Solar project in Pahrump announced by Senator Reid

Valley Electric Association will build a 17-megawatt solar project in the northern part of Pahrump, it was announced this morning.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid made the announcement of the 80-acre “community solar garden” with VEA CEO Tom Husted at the eighth annual National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas.

“This facility will provide its customers with the opportunity to purchase 100 percent of their electricity from clean energy produced in Nevada,” Reid said. “That’s a step forward for the Silver State, but it also proves that utilities can work with customers to provide clean renewable energy that they demand.”

Husted said the project will create 200 jobs and generate tax revenue.

Construction is scheduled to start later this year with energy production expected next year.

Reporter James DeHaven of the Las Vegas Review-Journal contributed to this report