Judge Dismisses Critical Lawsuit to Protect Communities From Higher Energy Bills
Vote Solar to Take This Case to the Supreme Court Following Dismissal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2026
Media Contact: Estrella Lozano, Media and Press Associate at Vote Solar, elozano@votesolar.org
Carson City, NV— The First Judicial District Court in Carson City denied Vote Solar’s petition for review in its lawsuit against the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) following NV Energy’s rate case decision. The lawsuit was filed against a new daily demand charge for residential and small business customers in Southern Nevada and a new 15-minute net metering policy for rooftop solar customers in Northern Nevada.
The demand charge faced significant backlash from communities and consumer advocates, who criticized it as unnecessary and unfair. In March, the PUCN approved NV Energy’s request to postpone the implementation of the new demand charge, delaying it until January 1, 2027. Despite the delay, the lawsuit challenging the policy continued to move forward.
“Communities are rightfully upset at the PUCN’s actions and for their willingness to side with NV Energy’s profits rather than community needs,” said Chauntille Roberts, Vote Solar’s Regional Director for the West. “Today’s lawsuit dismissal is not the end of the fight for fair energy bills and expanded access to solar. Communities deserve better, and we will continue advocating for transparent, equitable energy policies that lower costs, expand solar access, and help build healthier, more resilient communities.”
Vote Solar plans to appeal the decision.
“Keeping affordable energy solutions like solar out of reach for communities while misassigning costs to their utility bills is the wrong approach and only deepens the problem,” said Brad Heusinkveld, Vote Solar’s Regulatory Director for the West. “This demand charge is not a real solution, and this case dismissal does not yet determine whether it will ultimately be allowed. We remain committed to advancing fair, affordable energy policies that expand access to clean energy and lower costs for everyone.”
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build an equitable clean 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.