Non-profit Groups Sue PUCN Over Its NV Energy Rate Case Decision

Groups say PUCN overstepped its legal authority by imposing a new daily demand charge and a less favorable rooftop solar policy for Nevada families

CARSON CITY, NEVADA – Today, Vote Solar announced a lawsuit against the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN). At issue are two policy changes PUCN included in its November 20th NV Energy general rate case decision: 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.

In its petition for legal review, filed on November 26 in Carson City district court, Vote Solar stated that PUCN “unlawfully (1) instituted 15-minute net metering in lieu of the monthly net metering required by statute in the service territory of Sierra Pacific Power Company and (2) imposed a monthly demand charge for residential customers of Nevada Power Company that is prohibited by NRS 704.085.”

Vote Solar contends that PUCN did not have the legal authority to implement the changes, which it claims will increase rates and negatively impact Nevadans already struggling to pay their utility bills.

“The PUCN’s decision is a major step backward for Nevada’s clean energy future. By approving a utility-backed proposal that weakens rooftop solar protections, the commission is raising costs for families and small businesses and slowing our transition to a cleaner, more affordable energy system,” said Chauntille Roberts, Regional Director at Vote Solar. “The changes NV Energy plans to make will push rooftop solar out of reach for many households and lock customers into rising, fossil-fuel-driven utility bills. Nevada deserves energy policies that protect consumers, expand access to solar, and move our state forward—not backward.”

Today’s announcement follows repeated efforts by groups participating in the PUCN rate case to avoid these policy outcomes. In addition to Vote Solar, which participated in the rate case, other intervenors – including the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and PUCN Staff – opposed a residential demand charge, which will charge customers based on how much power they use at any given moment. Electricity experts across the country have decried the use of residential demand charges as bad policy, and no public utility commission has ever implemented them – until now.

Despite hundreds of Nevadans speaking out against the demand charge and solar decisions, PUCN commissioners dismissed groups’ requests to reconsider them and voted to keep the controversial policies. PUCN will be the first state utility commission in the country to mandate a demand charge for residential customers when it takes effect April 1, 2026.

Supporting Statements:

Cullen McGinnis, Organizer with the Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter
“Working people in Nevada are already struggling with skyrocketing costs. It is unacceptable that NV energy wants to overcharge rate payers with this unprecedented daily demand charge and that the PUCN is enabling this poor behavior. Being warm in the winter and cool in the summer should not be a luxury for only those who can afford it. This initiative also raises prices on those who have invested in rooftop solar for their homes. This unavoidable charge cannot be offset by net metering and decreases an incentive for people to switch to renewable energy. This has nothing to do with necessity or providing solutions to ratepayers. It is another example of poor behavior by NV Energy to squeeze as much profit as possible from everyday people. Our organization will continue to fight every day to hold NV Energy accountable to the people they are supposed to serve.”

Lily Becerra, Make the Road Nevada Member
“As a Nevadan living on a disability income, I’m doing everything I can to support my family and conserve energy, but NV Energy’s proposed Daily Demand Charge would push families like mine deeper into crisis. No one should have to choose between a hot meal and keeping the lights on. The PUCN is meant to protect us—not rubber-stamp rate hikes for a monopoly that already overcharged customers by $65 million. I’m calling on the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to stand with working families and stop this harmful charge before even more of our neighbors are pushed onto the streets.”

Hector Arreola, Policy Fellow for Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition
“We need the daily demand charge approval reviewed because this charge is unpredictable, unprecedented, and it hurts working families most. Working class Nevadans, especially people who balance multiple jobs, do not always have flexibility on the time of day when they can use their home appliances. In the extreme heat of summer, keeping the air conditioning running is necessary to keep our homes safe and comfortable. Our neighbors in older homes with outdated appliances are already paying a higher portion of their income just to keep the A/C on. This daily demand charge is not the solution to peak demand. It is simply another way for NV Energy to increase its shareholder profits, while Nevadans are drowning beneath the skyrocketing cost of living.”

Manuel Santamaria, Organizer for Veterans Power America
“When veterans come home from serving, they expect a fair shot at building a stable life here in Nevada, not surprise charges. This daily demand charge needs to be reviewed because it’s unpredictable, it’s something that hits working families the hardest. Veterans are juggling swing shifts, kids, school, or living on fixed and disability incomes. Many veterans don’t get to choose the “perfect” time of day to do laundry, cook dinner, or cool the house. In the brutal summer heat, keeping the A/C on isn’t optional especially for elders, kids, and veterans whose health can’t handle extreme temperatures. Our neighbors in older homes with outdated appliances are already handing over a bigger slice of their paycheck just to keep the air running. This daily demand charge doesn’t solve peak demand. It’s just another way for NV Energy to pad shareholder profits while Nevadans struggle to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living.”

Elaine Jefferson, Solar United Neighbor supporter
“I’ve lived in Las Vegas for twelve years and love this Valley, but I’m deeply concerned about NV Energy’s proposed demand charge, which is the first of its kind in the country. As a retiree on a fixed income managing age-related health issues, the idea of monitoring my electricity usage minute-by-minute to avoid penalty charges is simply unrealistic. I’m skeptical of claims that this will only add $20 to bills, especially given NV Energy’s history of overspending and overcharging customers thousands. This demand charge shifts the burden of their infrastructure costs onto consumers least able to afford it: seniors, families, and others who can’t constantly monitor their power usage.”

Leslie Vega, Policy Fellow, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
“Everyday Nevadans deserve clean, affordable energy. In the driest state in the nation, and in the two fastest-warming cities in the country, electricity isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential utility that keeps people alive. Most Nevadans don’t have the time or resources to constantly track their energy use or navigate a confusing daily demand charge. Decision-makers and Commissioners Cordova, Brown and Williamson are shielding NV Energy, not the public, from accountability.”

Chispa Nevada Program Director Audrey Peral
“Through multiple years of rate increases, Nevada families have been struggling to pay our monthly electricity bills. The Public Utilities Commission’s decisions have made Nevadans’ bills more expensive and now confusing. We need leaders who will stand up to corporations and make utilities affordable for working Nevadans. If the PUCN won’t hold NV Energy accountable to fair and predictable rates, we need the Attorney General and Consumer Advocate to take action now and protect consumers. Enough is enough.”

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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.

www.votesolar.org

About Nevada Conservation League

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.