Grants available for electric 'net metering'

The state has a total of $245,000 available to help electric consumers purchase and install "net metering" systems.

Net metering allows electric customers to "spin their electric meter backward" by generating electric power.

When they are using less than they generate, they can sell the excess back to the power company.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said the money was provided during the 2003 Legislature to the State Office of Energy. It is available to educational institutions, local governments, business, nonprofit organizations and individuals as grants.

The grant money can be used to help buy, acquire, install, or expand energy systems that produce some power.

Under terms of the law, net-metering customers can't make a profit. They can, however, sell electric power back to the utility up to the total amount they use - effectively leaving them a power bill of zero.

Small generating systems typically produce less than a residence or business needs during certain hours, but more than needed during low use hours.

Those interested can look up the rules at the Energy Office Web page at www.energy.state.nv.us. Hit the funding opportunities link at the bottom of the page.

For other information, call Pete Konesky at 684-8735.