AB458 would finally allow renters in multifamily housing to benefit from lower energy bills to benefit from lower energy bills.
CARSON CITY — Today, the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee advanced AB458, the Solar-Powered Affordable Housing bill, with a unanimous vote just days after state regulators revealed NV Energy overcharged more than 80,000 customers, many living in multifamily housing, over multiple decades. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for a vote ahead of the Friday, May 23 deadline.
AB458 is a wildly popular, bipartisan bill supported by 78% of Nevadans. Despite this strong backing, NV Energy has continued to oppose the measure, even though it could directly help the very families most harmed by the utility’s years of overcharging. That contrast is drawing sharp criticism.
The policy removes outdated barriers preventing affordable housing properties from installing shared rooftop solar. It allows tenants in individually metered buildings — currently shut out of solar savings — to benefit from lower electricity bills.
AB458 has received overwhelming support in both the Assembly and the Senate. The bill is backed by a broad coalition of community organizations, businesses, affordable housing advocates, health advocates, Tribes, and renter groups across the state.
First, NV Energy overcharged 80,000 Nevadans over $17 million — many of whom lived in multifamily housing like condos, townhomes, and apartments. Now, they’re trying to block those same families from getting access to solar so they can control their household budget and lower their energy bills.
Support testimony for AB458 begins at minute 3:56:50 and ends at minute 4:22:30 during the May 5 Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure hearing. Opposition to this policy begins at minute 4:23:20 and ends at minute 4:26:35 during the May 5 Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure hearing.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote.
“Our mission at CHR, Inc. is to lift up families who are struggling to make ends meet, and for too long, those families have carried the weight of NV Energy’s negligence,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc. “I’m so grateful to see this vote and to see AB458 moving forward. This program is long overdue. There’s no better time than now to give renters in affordable housing a fair shot at lower energy bills.”
“We’re glad to see the Senate Growth & Infrastructure Committee unanimously advance AB458,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director of Chispa Nevada. “Nevadans who live in affordable housing especially need relief from high electricity costs — and now potential illegal overcharges by NV Energy — and thanks to AB458, they would be eligible to get a 20% reduction in their monthly bills through the Solar For All Program. Despite corporate greed and theft, communities are claiming our power to use homegrown energy to cut costs and clean up our air. We need the full Senate to pass this bill without delay.”
“Families in multifamily housing were among the hardest hit by NV Energy’s overcharging — and now NV Energy is trying to block these families from accessing solar savings,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “It’s clear the utility only cares about profits, not the people of Nevada. We’re grateful the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure took action to support a bill that brings real relief to the communities NV Energy has failed.”
“Faith teaches us to care for our neighbors and stand up when the powerful harm the vulnerable,” said Pastor Marlon Anderson, Clean Energy Community Organizer of Faith Organizing Alliance. “NV Energy overcharged families for years, and now opposes a bill that would help those same families save money and breathe easier. AB458 is a moral solution, and we thank the Senate Committee for moving it forward.”
“AB458 speaks to the values our communities fight for every day — fairness, dignity, and opportunity,” said Shaunda Johnson, Executive Director of Faith In Action Nevada. “Renters shouldn’t be punished for where they live. This bill makes sure working families and seniors in affordable housing can finally access Nevada’s abundant solar savings and some peace of mind. We’re encouraged by the committee’s action in moving this bill forward. It’s past time the Legislature fixes this oversight in the law.”
“No family should have to choose between covering basic needs and keeping their children safe,” said Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres. “For years, families in multifamily housing have paid the price for NV Energy’s overcharging. AB458 is a much-needed solution that puts our health, our kids, and our future first. It’s exactly what Nevada families need right now.”
“Every Nevadan deserves the freedom to choose solar and control their energy costs — no matter their income or housing type,” said Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director of Solar United Neighbors. “AB458 finally levels the playing field for renters in affordable housing. It’s outrageous that NV Energy is trying to block this progress while continuing to profit off the very communities they overcharged. This bill is about putting money back into hard-working Nevadan families’ pockets.”
To follow this bill, please sign up for the Nevada Conservation League’s 83rd Session’s Action Alerts. To support this bill, please sign the Nevada Conservation League’s petition.
Press interested in one-on-one interviews should contact Camalot Todd, communications director at NCL, at Camalot@
###
The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s conservation community. NCL works to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration.