PUC of Nevada Approves Utilities’ Proposal, Failing Low-income Households, and State’s Clean Energy Future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2025
Carson City, NV – Today, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) failed to protect communities by approving a proposal by Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power. The approved order failed to include recommendations from the solar industry and advocacy organizations, including Vote Solar, that would preserve fair net metering, reject unfair demand charges, and expand programs for low-income households, and instead issued an order that will weaken protections for solar customers and set back Nevada’s clean energy goals.
The accepted utilities proposal directly undermines Senate Bill 405, a bill enacted in 2017 that protects the rights of solar customers and the value of the credits for exported energy. In the proposal, the utilities asked to change the net metering period from a monthly time period to 15 minutes and to apply a mandatory daily demand charge for all residential and small general service customers.
“Approving demand charges and 15-minute netting runs counter to the intent of SB-405 and threatens the affordability and fairness of rooftop solar,” said Chauntille Roberts, Vote Solar’s Regional Director for the Interior West. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on families, and we are weighing all options to defend the rights of Nevada customers.”
During the proceedings, Vote Solar recommended that the Commission reject the proposed shift from monthly to 15-minute netting, reject mandatory daily demand charges, and require long-term cost-benefit analyses before any future rate design changes. In addition, Vote Solar requested that the PUCN require Nevada Power to revise its low-income discount program to broaden eligibility, conduct proactive outreach and education, and report back on participation and outcomes.
“The PUCN had the opportunity to maintain a competitive environment where rooftop solar would continue to thrive in Nevada,” said Claudine Y. Custodio, Vote Solar’s Regulatory Director for the Interior West. “Instead of prioritizing families in this time of inflation and increasing household expenses, the order gives utilities leeway to limit customer choice and slow the transition to clean energy. We will continue to hold these utilities accountable and demand for an energy system that is sustainable, affordable, and fair.”
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.