NCL, CHR Inc., Solar United Neighbors, and More Supported Fuel Cost Sharing Policy
CARSON CITY — On Friday, April 11, the Nevada Conservation League policy priority, Fuel Cost Sharing (AB452), sponsored by Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, passed out of the Assembly Growth and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support, moving one step closer to becoming law.
This critical bill comes at a time when Nevadans face skyrocketing utility bills and have limited options to lower energy costs. It received widespread support during the hearing, with dozens of organizations, advocates, community leaders, small business owners, and everyday Nevadans calling for passage.
Currently, Nevada’s families and businesses cover 100% of volatile fuel price increases. That means things out of our control, like global wars, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions that raise prices, put the pocketbooks of Nevadans’ families and businesses at risk.
This policy directs the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to launch a public process to evaluate whether a fuel cost-sharing policy is in the public interest — and if so, to implement it. It also guarantees that when NV Energy makes mistakes and overcharges Nevadans, they must issue a full refund with interest, which is currently not the case.
During the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure hearing on Tuesday, April 8, small businesses, community leaders, people on fixed incomes including disabled veterans, and families testified in support of the bill, highlighting how high energy bills meant sacrificing medications and food and put strain on their business.
“I am a small business owner, wife, mother, and a community youth advocate. I live right here in Las Vegas,” Tatiana Batie, who testified in support of AB452 at the Tuesday committee meeting, said. “My husband and I are both self-employed, and we carefully budget our household expenses based on the income we expect to have on a monthly basis. While we did that on our monthly planning for our utilities, the unexpected spikes in energy costs took us by a shock. We constantly plan to pay, but when we have bills that are unexpected, it is setting us up for failure. This has forced us into two — not one — but two payment plans we are still trying to keep up with.”
More quotes in support of AB452 from the Tuesday, April 8 hearing can be found from minute 34 to minute 48.
“AB452 is one step toward relief. It won’t solve everything, but it’s a practical fix that can start to make energy bills more affordable,“ Dr. Mary House, CEO for CHR, Inc., said. “Right now, Nevadans are shouldering all the risk for fuel and power purchase decisions that are out of their control — and they can’t afford to keep doing that alone.”
“As the owner of a beauty salon in East Las Vegas and a proud Nevada resident for over 20 years, I know how unpredictable energy costs can make it harder to run a small business. When prices go up, NV Energy just passes the full cost onto us, and we’re left to figure it out. It’s not fair. We need more accountability and more stability. Families and businesses should be able to count on reliable energy and fair prices, not surprise bills because of things we can’t control,” said Mariana Castro, owner of Glorious Lashes 46:5.
“When market prices surge or bad purchasing decisions are made, 100% of those costs are passed to ratepayers,” Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director for Solar United Neighbors, said. “Monopoly shareholders are shielded from any financial consequences, so there’s no real incentive to cut costs or plan smart. AB452 offers a way forward by requiring a transparent review of fuel cost practices through a Public Utilities Commission investigation.”
“This policy answers the question Nevadans are asking: how can we lower our energy bills? It gives solutions and gives families and businesses more control over their energy,” Cabrera-Georgeson continued. “Our energy rules are clearly stacked against Nevadans who repeatedly ask for help. This policy puts the power — literally and figuratively — back in the hands of Nevada families and small businesses.”
With this win, the Nevada Conservation League remains focused on advancing policies that ensure affordability, transparency, and a clean energy future for all Nevadans. The bill is now headed to the Assembly floor for a full vote.
To follow this bill, please sign up for the Nevada Conservation League’s 83rd Session’s Action Alerts. To support this bill, please sign the Nevada Conservation League’s petition.
Press interested in one-on-one interviews should contact Camalot Todd, communications director at NCL, at camalot@
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The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s conservation community. NCL works to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration.