As Nevadans struggle with high bills, NV Energy continues to erode public trust
NEVADA – NV Energy, the state’s utility monopoly, overcharged tens of thousands of Nevadans by $65.5 million over the last two decades, according to comments filed with the Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN) by NV Energy, earlier today.
Initially, the utility monopoly said it could not track overcharges between 2002 and 2017, but these comments show that NV Energy estimated they overcharged Nevadans an additional $27.4 million, affecting 33,000 households during this time period. The filing does not clarify whether these customers overlap with the 80,000 previously identified, leaving the total number of affected households uncertain — potentially as high as 113,000 (see page 11 of the filing), and the estimated 33,000 Nevadans are unlikely to be refunded.
The total to date is $65.5 million. This figure does not include interest. This analysis does not account for vacancies, foreclosures, or changes in building use. AB452, or Fuel Cost Sharing, was passed earlier this year with bipartisan support and allows for full refunds plus interest on overcharges by utilities. The outcome of this case will set the precedent for the future enforcement of AB452.
“The overcharge scandal is just one example of NV Energy’s pattern of bad behavior — the utility monopoly has also asked for incessant rate increases, tried to pass excessive and lavish expenses like limo services on to customers, as well as pass a controversial daily demand charge in Southern Nevada, and changes to net-metering in Northern Nevada,” Kristee Watson, the executive director of Nevada Conservation League. “As we’ve seen through this investigation, when the public speaks up, there’s accountability. But families shouldn’t have to fight to be treated fairly. We need affordable, reliable, and clean energy that lowers costs and improves transparency, not more confusing charges from a company that has failed to earn the public’s trust.”
The PUCN passed those changes earlier this fall in the General Rate Case—and they are expected to raise costs for Nevadans by $20-$50, despite electricity bills rising at twice the rate of inflation. While the General Rate Case is decided, intervenors, like BCP, NCARE, NV Energy, SEIA, Staff, and Vote Solar, are now seeking reconsideration, and the PUCN will consider them at the regular agenda meeting on November 18.
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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.