Following NV Energy Overcharging Investigation and CEO Resignation, AB458 and AB452 Head Back To The Assembly
CARSON CITY — Today, in a clear step toward holding utilities accountable and delivering relief to struggling Nevadans, the Senate joined the Assembly in passing two bipartisan bills: AB458 (Solar-Powered Affordable Housing) and AB452 (Fuel Cost Sharing). These bills aim to expand access to rooftop solar for low- and fixed-income renters, lower energy costs for all Nevadans, and ensure customers receive full refunds when they are wrongfully overcharged, putting safeguards in place to prevent these kinds of utility failures from happening again.
These pivotal votes come just one week after state regulators launched a formal investigation into NV Energy for overcharging more than 80,000 customers — many of them renters in affordable multifamily housing like apartments, townhomes, and condos — and only days after the utility’s CEO resigned under mounting public pressure.
Due to minor amendments adopted in the Senate, both bills now return to the Assembly for concurring votes before heading to Gov. Joe Lombardo for signature.
AB458: Solar-Powered Affordable Housing
AB458, sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts, is common-sense legislation that removes outdated barriers preventing renters in affordable housing from accessing rooftop solar. The bill allows for shared solar installations on multifamily properties, helping lower electricity bills for renters and making utility costs more affordable for those who need it most.
AB458 passed the Senate with a 13–7 vote after previously clearing the Assembly 36-6.
“AB458 empowers families to keep more of their hard-earned money and finally have access to one of Nevada’s greatest natural resources — solar energy,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “We’re grateful to Assemblymember Howard Watts for championing this widely popular bill, and we’re proud to see it move to Gov.Lombardo’s desk. We urge the governor to stand with Nevadan families and take this important step to lower energy costs and expand opportunity. ”
“Energy freedom shouldn’t depend on your zip code or whether you rent or own your home,” said Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director of Solar United Neighbors. “This bill opens the door for more Nevadans to access clean, affordable energy and keep control over their utility bills.”
“Families and seniors in multifamily housing were among the hardest hit by NV Energy’s overcharging — even so, NV Energy worked to block these families from accessing solar savings,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc. “I’m grateful the Nevada Senate saw past their self-serving, profit-driven opposition and passed AB458.”
“This is a win for working families and Nevadans on low- and fixed-incomes,” said Juan Carlos Guardado, Senior Community Organizer with Chispa Nevada. “AB458 will help renters lower their bills, for some as much as 20%. As NV Energy tries to continue raising rates, Nevadans need all the help we can get to make basic necessities affordable. We look forward to ensuring Latine families can take advantage of this relief and urge Gov.Lombardo to sign this bill.”
“No family should have to choose between covering basic needs and keeping their children safe,” said Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres. “For years, families in multifamily housing have paid the price for NV Energy’s overcharging. AB458 is a much-needed solution that puts our health, kids, and future first.”
AB452: Fuel Cost Sharing
Sponsored by Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, AB452 has now passed both chambers, 20-0 in the Senate and 35-7 in the Assembly, with strong bipartisan support. The bill launches a formal process to evaluate a fuel cost-sharing policy, which could lead to NV Energy, not just customers, bearing some financial risk from fossil fuel price spikes. Given how heavily Nevada’s energy mix relies on natural gas, this is a responsible step to protect customers from ongoing volatility and rising energy costs.
AB452 also gives the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) more time to scrutinize utility rate hike requests and capital spending, and guarantees full refunds for overcharged customers. In light of NV Energy’s recent overcharging of 80,000 customers, it’s clear this type of protection isn’t just smart policy — it’s essential. The bill closes the door to NV Energy’s attempts to keep money that doesn’t belong to them and protects customers when utilities get it wrong.
“This bill sends a clear message. NV Energy doesn’t get to profit from their negligence and walk away from responsibility and accountability,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “We thank Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May for her leadership in advancing this critical reform. Gov. Lombardo has the opportunity to show he’s on the side of Nevadans who deserve justice and relief, not with a monopoly utility that’s been caught red-handed taking money from people’s wallets.”
“I hear from families who are skipping meals and rationing medication just to keep the lights on,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc. “This bill brings accountability to a utility that has done far too little to help people lower their bills, offering limited programs, overcharging customers, and shutting off power when they can’t keep up. We urge Gov. Lombardo to support struggling Nevadans by signing this bill into law.”
“NV Energy called this a ‘solution in search of a problem.’ That’s an insult,” said Pastor Marlon Anderson, Clean Energy Organizer for Faith Organizing Alliance. “Our communities have been sounding the alarm about NV Energy’s dependence on volatile methane gas for years. This bill represents one solution to stabilize and lower electricity bills.”
“Our communities have faced electricity shutoffs, overcharges, and outrageous bills while NV Energy shareholders keep getting richer,” said Shaunda Johnson, Executive Director for Faith In Action Nevada. “AB452 is a long-overdue step toward justice. No family should be forced to choose between food and electricity.”
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.