LAS VEGAS – Advocates for energy affordability in Nevada released the following statements after the PUCN dismissed multiple requests to reconsider its NV Energy general rate case order from September, which will impose a new first-in-the-nation daily demand charge in Southern Nevada starting in April, and implemented a policy in Northern Nevada in October that has already caused some local solar energy providers to shut down.
When the daily demand charge takes effect across Southern Nevada in April, families and small businesses will be charged based on the maximum amount of power they use each day, every day. No other public utility commission in the country has approved such a charge, which electricity experts have widely criticized. It is overwhelmingly unpopular, according to a recent survey.
Requests for the PUCN to reconsider the daily demand charge were nearly unanimous among participants in the rate case, including BCP, PUCN Staff, NCARE, SEIA, and Vote Solar. However, the PUCN dismissed their motions for reconsideration and agreed with NV Energy, which was the only participant in the rate case to support the demand charge. Groups are now considering legal options to challenge the PUCN decision in the district court.
“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. We 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.”
“The Public Utilities Commission has turned their back on Nevada families,” said Audrey Peral, Chispa Nevada Program Director. “Today’s refusal to reconsider their terrible decision shows how out of touch they are with the Nevadans they serve. New demand charges are a tax on working families who can’t control their schedules and when they need to use electricity. Commissioners heard from hundreds of NV Energy customers who can’t afford another rate increase, and they still sided with the corporation. Nevada’s affordability crisis is only getting worse. We need state lawmakers to act now to restore fair and predictable rates.”
“The PUCN’s continued 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.”
“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. That’s a moral failure. I’m disappointed that the Commission is standing with the utility over Nevadans.
“As a veteran who 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.”
“Over the last few years, investor-owned utility companies have price-gouged our families while raking in record profits. Our families are struggling to keep up with rising costs. This decision is a slap in the face to the everyday Nevadans who continue to see higher bills, meanwhile Nevada Energy is spending frivolously on limos and liquor, overcharging and passing the cost of dirty gas plants on our families. The Public Utilities Commission is meant to protect our communities from greedy corporations, yet this decision tells us that they would rather protect the pockets of NV Energy’s shareholders.” Leslie Vega, Policy Fellow, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
“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.
“The PUCN had an opportunity to stand beside our families, our seniors, our faith leaders, and our veterans — the people who power Nevada. Instead, the PUCN doubled down and stood with a utility monopoly embroiled in too many scandals this year to count,” Kristee Watson, the executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, said. “We know that this fight isn’t over. With energy bills increasing at twice the rate of inflation, affordable, clean, and local energy is the future, not complicated new charges, and our hard-earned money used as a handout to a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary that just spent $23 million on a new building. Nevadans need our elected leaders to stand with us and fight for us.”
“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
“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. I strongly disagree with PUCN’s rejection of motions to reconsider in this case. 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.”
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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.