Former Gov. Bob List tapped to lead energy group

The Nevada Coalition To Protect Ratepayers was formed by Wynn Las Vegas, Sands Las Vegas and SolarCity with a mission “to dispel the myth that ratepayers are harmed when job creators promote energy competition and energy independence.”

The announcement of List as chairman coincides with a more than six-figure ad buy to publicize the group’s message.

List said in a statement: “The Nevada Coalition To Protect Ratepayers has three core principles. First, the Coalition will promote a fair process for companies seeking to leave NV Energy as customers. Second, the Coalition will promote more competition for all consumers — commercial and residential. Third, we will protect the Nevada ratepayer by pointing out NV Energy’s excessive profits and those times when NV Energy charges more than allowed by the Public Utilities Commission.”

Both Wynn Las Vegas and Sands Las Vegas have applications with the PUC to leave as customers of NV Energy, doing business in Southern Nevada as Nevada Power Co. The gaming companies want to purchase their own energy supplies on the wholesale market.

The companies have been critical of the utility for seeking operating profits over reducing electric rates for customers.

The rooftop-solar industry is also in a battle with Nevada Power over net metering, whereby customers who install solar panels get a credit for the excess energy they produce. A new net metering rate is under consideration by the PUC to take effect by the end of the year.

The coalition ads are running on Facebook, Twitter and other digital media.

One of the ads running now says, “Don’t believe the scare tactics. Ratepayers won’t be hurt when job creators get off the energy grid.”

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801