Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, NV Energy host June 16 teleconference

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, NV Energy host June 16 teleconference

On Tuesday, Nevada utility customers will have a rare opportunity to speak directly and publicly about NV Energy’s rates, energy plans and treatment of rooftop solar.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will hold a general consumer session at 1:30 p.m. June 16 in Las Vegas and by teleconference.

Unlike a hearing limited to one particular case, this session allows customers to comment on any issue involving a utility regulated by the commission, with comments generally limited to three minutes.

Here is the official notice with attendance and call-in details.

The session comes as several major NV Energy debates converge
• NV Energy has filed a new long-term energy plan after raising its forecast of electricity use over the next two decades by 47 percent compared with the forecast it presented two years ago, driven largely by prospective data centers and other major new customers.
• At the same time, solar advocates are challenging recent utility rate policies that they say penalize rooftop-solar customers and make it harder for Nevadans to control their electricity costs.

Julia Hubbard, the Nevada Program Director for the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, is available for interviews before or after the session.

She can discuss
• What customers can raise at Tuesday’s session and why public participation matters.
• How data-center growth could affect electricity bills and grid planning.
• Whether NV Energy’s new “resource plan” makes adequate use of rooftop solar, batteries and virtual power plants.
• Why SUN considers recent rate-design changes harmful to current and future solar customers.

Click here to contact United Solar Neighbors

This hearing gives customers an immediate public forum to raise utility-related concerns about rates, resources, reliability, and renewables directly before the relevant regulators.