Governor signs bipartisan bill to help affordable housing residents lower their electricity costs
CARSON CITY — Gov. Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 458 (AB458), the Solar-Powered Affordable Housing bill, into law. Sponsored by Assemblyman Howard Watts and passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the Nevada Legislature.
The measure allows affordable housing developers to install rooftop solar on multifamily housing and pass energy savings directly to tenants. The bill was also backed by 78% of Nevada voters.
The bill signing comes as the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) investigates NV Energy for overcharging more than 80,000 Nevadans, many of them renters living in multifamily housing, by at least $17 million. AB458 offers direct relief to those impacted.
AB458 removes outdated barriers and red tape that have prevented affordable housing providers from installing rooftop solar and delivering savings to tenants. The new law unlocks millions in federal funding already awarded to the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), a non-profit that will coordinate projects statewide with strong oversight and zero cost to the state.
“We thank Assemblymember Watts for his leadership and the Legislature for coming together across party lines to send this bill to the governor’s desk, and we applaud Gov. Lombardo for signing it into law,” said Kristee Watson, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “At a time when Nevadans are feeling the strain of high utility bills, this smart, no-cost solution puts working families first, delivers meaningful savings, and reflects the kind of fairness, opportunity, and common-sense leadership our state needs. By removing outdated barriers and helping families who’ve been left behind, this new law strengthens Nevada’s clean energy future and shows what bipartisan problem-solving can achieve.”
“AB458 is a practical solution that will make a real difference for the families we serve — especially seniors and those living on fixed incomes,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc. “We thank Assemblyman Watts for bringing this important bill forward and Gov. Lombardo for recognizing that affordable housing residents deserve the same opportunity to lower their power bills as anyone else. This law helps stretch household budgets and brings much-needed relief at a time when costs are high for everyone.”
“Our faith calls us to protect the most vulnerable among us, and that includes ensuring families are not burdened by unreasonably high electricity bills,” said Shaunda Johnson, Executive Director of Faith In Action Nevada. “AB458 removes barriers that have kept renters in affordable housing from benefiting from rooftop solar and the savings it provides. This law brings equity, fairness, and tangible relief to communities that need it most.”
“AB458 is a blessing for so many Nevada families struggling with high energy costs. It ensures that those living in affordable housing, often people of color and seniors on fixed incomes, are not left out of the clean energy programs,” said Pastor Marlon Anderson, Clean Energy Community Organizer for Faith Organizing Alliance. “We applaud Gov. Lombardo for signing this bill and thank Assemblyman Watts for championing a policy that reflects our shared values of equity, stewardship, and compassion.”
“Moms across Nevada are celebrating today because AB458 is about more than just energy savings — it’s about healthier communities and a better future for our kids,” said Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres. “Rooftop solar on affordable housing reduces air pollution, lowers bills, and protects families who are most at risk from high bills and poor air quality. We’re proud to see our leaders take this step toward cleaner air and energy affordability.”
“This is a huge win for Nevada renters who have been locked out of clean energy savings for far too long,” said Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director of Solar United Neighbors. “AB458 ensures that affordable housing residents can finally access the same solar benefits that homeowners have enjoyed, putting money back in their pockets every month. With ongoing concerns about utility costs affecting many Nevadans, this law provides immediate relief and a path toward energy independence for those who need it most.”
“With some of the highest electricity rates and fastest warming summers in the country, Nevada families desperately need relief. Renters living in affordable housing especially deserve lower electricity bills, and AB458 will help make that a reality in combination with the Nevada Solar For All Program,” said Audrey Peral, Chispa Nevada Program Director. “We thank Asm. Watts and Gov. Lombardo for recognizing that using homegrown solar energy to deliver bill savings for vulnerable households is common-sense policy we must all get behind. We look forward to working with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund to ensure the Solar For All program helps as many Nevadans as possible.”
Press interested in one-on-one interviews should contact Camalot Todd, communications director at NCL, at Camalot@
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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.