The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

1. Energy is essential to the economy of this State and to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this State.

2. The State has a responsibility to encourage the maintenance of a reliable and economical supply of energy at a level which is consistent with the protection of the quality of the environment of this State.

3. The State and the public have an interest in encouraging electric utilities to promote and take actions toward the conservation of energy and the reduction of the consumption of energy by consumers in this State.

4. The State has a responsibility to encourage the development of a wide range of standards, goals and programs to reduce energy waste by consumers in this State.

5. Planning for energy conservation and the future energy needs of this State should include consideration of state, regional and local plans for land use, urban expansion, transportation systems, environmental protection and economic development.

6. It is in the interest of this State and the residents of this State that the energy efficiency plans and programs of electric utilities should maximize the implementation of cost-effective, achievable energy efficiency opportunities.

7. The reduction of the consumption of energy by consumers in this State conserves water, reduces carbon dioxide and other emissions and is essential to the economy of this State and to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this State.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 4292)