Commission draft order approves partial rate increase and reduces solar benefits for Northern Nevada customers
NEVADA – Based on the draft order released today by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is deeply concerned about the direction of the rate case. While SUN recognizes that this draft could change before the final decision, the preliminary proposals represent a disappointing step backwards for solar owners and Nevada families.
What the PUCN’s Draft Order Approved:
- $148 million rate increase - The draft approves approximately two-thirds of NV Energy's requested $216 million revenue increase, burdening ratepayers with up to $148 million in additional costs despite dozens of Nevada residents speaking out against rate increases during the public comment process.
- Daily demand charges - Approved new demand charges that the draft order attributes to the cost of servicing solar customers, unfairly forcing all ratepayers to subsidize utility infrastructure while penalizing clean energy adoption.
- 15-minute netting in Northern Nevada - Approved changes to net metering that will significantly reduce solar savings for new customers in Northern Nevada. The draft order maintains the current rules for Southern Nevadans.
Nevada families already face some of the highest electricity bills in the nation. With summers getting hotter each year and air conditioning costs becoming unbearable for many households, these changes will raise costs even more while making solar energy less accessible.
"This preliminary decision is fundamentally unfair to Nevada families who are already struggling to pay their bills," said Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director for Solar United Neighbors (SUN). "It penalizes solar customers who want to make smart investments in renewable energy while padding the profits of a utility with a track record of overcharging customers and wasteful spending. The preliminary decision to implement daily demand charges to recover costs associated with solar customers is particularly unfair — solar energy actually provides benefits to the grid during peak demand periods when Nevada needs it most.
The timing is especially harmful given recent federal policy changes that have eliminated the 30% solar tax credit and suspended the Nevada Clean Energy Fund’s Solar for All funding, which have made the cost of installing solar significantly more expensive for Nevada families. This is a double blow for Nevada solar customers - they are losing federal incentives while simultaneously seeing their state-level benefits slashed. These changes will make solar energy even less accessible for working families.”
The Fight Continues
Solar United Neighbors remains committed to advocating for fair energy policies that work for all Nevada families. SUN will continue monitoring how these changes impact ratepayers and push for policies that expand access to solar energy rather than restrict it.
“While this decision is disappointing, our movement is growing stronger," said Hubbard. "Every time we stand together, we work towards better solar policies and fair rates for all Nevada families. Throughout this rate case, the commissioners heard from real Nevadans who will be affected by these changes, and that engagement demonstrates the power of grassroots advocacy. This fight isn't over – it's just getting started," concluded Hubbard.
Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit organization that helps people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. SUN's Nevada program advocates for policies that expand solar access and protect solar rights for all Nevada.
