I was driving to work listening to the morning news on the radio when the announcer said that NV Energy had received permission by the Public Utilities Commission of NV to raise their rates 3.4% starting July 1st because of lost revenue due to energy conservation by consumers. Yes, it seems that NV Energy needs the money from higher rates to pay $71 million in energy-conservation programs, such as low-income weatherization initiatives and collection of old refrigerators, and $35 million to cover lower electricity sales resulting from ratepayer conservation. NV Energy had initially asked for a 5.4% hike. Jennifer Robison of The Las Vegas Review-Journal covers the story in her article:

NV Energy Wins Rate Increase

An excerpt from the article: “During a time of economic crisis, (NV Energy) is asking us to pay more,” said Barry Gold, a representative of AARP. “They ask us to save energy, but the better we conserve, the more it’s going to cost us. We’re already first in foreclosures and first in unemployment. We don’t want to be first in electricity shutoffs too.” But commissioners said the law left them with little choice. The final order was “about the only thing you could do,” said Commissioner Rebecca Wagner said. “You couldn’t trim more and maintain the balance between shareholders and ratepayers.” Wagner added that “a confluence of events” made the decision difficult. “Advocates at the Legislature push energy efficiency without recognizing that ratepayers are pretty much maxed out. We’ve had no load growth (increase in customers) and we have a high foreclosure rate,” Wagner said.

I have to admit, I’m just as stunned and unhappy as the other 99 people who have left their feedback on this article. Now I do enjoy my electricity, having hot water, lights at night, a stove, refrigerator, AIR CONDITIONING, heating etc. as well as the next person but seriously?  It seems there is no way to win as a consumer. Rates increase if the usage goes up and if it goes down. No problem justifying a rate increase either way. NV Energy website has an entire section on Saving Energy

Looking for ways to lower your power bill and save some money? You’ve come to the right place, with conservation programs, advice and tips we can help you stay comfortable in your home or business while reducing your energy costs.

I don’t know about you but this just isn’t adding up for me. I would really like to know NV Energy’s long term plans. What WILL happen to their revenue (and business) when there are other viable alternative energy sources and options to consumers. For me, energy conservation is two fold, it’s about using less and honoring our planet and also about reducing living expenses wherever possible. So, I for one will continue to conserve energy while voicing  my opinion with the NV PUC and other government leaders and will make my vote count.

Talk soon,

P.S.  Have kids and want to conserve energy at night without having to leave a light on for them? Buy a solar night light that charges by sunlight during the day and has a mellow glow at night.

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