LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas plans to meet all of its energy needs through renewable sources. The city announced Dec. 8 that it has agreed to a three-year arrangement with local utility NV Energy. Las Vegas currently supplies about 40% of its load through city-owned solar and biogas systems, according to Tom Perrigo, the city’s chief sustainability officer. The deal with NV Energy would cover the city’s remaining load of about 4.3 million MWh/year, Perrigo said. The arrangement would cost about $228,000 extra, but the city expects to more than offset the cost via increased energy savings from new renewable energy sources. Key to Las Vegas’ renewable future is the 100 MW Boulder Solar power plant, which is under development in Boulder City, Nev., 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Las Vegas. The plan is pending approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and ratification by the Las Vegas City Council.
