CARSON CITY — NV Energy CEO Doug Cannon’s resignation comes days after a Public Utilities Commission filing revealed the utility overcharged more than 80,000 Nevadans by at least $17 million. This scandal highlights deep, systemic failures across the company. Community, climate, and consumer protection groups say this change in leadership is long overdue after years of mounting distrust and marks the beginning of a broader reckoning for the state’s monopoly utility.
NV Energy has failed its customers. The company’s much-touted $100 million Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP) delivered only $5 million in actual investment. Its Expanded Solar Access Program (ESAP) completed just 3 of 20 promised projects over more than six years. Meanwhile, the utility has repeatedly pushed for rate hikes and doubled down on expensive methane gas plants.
Even after the $17 million overcharge scandal came to light, NV Energy continues to oppose key reforms — including AB452, which would lower energy costs, save Nevadans money, and issue full refunds for overcharges. AB458 would allow affordable housing residents to benefit from solar savings. The utility also attempted to ram a wildfire liability bill through the Legislature behind closed doors and is now pushing for destructive changes to rooftop solar and net metering — all while claiming to support clean energy.
As the PUCN investigation continues and bills like AB452 and AB458 head toward final votes, the Legislature and Governor Lombardo must deliver accountability, enforce transparency, and protect ratepayers from future harm. Leadership changes are only meaningful if they lead to systemic reform.
“For years, NV Energy has prioritized wealthy shareholders over the people they serve. Doug Cannon’s resignation has been a long time coming,” said Kristee Watson, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “Whether it’s $17 million in overcharges, failed clean energy programs, or relentless opposition to legislation that would lower energy bills, the pattern is clear: NV Energy needs to be held accountable. This is a utility that has greenwashed its image while blocking real progress. The new leadership must break with the past and start putting customers first.”
“The leadership failure at NV Energy isn’t just about one person; it’s been baked into the company’s decisions at every level,” said Shaunda Johnson, Executive Director of Faith in Action Nevada. “They’ve fought against relief for renters, refused to take accountability, and kept pushing Nevadans deeper into energy insecurity. A CEO stepping down is not justice. Full refunds, stronger oversight, and real transparency are the bare minimum moving forward.”
“NV Energy’s model has been extractive,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of Caring, Helping and Restoring Lives (CHR, Inc.). “They take from low-income families, underdeliver on their clean energy promises, and leave communities behind. We need leadership that will stop treating electricity like a luxury and start treating it like the basic necessity it is.”
Leadership may be changing, but the utility’s behavior hasn’t — NV Energy continues to block bills that would expand solar and lower costs,” said Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director of Solar United Neighbors. “This is why utility accountability is urgent. The Legislature must act now to give Nevadans cleaner, more affordable energy. Consumer protection cannot wait!
“This moment is about more than one CEO. It’s about holding monopoly utilities accountable for the communities they serve,” said Pastor Marlon Anderson of Faith Organizing Alliance. “It’s about ending a culture of corporate greed that has failed us, which we’ve been calling on for years. Families have been struggling to keep the lights on, and we need leaders who will finally put the public first.”
“For years, Nevada families have borne the brunt of NV Energy’s mismanagement, facing high bills that forced parents to make heartbreaking choices between keeping the lights on and providing essentials for their children,” said Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer with Moms Clean Air Force. “Our kids deserve better. NV Energy must take full responsibility, ensuring transparency, full restitution, and a commitment to affordable, clean energy that safeguards the health and future of our children.”
Press interested in one-on-one interviews should contact Camalot Todd, communications director at NCL, at Camalot@nevadaconservationleague.org or 702-576-7247.
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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.