Nevada's utility monopolies seek expansion while local organizations and customers fight for lower costs

A new campaign is demanding greater accountability and transparency from Southern Nevada's energy providers – and hopes to connect with the public and better inform consumers about energy issues.

Led by the Nevada Conservation League (NCL), a coalition of organizations launched the Utility Watch Nevada program last month to educate residents and community members about the impacts of utility energy decisions and empower them to contribute to a healthier energy future. Utilitywatchnv.org contains a wealth of information and resources, as well as a petition that Nevadans can use to demand affordable, reliable, and clean energy from primary utilities NV Energy and Southwest Gas.

“What we've seen over the last few years is a steep increase in the cost of keeping lights on and gas appliances running for Nevadans,” says Kristee Watson, NCL's executive director. “As public opinion grew more frustrated and we asked why this was happening and what we could do to change things, we felt there was a real knowledge gap and we could step in and help clarify the process and make it more transparent.”

According to Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, NCL's deputy director, it can be difficult to understand why the electric bill changes, especially given the fluctuating cost of natural gas, which provides most of the state's electricity. “Part of it is inflation, but … we also don't necessarily make the connection that global events are affecting our fuel costs. And the utilities don't feel any of the rising prices, they get passed directly on to customers, and people don't understand why, they just know they're suffering and need solutions.”

Utility Watch was formed in partnership with Chispa Nevada, Caring, Helping, Restoring Lives, Faith In Action Nevada, Faith Organizing Alliance, For Our Future Nevada, Moms Clean Air Force and Solar United Neighbors. The statewide campaign also aims to mobilize consumers to demand stronger policies and regulations that ensure energy efficiency as well as affordable bills.

In a press release, Audrey Peral, program director of Chispa Nevada, said, “Corporate greed is forcing working families in Nevada to choose between buying groceries and paying their utility bills. We urgently need help.”

Nevada's utilities are considered regulated monopolies, and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is tasked with enforcing compliance with federal law and developing rules and regulations.

Consumer sessions are also being held where the public can speak on utility issues and the Legislature receives transcripts of those feedback sessions – and the Utility Watch campaign is highlighting those opportunities. Consumer sessions in Southern Nevada are scheduled for this week, on September 23 at 1 p.m. and on September 25 at 6 p.m. at the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada at 9075 West Diablo Drive #250.

Watson says the Utility Watch website provides information for customers so they don't feel at a loss for what to do during consumer meetings. “If residents need help or talking points to clarify, they can find them on the website. And we're also there, talking to anyone who's curious about how they can make a change and be helpful,” she says.

Representatives of NV Energy said in a statement to Las Vegas weekly“In Southern Nevada, electric bills will be lower at the end of 2024 than they were in 2023. At NV Energy, we have worked hard to make this happen. We have heard from our customers and are always working to keep electric bills affordable.”

The statement also said: “We look forward to hearing directly from our customers at upcoming consumer sessions later this month.”

Nevada does not produce natural gas, a fossil fuel, but relies heavily on it. The Nevada Conservation League and its partners at Utility Watch believe that new NV Energy projects like the Silverhawk Generating Station peaker in North Las Vegas (as well as other natural gas projects the utility is currently seeking permits for) will ultimately exacerbate the problems of higher bills and unsustainable resources.

“Nevada did not build any new fossil fuel infrastructure for over a decade until last year when [PUCN] approved several projects,” says Cabrera-Georgeson. “And [NV Energy] calls for additional fossil fuel resources in its plan submitted this year. If approved, it will spend $1.1 billion on new methane gas infrastructure over the last two years, which is unacceptable for a state that produces no methane but has the nation's greatest potential for solar energy.”

NV Energy notes that its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan “will bring new resources to our state and our customers, including more than 1,000 new megawatts of solar and more than 1,000 new megawatts of battery storage.”

“The proposal is still before the Nevada Public Utilities Commission,” the statement continued. “If approved, the cost of these projects will not appear in customers' rates or bills until they are operational and available for use.”

The PUCN decision on NV Energy's Integrated Resource Plan is expected on December 20.

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