NV Energy Overcharge Investigation Still Has Few Answers

PUCN Chair to NV Energy: “We want transparent, thoughtful, and explanatory comments.”

CARSON CITY, NV — Today, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) held a workshop for the ongoing investigation, Docket No. 25-05010, into NV Energy’s overcharging of more than 80,000 customers by at least $17 million over decades. Commissioners heard verbal status updates from PUCN Staff, NV Energy, and the Bureau of Consumer Protection and discussed the procedural schedule for the next steps in determining the full scope of harm caused by the monopoly utility. 

While PUCN Staff noted that they, NV Energy, and the Bureau of Consumer Protection are working closely together and “making progress” on the investigation, nothing of substance was revealed at the workshop. It marked the first step in what appears to be a long process. The procedural schedule will ensure that NV Energy submits robust written comments, with opportunities for other stakeholders and the public to weigh in. NV Energy’s comments are due September 18, responses from PUCN Staff and other interested parties are due October 9, and the next workshop will be held October 14 at 11 AM. The formal notices are forthcoming.

“We want to thank the Commission for its work in investigating the overcharges and believe it is imperative for NV Energy to be held accountable to ratepayers,” said Allison Pharr, a representative for Solar United Neighbors. “We are deeply concerned about the broken trust with the public and urge the PUCN to be extremely thorough in its oversight.”

“NV Energy, you’re hearing the desire for really transparent, thoughtful, and explanatory comments,” Commissioner Hayley Williamson said in closing remarks. “ I look forward to reading those comments in the fall.”

“I was shocked to learn back in June, after receiving a written notice from NV Energy, that I am among the more than 80,000 Nevadans overcharged by NV Energy,” said Gariety Pruitt, an affected customer and member for Utility Watch Nevada. “I’m grateful the Commission opened this investigation, because it’s not just about me — it’s about every customer who was impacted. Today’s workshop was just the first step, and I hope it leads to clear answers, real solutions, and full refunds that make things right for all of us.”

Whether NV Energy will identify all impacted customers or be required to issue full refunds remains unknown, leaving millions of dollars owed in question. The Commission must also determine if NV Energy will face additional penalties for what Staff has previously noted as “unreasonable, unjust, and unlawful” conduct, and ensure that strong systems and sound procedures are implemented so this never happens again.

OVERCHARGE INVESTIGATION AT A GLANCE

  • Scope of Overcharges: More than $17 million wrongfully taken from 80,000+ customers over decades.
  • Misclassification: Tens of thousands of multi‑family homes — including apartments, townhomes, and condos — were incorrectly billed as single‑family units, resulting in higher basic service charges for years.
  • Disconnections: At least 3,177 customers lost service for nonpayment between 2017 and 2024; overbilling may have contributed.
  • Partial Refunds: Only some customers received refunds, capped at 6 months, totaling less than $2 million.
  • Accountability: PUCN Staff say NV Energy applied the wrong refund rule, withheld disclosure to regulators, and attempted to keep millions until public complaints forced action.
  • Recordkeeping Issues: NV Energy says it purges billing records after seven years, making it harder to determine the true scope of the overcharges.
  • Refunds with Interest: Whether the PUCN will require NV Energy to provide full refunds with interest is unknown, though a new Nevada law indicates strong support from lawmakers and the governor for doing so.
  • Next Steps: NV Energy must submit more detailed comments to the PUCN by Sept. 18, followed by PUCN Staff and BCP comments on Oct. 9. The next workshop and status update will take place on Oct. 14 at 11 AM.