LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Dozens of households packed the Clark County Authorities Wednesday to talk out in opposition to a proposed NV Power price hike.
“Our electricity bills are already too high,” an NV Power buyer stated. “Families across our state are stretched to the limit.”
Maria Preneice, a retiree on a hard and fast earnings, was one in all many who spoke with 8 Information Now on her concern over a possible change to her month-to-month cost.
NV Power proposes a 9 p.c price enhance; right here’s remark
“I still have a high bill,” Preneice stated. “And I haven’t even started with my air conditioning yet.”
The Public Utilities Fee of Nevada held two public periods on Wednesday to get suggestions on a possible 9.5 p.c base price enhance.
“As we put more money into the system,” NV Power spokesperson Meghin Delaney stated. “That’s why you see this rate case coming forward.”
Delaney instructed 8 Information Now the necessity for this enhance all comes all the way down to Southern Nevada’s continued progress and excessive demand as a consequence of excessive warmth.
“To make sure when it’s 120 degrees, it’s going to get hot this summer too,” Delaney stated. “To make sure customers have enough power to make sure customers stay cool and comfortable.”
She claimed the hike would not be a major change, as a result of decrease gasoline prices will assist even issues out
The proposed base price hike is the third of its form that Southern Nevada has handled previously 14 years.
In 2023, a 3.3 p.c base bump was authorised, together with an identical spike of three.4 p.c in 2011, although a 24 p.c increase was initially proposed.
That is all separate from quarterly invoice modifications, which might enhance or lower for patrons primarily based on power prices.
“It’s mentally draining to worry about whether I will be able to pay my electricity bill,” an NV Power buyer stated. “Sometimes I can’t sleep.”
Those that attended Wednesday’s periods instructed 8 Information Now that regardless of the rationale, modifications to their month-to-month steadiness might be a pressure.
Preneice hopes her story will finally make a distinction for others.
“I know what it’s like for parents to not be able to make ends meet,” she concluded. “Listen, have some compassion.”
The PUCN will decide on the proposal by September, and modifications might take impact by October.
The proposal contains a number of different provisions, together with aid for qualifying low-income households.
NV Power can also be proposing a requirement change to recuperate prices related to power spikes.
