Energy efficiency measures taken by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at its own operations have reduced electricity and natural gas consumption at the commission by 23% and 25%, respectively, in 2007, generating $7,800 in savings, the PUC said.

A PUC spokesperson said many of the agency’s conservation measures came from a building optimization assessment that Sierra Pacific Resources utility Sierra Pacific Power Co. helped conduct as well as a survey that identified energy-use behavior by PUC employees. “An energy efficiency team studied these observations and decided to concentrate on items that could be implemented with little or no cost,” the spokesperson said.

Some of the low-tech measures adopted were as basic as putting on a sweater, opening/closing office blinds and turning off lights when leaving rooms. Other measures included replacing less efficient appliances with Energy Star-rated products, installing programmable thermostats and motion-sensing lights and reducing overhead lighting.

“The project helped the PUC save each month even though the overall cost per therm and per kilowatt increased,” said PUC Secretary Crystal Jackson. “Some employees even suggested they are changing their energy use in their homes or businesses as a result.”

The PUC said overall it had “minimal out-of-pocket expenses and substantial savings,” noting that companies in Nevada are eligible for energy-saving credits through Sierra Pacific Power’s “Sure Bet” program, which pays businesses for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.

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