Landlord billing practices won’t be studied

Friday, Sept. 10, 1999 | 11 a.m.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada voted against opening an investigation into billing practices of landlords of residential properties for water and sewer services.

Commissioner Judy Sheldrew proposed the investigation in a meeting Thursday in the wake of a PUC staff legal opinion that said the agency lacked jurisdictional authority on the matter.

Clark County Legal Services raised the issue on behalf of a group of apartment dwellers charged a flat rate for utilities. They say the policy of some apartment owners of charging one flat fee for water and sewer use is unfair and removes conservation incentives.

Sheldrew proposed opening an investigatory docket, but Commissioners Michael Pitlock and Don Soderberg opposed the plan.

Sheldrew said there is no forum available for tenants to raise the issue, but Pitlock said opening an investigation could be construed as an attempt to expand the responsibilities of the commission. He said he preferred getting direction from the Nevada Legislature before gathering information on billing practices.