Nevadans Tell NV Energy to Clean Up Its Act — and Its Energy Plan

RENO, Nev.  — Concerned Nevadans delivered public comment at the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada’s (PUCN) General Consumer Session in Reno today, challenging NV Energy’s proposal to build 1,200 megawatts of new gas-burning power plants to meet surging data center demand — demanding stronger consumer protections and real deterrence to ensure the utility’s pattern of overcharges, inappropriate cost recovery, and failed commitments is never repeated. The session was held at Washoe County Commission Chambers, 1001 E 9th St, Reno, NV 89512. 

NV Energy filed its 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) a full year ahead of schedule, driven by data center demand outpacing the utility’s ability to meet it. NCL appreciates that the plan includes significant additions of renewable energy resources, particularly large-scale solar and battery storage, which are critical for Nevada’s clean energy future, grid reliability, and long-term affordability. At the same time, the plan proposes 1,200 megawatts of new methane gas-burning power through three peaker plants, largely driven by projected data center growth. These gas plants are expected to cost $5 to $6 billion while exposing Nevadans to long-term fuel price volatility and the risk of paying for power plants that may ultimately not be needed. 

“NV Energy’s IRP reflects real progress on renewables, and we acknowledge that. But consider what the utility’s own numbers show: data centers could account for 82% of total electricity sales in northern Nevada by 2046. That means less than one-fifth of NV Energy’s electricity would serve everyone else: households, small businesses, schools, and the broader public that has relied on this utility for generations,” said Trystin St. Denis-Roberts, policy and advocacy associate, Nevada Conservation League. “Data center growth stands to generate significant new revenue for NV Energy and its shareholders, which raises a fundamental question: who benefits, and who pays? Nevada can meet growing demand through solar, geothermal, battery storage, energy efficiency, and demand response — proven technologies that reduce costs and strengthen reliability. Given the utility’s record of overcharges, repeated rate increases, and attempts to shift risk onto customers, the Commission must carefully scrutinize any proposal that could leave Nevadans paying for infrastructure built primarily to serve large new data center loads.” 

Today’s session gave Nevadans the opportunity to respond to a longer record of utility misconduct. PUCN staff and customer advocates have uncovered decades of overcharges, attempts to recover inappropriate costs from customers, repeated rate hike requests, and failures to deliver on key commitments — none of them isolated incidents. NV Energy was found to have overcharged more than 100,000 customers and must repay over $63 million, yet faced no fines, and not all repayments will include interest. Berkshire Hathaway, NV Energy’s parent company, paid its CEO more than $22 million last year. More than 25 speakers delivered public comment while other written comments were submitted in advance, with Chispa NV, Solar United Neighbors, Climateers, and the Water Over Data Alliance among the participating organizations. Link to photos and b-roll here.

To see NCL’s full stance, read the organization’s letter to the PUCN here. NCL will continue mobilizing Nevadans ahead of the second PUCN General Consumer Session on June 16 in Las Vegas. Community members may sign up at nevadaconservationleague.org or contact Yesenia Castro-Lopez (yesenia@nevadaconservationleague.org) for more information.

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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.