Skyrocketing energy bills are straining Nevada’s hardworking families, with households on fixed or low incomes getting hit the hardest. Rising energy costs lead to impossible choices between keeping the lights on or paying for groceries, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. As long as we remain dependent on volatile fossil fuels like methane (natural) gas, Nevadans will continue to face unpredictable price hikes and financial hardship. But solutions are within reach. By transitioning to clean, local energy sources and investing in energy efficiency, Nevada can break free from high utility bills and create a healthier, more affordable energy future.
Methane Gas is the Problem
Methane gas drives Nevada’s energy crisis. Its volatile prices leave families at the mercy of world events that cause dramatic spikes in energy costs. Nearly 60% of NV Energy’s electricity is generated by burning methane gas, and Southwest Gas delivers it directly to homes for heating and cooking. When costs surge due to events like the war in Ukraine or extreme weather, Nevada’s families pay the price.
The instability of methane gas pricing forces families to constantly adapt to ever-changing energy costs, creating financial stress and uncertainty. Just last winter, many Nevada families were blindsided by sudden and record-high price hikes that pushed their gas heating bills beyond what they could afford. These fluctuations aren’t simply inconvenient—they are a symptom of our utilities’ overreliance on polluting fossil fuels that harm household budgets and our environment. As long as Nevada is dependent on methane gas, this will continue to be a problem.
Benefits of Local Clean Energy
Nevada is uniquely positioned to lead the transition to clean, renewable energy. As the state with the most solar energy potential in the nation, Nevada has enormous untapped resources. Yet, only 26% of our electricity comes from solar. Additionally, Nevada ranks second in the country for geothermal energy capacity, offering another powerful tool to reduce our reliance on costly, imported fossil fuels. By harnessing these local resources, we can stabilize energy bills and unlock a range of benefits:
- Solar energy is now the “cheapest electricity in history” and costs about 50% less than electricity produced by methane gas plants, making it the most cost-effective energy source for Nevada’s future.
- Solar and geothermal energy protect families from volatile price swings, making our energy bills more affordable and predictable.
- Unlike methane gas, which is imported, solar and geothermal energy are abundant and locally sourced.
- Clean energy supports thousands of local jobs in construction, installation, and maintenance, keeping energy dollars in Nevada’s economy.
- By reducing pollution, clean energy improves air quality and protects Nevada’s water resources and stunning landscapes for future generations.
Energy Efficiency, A Key Piece of the Puzzle
Energy efficiency is another powerful tool that lowers costs and reduces energy use. Simple upgrades—like weatherizing homes, installing heat pump water heaters, and upgrading to efficient appliances—can significantly cut energy bills. These improvements not only save money but also increase the comfort, health, and safety of our homes by keeping them affordably cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Thanks to historic federal programs from the Federal Clean Energy Plan, like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Nevadans now have access to tax credits that can be stacked with rebates for additional savings. These programs make it easier for families to afford solar panels, efficient heating and cooling systems, better insulation, and weatherization. Together, these investments reduce household energy use, ease the strain on the grid, and create a more resilient energy system for all Nevadans.
Visit homes.rewiringamerica.org/calculator to learn how much you can save by taking advantage of the Federal Clean Energy Plan.
A Brighter Future Is Within Reach
By transitioning to cleaner energy sources and investing in energy efficiency, Nevada can move beyond the cycle of high bills and polluting fossil fuels. Clean energy provides stability, affordability, and local economic benefits that our communities desperately need. With clean energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and federal funding paving the way, the future is bright for Nevada.
It’s time for action. Ending our dependence on volatile and polluting fossil fuels means financial stability and a healthier Nevada. By leveraging our local resources and prioritizing clean energy investments, we can create a system that works for families and small businesses alike.
Take action today! Sign our petition to demand affordable, reliable, clean energy for all Nevadans. Together, we can ensure Nevada’s energy future is clean, affordable, and resilient.
