News Summary
NV Energy is set to contend with a proposed $1 million fine from the Nevada PUC following allegations of improperly charging customers. This follows previous violations of the state’s One Call law, and includes incidents where the utility’s negligence resulted in significant damages and power outages. State regulators are investigating claims that around 80,000 customers were overcharged. The issue raises serious questions about NV Energy’s accountability and its treatment of ratepayers.
Las Vegas – NV Energy is facing a proposed fine of $1 million from the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) due to allegations that the utility company attempted to charge customers for repairs stemming from its own negligence. This situation represents the second occurrence this year in which NV Energy has reportedly tried to impose inappropriate charges on ratepayers.
State investigators determined that NV Energy violated Nevada’s One Call law in late 2022 during two distinct incidents involving an excavator that inadvertently damaged electrical wires. The first incident occurred near Durango Drive and Arby Avenue, resulting in over $50,000 in utility property damage. The second incident took place near Rainbow Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, leading to an hours-long power outage impacting more than 2,500 customers.
In order to address previous violations with the PUC, NV Energy had already agreed to a $35,000 penalty and made a commitment not to recover costs from customers related to the damage from the earlier incidents. Despite this agreement, records indicate that in February, NV Energy included costs related to one of the repairs in its rate case, thereby violating its promise to its customers.
Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in NV Energy’s practices. Camalot Todd from the Nevada Conservation League stated that it is “ridiculous” for a billion-dollar company to dismiss its mistakes as unintentional. NV Energy responded by attributing the inclusion of repair costs to a typographical error, claiming that the costs were eventually removed from the record.
PUC investigators also highlighted the significance of the error, noting that had they not identified the mistake, it could have resulted in increased rates for customers. Currently, state regulators are conducting an investigation into a broader charge over issue, revealing that approximately 80,000 Nevadans have been overcharged a cumulative total exceeding $17 million due to NV Energy charging incorrect rates based on property types.
A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, where the PUC plans to establish a schedule for a hearing on the proposed $1 million fine against NV Energy. In the meantime, the community is also witnessing other noteworthy local developments. Clark County is officially unveiling Filipino Town today, which celebrates Filipino heritage along Maryland Parkway. Additionally, the Las Vegas Aces are closing in on a significant achievement in sports, leading their playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury three games to none and being just one win away from securing their third championship title in four years.
This potential fine and the circumstances surrounding it underlie ongoing concerns about accountability in utility management, particularly regarding the interactions and financial practices between NV Energy and its customers. The outcomes of the forthcoming PUC hearing and the ongoing investigations may set precedents for future regulatory actions and company conduct in the region.
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Additional Resources
- KTNV: NV Energy Facing Fine
- KTNV: NV Energy Could Face $1 Million Fine
- Nevada Current: NV Energy Seeking Escape Hatch
- Wikipedia: NV Energy
- Utility Dive: NV Energy Interconnection Queue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nevada
- The Nevada Independent: Inappropriate Charges by NV Energy
- Google Search: Utility Accountability
- This Is Reno: Call for PUCN Oversight
- Google News: NV Energy Fine
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
