Video: NV Energy customers protest rate spikes

atepayers and advocates organized at the NV Energy headquarters on Thursday, April 25, to protest rate increases and what they called the lack of renewable energy from the power company. Customers have long been frustrated with the increasing cost of energy, with some protestors claiming their energy bills continue to spike in price.

“My bills have gone from approximately $180 to $280 or even higher,” customer Grace Thorton Potorti said. “We live on a disabled veteran’s pension and social security. We have, at times, turned off the air conditioner because we don’t want to have a high energy bill, and that’s a real problem when you’re living with a disabled vet who needs to stay cool.”

NV Energy is proposing a $28 service charge increase. Third Act organizer B Fulkerson blamed what he called the company’s superfluous spending as some of the reasons customers are footing the higher bills. 

“The fact that ratepayers have to make up for NV Energy’s bonuses, for their lobbyists, for their big entertainment costs, things like that, is ridiculous,” Fulkerson said.

NV Energy’s spokesperson said, in response to Thursday’s protest, that the company is focusing on renewable energy.

“NV Energy continues our commitment to delivering an environmentally sustainable energy supply to our customers that balances cost and reliability,” Katie Nannini said. “Last week, NV Energy made a filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada reporting it had reached an overall renewable portfolio standard of 39.7% in 2023—this means that NV Energy customers are being served by more renewable energy than ever before and in excess of current state law.”

By Michelle Baker for ‪@ThisIsReno‬.