1. An electric utility shall file with the Commission an amendment to the utility’s emissions reduction and capacity replacement plan each time the utility requests approval and acceptance by the Commission of any contract with a new renewable energy facility as the result of a request for proposals pursuant to the current emissions reduction and capacity replacement plan. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the Commission may approve and accept the renewable energy facility if the Commission determines that:

(a) The facility is a renewable energy system as defined in NRS 704.7815; and

(b) The terms and conditions of the contract are just and reasonable and satisfy the capacity requirements set forth in subsection 2 of NRS 704.7316.

2. In considering a contract pursuant to subsection 1, the Commission shall, in addition to considering the cost to customers of the electric utility, give consideration to those contracts or renewable energy facilities that will provide:

(a) The greatest economic benefit to this State;

(b) The greatest opportunity for the creation of new jobs in this State; and

(c) The best value to customers of the electric utility.

3. The Commission may approve a contract as the result of the issuance of a request for proposals after June 10, 2015, if the Commission:

(a) Authorizes the issuance of the request for proposals pursuant to a written order of the Commission issued after June 10, 2015; and

(b) Determines that the electric utility has satisfactorily demonstrated a need for the capacity that would be acquired or otherwise provided for pursuant to the contract.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3077; A 2015, 3656)