Nevadans Decry NV Energy’s Greed, Misdeeds, Including Daily Demand Charge, Overcharges, and More

LAS VEGAS – As electricity bills rise at twice the rate of inflation, over 65 Nevadans joined Nevada Conservation League and our partners to rally against NV Energy’s daily demand charge, incessant rate increases and pattern of bad behavior ahead of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) General Consumer Session last night, where nearly 50 people spoke out against the recent decision to approve the General Rate Case. 

Last night, Nevadans — veterans, faith leaders, solar customers, families, and seniors — stood side-by-side, united, to again speak up against NV Energy’s pattern of bad behavior to PUCN regulators, as they’ve done before when the public revealed the overcharge scandal. 

But it is only the beginning.

While the General Rate Case is decided, intervenors, like BCP, NCARE, NV Energy, SEIA, Staff, and Vote Solar, are now seeking reconsideration. Reconsideration answers were due on October 21, and the  PUCN will consider them at the regular agenda meeting on November 18. 

“Vote Solar is committed to ensuring that all Nevadans have access to clean, affordable energy. We are deeply concerned about the impact of the PUC’s decision on this rate case, and are weighing all options to defend the rights of Nevada customers,” Chauntille Roberts, West Regional Director of Vote Solar, said.  

“Faith Organizing Alliance remains unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every Nevadan has access to clean, affordable energy,” Cheryl Peters, Executive Director, Faith Organizing Alliance, said. “We are deeply concerned by the Public Utility Commission’s approval to raise NV Energy bills — a move that would place even greater strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. At a time when so many households can barely afford the basics, increasing energy costs is not just unjust — it’s unconscionable.” 

“We’re here once again to raise our voices and make ourselves heard,” said Ana Gonzalez, Chispa Nevada member. “The PUCN’s rate case decision is unjust and shows that they don’t understand what Nevada working families are going through. We are willing to pay a fair price. But these constant price increases, overcharges and abuses by monopoly utility companies are increasing poverty in our state, with no relief in sight. We can’t go on like this. We demand change.”

“The PUCN’s approval of a daily demand charge is bad for everyone,” said Gloria Pharr, a supporter of Solar United Neighbors. “It’s confusing and unfair, and it is one more way for NV Energy to make another buck at the expense of everyday Nevadans. Families should have a fair chance to lower their energy bills and the freedom to choose homegrown solar power – not higher costs and fewer options. We need more local and affordable clean energy, and that means solar.” 

“When energy bills go up, families are forced to make impossible choices,” Dr. House, CEO of CHR, Inc., said. “It’s all too common. Parents are choosing between keeping the lights on and putting food on the kitchen table. NV Energy’s frequent attempts to raise our monthly bills have real consequences for real people. The Commission must do more to investigate the utility’s requests and insist on fair bills, not overly complicated schemes that make it harder for families to get by.”

“High energy bills don’t just strain household budgets — they weaken entire communities,” Pastor DeWayne McCoy,  a member of Faith In Action Nevada, said. “When NV Energy pushes to raise rates or makes costly mistakes, the burden to pay falls hardest on those who can least afford it. The Commission must stand with Nevadans, not the utility, and do more to lower bills and protect families.” 

“As a veteran that relies on federal benefits related to my service, I can tell you how painful it is to see the constant rise in energy prices on a fixed income,”  Manuel Santamaria, of Veterans Power America, said.  “Veterans in this position are now dealing with the skyrocketing cost of power in a state that is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The PUCN is being used by NV Energy to run cover for their monopoly, and we urge them to take the consumer into consideration.” 

“Nevadans deserve an energy system rooted in transparency, fairness, and accountability. For too long, NV Energy’s prioritization of profits over people has burdened working families, seniors, and small businesses with unjustified rate hikes and a lack of oversight,” Jonathan Aguilar, a member with Make the Road Nevada, said. “With extreme temperatures like the ones in Nevada, electricity is a basic need in Nevada, not a luxury. It’s time consumers stand up, demand change, and hold this company accountable—because every Nevadan deserves affordable, reliable power. We must take action now to stop these abuses and ensure a fair future for all.” 

“The scale of NV Energy’s overcharging keeps growing — and it’s likely more than 100,000 customers were impacted,” Gariety Pruitt, Utility Watch Nevada member, said. “Full refunds with interest only became possible because the Legislature passed AB 452, forcing the utility to take responsibility after years of systemic failures. This accountability didn’t happen voluntarily. That’s why this General Consumer Session matters — it’s one of the few opportunities for Nevadans to speak directly to regulators, demand full refunds, and push for stronger oversight to make sure this never happens again.” 

“Showing up is not symbolic. It is how we, the people, demand what is right for our communities and families, but unless we speak them into the record, they are invisible in the law,” Leslie Vega, Policy Fellow at Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada “We are asking Nevadans not to watch this debate from the outside and let NVEnergy win once again, but to occupy the spaces where our voice counts by design: the record.”

“While monopoly utilities boost profits on the backs of working families, Nevadans are left struggling with rising bills. Moms Clean Air Force is calling for transparency and strong oversight because no family should have to choose between groceries and keeping the lights on, and utilities shouldn’t get away with asking for forgiveness later. Our bills should fund reliable, affordable, clean energy, not corporate perks. We’re demanding energy planning that protects our families, safeguards our children’s future, and puts people before corporate greed,” Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force-EcoMadres.

“Rising energy prices don’t just hit individuals; they ripple through entire households. This burden is especially heavy for immigrant and AANHPI families, where multiple generations often share a roof and a single utility bill. NV Energy’s rate hikes make it harder for families to stay afloat, placing strain on those already working hard to make ends meet,” Eric Jeng, Executive Director of One APIA Nevada, said. 

Our families and communities deserve relief from rising costs. The Commission must ensure fair rates and act decisively to keep power affordable for every Nevada household.” 

“We deserve real accountability. Decisions that deeply impact our lives — like raising rates, changing solar billing, and approving this new demand charge — should balance everyday Nevadans like me and our interests in a fair, impartial manner,” Yesi Castro Lopez, Southern NV Communications Organizer of Nevada Conservation League, said. “I urge the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to demand transparency and fairness from these utilities to be more prudent, efficient, economically responsible, and reliable. No more luxury charges. No more blocking clean, affordable solutions like rooftop solar or energy efficiency. No more confusing charges, like the daily demand charge that will make it harder to manage costs. No more excuses.”

“Every month Latino families have to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table. Our communities deserve an energy system that prioritizes people over profits. Our families already carry too much and should not carry the burden of another rate hike. The Commission must prioritize and stand with Nevada’s families, not NV Energy.” William Moore, Nevada Civic Engagement Director for Mi Familia Vota

NCL and our partners hosted this press conference and rally. The PUCN is not affiliated with this event. The signs were handmade by members of the public ahead of the rally. 

The press conference was live-streamed, and the meeting was recorded on NCL’s YouTube Channel for media unable to attend. B-Roll and courtesy photos will be made available here. Attached is a timeline of NV Energy’s misdeeds over the last 12 months. 

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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.