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November 22, 2009

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NV Energy seeking rate increase

By Tim Richardson (contact)

Published Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 | 12:31 p.m.

Updated Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 | 12:39 p.m.

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Beyond the Sun

NV Energy customers could soon be forking over some more money to keep the lights on.

The company was to make a rate case filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada on Monday that would raise rates by 14.9 percent in southern Nevada. For a residential customer using 1,250 kilowatts, the bill would increase from $149.59 to $175.84, or 17.5 percent.

"We understand that the timing of this particular rate case is extremely difficult," said Michael Yackira, president and chief executive officer of NV Energy, in a statement. "Because we recognize the hardship it could cause our customers, our company thoroughly reviewed each component of this filing and analyzed where we may have opportunities to help reduce its impact."

The company said some of its costs include $510 million for the addition of a power plant near Primm, construction of a plant completed this past summer in Las Vegas and the start of construction for a plant expansion.

The proposal includes a low-income rate for customers who meet income qualifications, the company said.

The utilities commission is expected to set hearings in the next few months to review NV Energy’s request.

Discussion: 10 comments so far…

  1. By amkrck
    12/1/08 at 1:48 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    What are they crazy. They know it is a bad time now to ask for a rate increase, so they are sorry that they have to ask for it, that does not make it better. No, no rate increase. People we have to stick together. No more increases. Let's try to get back on our feet.Seems like they are either a new company or that they changed their name and now they hit us with this. NO, NO RATE INCREASE. Thank You!

  2. By JD
    12/1/08 at 2:29 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    15%....THEY ARE NUTS.

  3. By jfnance32
    12/1/08 at 2:44 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Holy Cow!!!!!

    Government monoply at work.....no incentives to hold back cost....they can shove it down our throats and get a guarantee profit with ZERO risk.

  4. By johnevegas
    12/1/08 at 2:51 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    I'm in agreement with the posts above this one! Nobody, so far, is buying this bologna!

    Back-off with the increases that seem happen no matter what is going on elsewhere in the world. Get a clue about growth (or lack thereof) and reign in your costs.

  5. By neiman1
    12/1/08 at 3:52 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Thank you Senator Reid. You wont let us drill for oil, build nuclear power plants, and do everything in your power to make our rates go up. Giving a special rate for low income and hitting the rest of us with higher rates is another tax increase. Why not the same rates for everyone and let the government figure out how to help the poor instead of disguising your tax increase in our power rates, phone rates, and even housing rents. Why did anyone vote for people to help Harry Reid destroy our state and our country.

  6. By sunreader
    12/1/08 at 6:11 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    You guys got it all wrong - the increase is to pay for the new solar plant that will do away with all their coal and gas plants. the environmentalists laud this effort because it's what they've been whining about so much. we can all breathe easier now knowing there will be no more greenhouse gases, well except for our cars, planes, boats, trains, and natural CO2 causes, and the LV Strip will go dark as will our homes and businesses. LOL

  7. By bobman
    12/1/08 at 6:14 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Has anyone else seen the prices at the pump? Last time I checked, energy prices were going south. Why would there be an increase now? Possibly foreclosures, vacant homes or just people paying for food first. So hit the people who are just scraping by. Yes, let me pay for those who can't afford it because I make so much money. What a crock of dung! Don't their plants run on fuel? Gas turbines on many of them right? How, with gas half of what it was 6 months ago, could they actually ask for an increase? I say tell these crooks to take a long walk off a short pier.

  8. By joncmac
    12/2/08 at 1:54 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    15% increase in todays slowing economy. Wowk
    For those who need help, I found this site which gave some ways and programs that help save on heating and utility bills. Help is provided both from the gov't and utility companies themselves.
    http://www.helppayingutilitybills.com

  9. By azsk8fan
    12/2/08 at 8:03 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    And of course the CEO's aren't getting any bonuses, right? ya thought so. Pardon my sarcasm but how can a company ask for rate increases when the economy is in the dump, people are either out of work or damn near close to being laid off.........the rich get richer, ah yes they do :(

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