By Nevada News Bureau Staff

CARSON CITY – Nevada has been approved for a U.S. Department of Energy competitive grant to assist in energy retrofits across the state.

The grant will help commercial buildings develop energy efficient retrofit projects, making it easier for businesses, contractors and energy suppliers to undertake these efforts.

The $765,000 grant will be augmented with a $250,000 in-kind match from NV Energy.

“We are one of only five states to be awarded this grant and we should be encouraged about the fact that DOE feels confident that we can carry out the grant program successfully,” Gov. Brian Sandoval said. “Through this grant, we hope to provide a consistent set of resources and policies to develop a sustainable industry for contractors and energy professionals for the long-term, thereby creating jobs as the retrofits are accomplished.”

Nevada Energy Director Stacey Crowley said, “We have assembled a great team anchored by our office, UNR and NV Energy. We will work to address the importance of energy efficiency to add value to our state’s industries and accelerate economic development.”

The team, which also includes the Nevada Association of Associated General Contractors and the Office of Economic Development, plans to address the challenge of increasing commercial building energy retrofits at two levels: by better aligning Nevada’s energy policy – particularly those aspects dealing with energy efficiency – and economic development policy; and addressing the specific financial barriers hindering energy efficiency upgrades in commercial buildings.