State agencies and groups have diligently applied for their share of various federal pots for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement goals, from electric school buses to solar installations to electric appliance rebates.

The $504,000, two-year lobbying contract with Cassidy & Associates is up for approval at the Tuesday meeting of the state’s Board of Examiners, which is composed of the governor and other top-ranking elected state officials.

It’s no secret that Nevada energy companies — especially the state’s largest utility, NV Energy — are ready and willing to spend their money on state elections. The 2018 midterms were no different, as 36 companies and individuals combined to spend more than $497,000 on 59 state lawmakers.

They came for the petition but stayed for the burgers and fries. It was Wednesday afternoon in the Coyote’s Den, a Pahrump bar known for its bingo and karaoke. More recently, it has served as one of five locations where frustrated ratepayers could add their names to a growing list of Valley Electric Association members who want to oust the energy cooperative’s board of directors for what many see as financial mismanagement.