Commission slates session for consumer ideas on power rates
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has scheduled two consumer sessions for today to gather ratepayer feedback on power utility NV Energy’s general rate case.
The sessions are set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. inside Cashman Center, at 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North.
The utility is asking for an 11.5 percent increase in the rates that cover operational costs. The average monthly bill would go from $140 to $146. The company says it needs the increase, which would raise $249 million in additional annual revenue on a current revenue base of $2.2 billion, to pay for expansion of the Harry Allen generating station north of Las Vegas, and to raise its allowable investor return from
10.5 percent to 11.25 percent.
State consumer advocate Eric Witkoski says NV Energy could get by with a revenue increase of $88 million a year. He’s urged the commission to lower the rate of return from 10.5 percent to 9.7 percent, and said cutting operations and maintenance payrolls by 4.4 percent would also save ratepayers on their bills.
To see filings in the case, visit the commission’s website at puc.nv.gov. Go to “Docket Info” on the left, click on it and select “Electric Dockets.” The rate case is Docket No. 11-06006.
Hearings into the rate case will continue through early November, but consumers are allowed to testify only at consumer sessions.
Contact reporter Jennifer Robison at jrobison@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512.
