LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — People from across the Las Vegas Valley are demanding answers about several issues with NV Energy as the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada holds consumer sessions Wednesday.
The commission already held one general consumer session earlier in the day, with another scheduled for later Wednesday evening. People rallied ahead of the next session, demanding transparency and accountability over controversies involving NV Energy.
First session draws opposition to demand charge
The first consumer session brought in many people who were not happy with the new demand charge taking effect next year.
“I’m speaking today because NV Energy’s new daily demand charge isn’t fair, especially for those of us who produce clean power for the grid,” said Vince Vilan, a solar user.
Solar customers face higher bills
NV Energy says only 10% of its customers use rooftop solar, and it’s those users who will see a slightly higher bill under the new system.
NV Energy provided examples showing the difference in billing for solar customers and non-solar customers before and after the demand charge. Solar users will see an increase, while others will see a slightly lower bill.
“Rooftop solar households strengthen Nevada’s grid, lower emissions, and reduce peak strain. They should not be punished for helping the state meet its energy goals,” said Michael Cook, a solar user.
Rate structure changes coming in April
As of this report, all customers pay the same rate for electricity all day long. However, NV Energy will shift that, so in April, all customers will pay based on the times they personally use the most power.
NV Energy explained how it will work:
- Each day, they will look at the 15-minute period when you used the most electricity.
- Peak usage is measured in kilowatts and multiplied by the demand rate, which is $0.14 per kilowatt.
- Daily amounts will get added up at the end of the billing cycle
“This one-size-fits-all metric ignores total generation and exports, punishing net producers like me,” said Cook.
However, NV Energy said solar users were not paying their fair share.
“I understand any increase is an increase, and it’s about a 12 dollar increase for the average solar customer,” said Meghin Delaney, the media relations manager for NV Energy.
The demand charge controversy comes at a time when NV Energy is also facing criticism for overcharging more than 60,000 customers.
“I totally understand the folks who feel like they can’t trust NV Energy right now,” Delaney said. “And so, when we make a mistake, as you have seen, we do try to do the right thing, and fix that mistake, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
When it comes to those overcharged customers, NV Energy said they are paying those customers back and looking at ways to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
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