Feedback wanted for proposal to increase Nevada Power rates

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Public Utilities Commission has scheduled consumer sessions for Nevada Power customers who want to comment on the utility’s controversial revised three-year general rate application.

The sessions are scheduled for Dec. 6, in Las Vegas.

Nevada Power, part of NV Energy, made a filing in the rate case in September that proposes to increase the fixed monthly charge residential customers pay on their utility bills from the $12.75 to $16.76.

Opponents of the increase said customers were not given adequate notice at a public session held in September. Consumer groups oppose high fixed charges because they disproportionately affect low-income residents and low electricity users.

Nevada Power’s general rate review application filed in June had no proposed increases for its Southern Nevada residential customers for the three-year period beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

While most of the proposed increase in the fixed charge would be offset by lower rates for actual power usage, it would result in a 2 percent increase in overall monthly bills for some residential customers.

The increase to the fixed charge was added by Nevada Power in response to legislation passed this year setting new net metering rates for rooftop solar customers. Rooftop solar customers are now required to be treated the same as other residential customers.

NV Energy said in a statement last month that despite the rate changes, it is asking for no additional revenue for its core operations over the three years of the rate proposal.

The PUC is expected to take action on the rate proposal by the end of the year.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.