LETTERS: PUC’s rooftop solar decision merits investigation

It is an understatement to say the Public Utilities Commission made a controversial decision when it chose to raise connection fees and lower reimbursement rates for power generated by rooftop solar owners (“PUC OKs new solar rates,” Dec. 23 Review-Journal). Many arguments on both sides of the issue have been published by the Review-Journal.

Regardless of which side you are on, one question needs to be answered: Why is it OK for NV Energy to pay SolarReserve 13.5 cents per kilowatt hour for power generated at its Crescent Dunes project, but only 2.6 cents per kWh (by 2020) to Nevada homeowners? Prior to the PUC decision NV Energy was paying only 11 cents per kWh.

The math undermines the argument that homeowners who choose to install solar power are being subsidized by nonsolar customers. In fact, the math proves solar customers are subsidizing nonsolar customers. So what’s going on? Politics are murky at best, but consider this: In the 2015 legislative session, NV Energy paid 11 lobbyists to do its bidding, more than any other company at the session. It doesn’t take much imagination to see what might have happened here.

NV Energy is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, which is run by Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world. With such deep pockets and so many lobbyists, NV Energy has a great deal of influence. Perhaps that led the PUC to decide in NV Energy’s favor. At the very least, there needs to be an investigation into what happened. My advice is to follow the money and see where it leads.

Michael Edens

Las Vegas

Seniors vs. schools

Regarding Esther Weinstein’s letter (“Coral Academy,” Dec. 30 Review-Journal), schools are needed throughout the valley, as the students are terribly overcrowded in current facilities. Ms. Weinstein states 1,500 students plus faculty will create gridlock near Sun City MacDonald Ranch. But many students will carpool or come in buses, which would reduce congestion. Plus, I did not realize that senior citizens were driving around at 6:30 a.m. I’m 70 and don’t get up until 8 a.m., and I couldn’t care less how many cars go by my house.

Ms. Weinstein claims there will be tremendous noise created by the students. But most of the day, the students will be inside a building, from which noise won’t flow. And land does not depreciate near a school. The retirement community is not the only home development in that area. There are many families that would be thrilled to live close to such a school. Ms. Weinstein also mentions a parking problem when school gets out. Apparently, they have solved that problem at the nearby middle school.

It is nice to know that senior citizens couldn’t care less about education. They received an education, but want to deny one to their grandchildren. I don’t understand people who complain about society’s problems, but are not willing to be part of the solution.

I live in a retirement community of 7,500 people, and I’m proud to say the majority of senior citizens I know wouldn’t care if a new school were built nearby. I get tired of looking at old people like myself day after day. I need young people in my life to make me feel young again.

Charles Erreger

Henderson

Public lands dispute

I am not well-informed regarding land management, but I do believe there’s a reasonable debate over whether certain lands in Oregon and Nevada should be owned by federal or state government. As a former resident of Oregon and a current Nevadan, I believe my taxes contribute to the management of these lands. I understand that property, especially property located in relatively remote areas, must be monitored by its owner for maintenance, to protect against vandalism and to protect visitors from harm.

Although I suggest this tongue in cheek, the government could sell that land to the highest bidder. The new owner would then assume liability for the property and the costs of monitoring and maintaining it. If the land were sold, my vote as a taxpayer would be to use the profits in support of the school system. Either way, I’m not sure that any one group (including ranchers) is entitled to unlimited access to property that all our tax dollars help support.

Andrea Goodwin

Las Vegas