community” and “low-income household,” which begins to properly address the disproportionate burdens these vulnerable groups endure. Further, directing 10 percent of energy efficiency expenditures to historically underserved communities and low-income households would double the amount of energy efficiency funds these communities currently receive. This would reduce the electricity bills for Nevada’s more vulnerable populations by reducing their usage through conservation measures that those households cannot currently afford to implement on their own. WRA supports SB 382’s provision to allow utilities to recover costs incurred by implementing energy efficiency programs in favor of supply-side alternatives. WRA also supports SB 382’s provision to allow for a performance-based incentive if the utility exceeds the 1.3 percent energy savings target. By allowing utilities to earn a return on reasonably incurred costs of efficiency projects and providing a performance-based incentive on exceeding the proposed 1.3 percent, SB 382 provides reasonable incentives that entice utilities to strive for greater energy savings. WRA urges members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee to approve this bill. Sincerely, Matt Rubin Energy Policy Analyst Western Resource advocates [email protected] 775-430-4644

April 2, 2021

Chair Dallas Harris

Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Vice Chair Chris Brooks

Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee

Re: U.S. PIRG Support for Senate Bill 382

Dear Members of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee:

On behalf of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), I write to respectfully request that you

enable the expansion of Nevada’s energy efficiency programs by supporting Senate Bill 382.

Energy efficiency is good for Nevada ratepayers and is a smart investment. It is the quickest, cheapest and

cleanest way for Nevada to meet its growing energy needs. Energy efficiency also offers an immediate,

proven, and important step that consumers and businesses can take to save money, stimulate the local

economy through spending saved money, create local jobs in weatherization and other services, and

protect public health.

In fact, in 2019 alone, NV Energy’s demand side management programs: • Returned $2.36 for every $1 invested – a phenomenal return on investment,

• Permanently eliminated more than 232,000,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

and

• Saved more than 51 million gallons of water.1

Supporting Senate Bill 382 would build on this success by:

• Ramping up NV Energy’s energy efficiency programs so that they achieve electricity savings

equivalent to 1.3% of its retail sales each year—something that peer utilities in Colorado,

Arizona, and other states are already doing,

• Doubling funding for programs that serve low-income and historically underserved communities,

and

• Creating new performance-based incentives to better align NV Energy’s business model with

state energy efficiency goals.

The Nevada legislature has the power to make our electricity cleaner and our bills more affordable. The

next step is passing Senate Bill 382.

Sincerely,

Matthew Casale

1 NV Energy, 2019 Annual DSM Program Year Results,

http://pucweb1.state.nv.us/PDF/AxImages/DOCKETS_2020_THRU_PRESENT/2020-7/2969.pdf