Nevada State Office of Energy

ABOUT US The Nevada Governor's Office of Energy (GOE) oversees energy programs required through statute and those that help to meet the mission of the office. MISSION The mission of the GOE is to ensure the wise development of Nevada's energy resources in harmony with local economic needs and to position Nevada to lead the nation in renewable energy production, energy conservation, and the exportation of energy. The GOE implements the laws of the State as defined in Nevada Revised Statutes 701 and 701A; manages energy-related programs; facilitates cooperation between key stakeholders; advises the Governor on energy policy; and collaborates with our local, regional, and federal partners to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy system. OFFICE HISTORY Originally, the Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE) was created in 1975 by Assembly Bill 500, which was, "An Act relating to the public service commission of Nevada; creating an energy management division; providing that the chairman is in charge of the division; establishing duties." The catalyst for this historic legislation was the Middle East ‘Energy Crisis’ which caused severe fuel shortages throughout the West. Initial duties of this new office included development and implementation of a contingency plan for petroleum shortages (NRS 703.270{1}), coordination of energy programs and activities within the State {2}, and development of projects and programs to encourage maximum utilization of existing energy resources in the private and public sector {4}. Noel Clark served as the first director. In 1983, the agency was reorganized and the functions were transferred to the Governor's Office of Community Services. The office administered all U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) community programs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Energy Efficient Schools, Transportation Energy, and Emergency Planning. The Department administered the Community Development Block Grants and performed other functions. In 1993, State government was reorganized and programs for energy efficient government buildings and schools were moved as the agency transferred into the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. As funding and required functions increased, the NSOE grew to include two additional professional positions, a grants and projects manager and an accountant. In 1997, a potential emergency existed as the petroleum line running to the Sparks, Nevada terminal from California was punctured during the New Year flood. At that time it was determined by the USDOE and the State of Nevada that, due to State statute, the emergency function resided in the NSOE to coordinate the petroleum situation in Northern Nevada during the emergency. In 2001, the NSOE became the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) and the administrator position became a cabinet level director position. A deputy director position was created to handle the day-to-day management of the office, freeing the director to handle duties established by the Governor. Today, GOE is allocated a dozen employees who focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles.