Firms can apply to leave grid

Friday, Nov. 2, 2001 | 11:08 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Big Nevada power users like casinos and mines are free to apply to the state Public Utilities Commission for permission to seek their own electric sources rather than taking service from Nevada's existing utilities.

The commission Thursday adopted a regulation opening the door for these large companies to file their applications.

A law enacted by the 2001 Legislature permitted the pullout by these firms and it became effective Oct. 1.

Once an application is filed, Commission Chairman Don Soderberg said the PUC must determine whether the departure of a company will be detrimental to remaining customers -- whether it might force Nevada Power Co. in Las Vegas or Sierra Pacific Power Co. in Reno to raise rates.

Those that apply would have to identify the new sources where they would purchase the energy. In addition, Soderberg said some of the information may be confidential to keep it from competitors.

Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, whose Senate Commerce Committee processed the energy bill, said the goal is to get the large users to leave the existing systems and leave the cheap power for the smaller customers.

The PUC also Thursday adopted the final regulations for utilities to impose a surcharge on electricity and natural gas use with the money going to help low income families pay their energy bills and also to help in making energy saving improvements in their homes.

This is expected to raise about $8 million a year and will be added to the present federal program, which contributes about $3 million a year.

Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, who authored the energy assistance program, said it would cost an average user about 43 cents a month. He complimented the commission on the way it has drafted the regulation so there is only a narrow exemption from the surcharge.