Assembly passage of AB452 signals growing momentum to hold NV Energy accountable and stabilize energy bills.
CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada Assembly passed a Fuel Cost Sharing bill (AB452), sponsored by Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, with a bipartisan 35-7 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The passage of AB452 reflects growing momentum to hold utility monopolies accountable and deliver real relief to families struggling with rising energy bills, with 740 people signing a petition in support of the bill since it was launched last week. Recent media investigations have spotlighted how NV Energy overcharged customers and only provided partial refunds, a loophole that AB452 would close by requiring full refunds with interest whenever customers are overbilled.
The bill also directs state regulators to study and implement a fairer system where NV Energy shares the financial burden of fuel price spikes, instead of forcing customers to absorb 100% of the risk. Right now, NV Energy passes increasing fuel costs directly onto customers, even when price spikes are caused by global events, extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, or poor planning. Meanwhile, NV Energy’s shareholders remain fully protected from these risks, even as household bills climb.
AB452 further strengthens regulatory oversight by giving the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) more time to review utility spending proposals, known as General Rate Cases. This process is where NV Energy is currently seeking a 9% rate increase for Southern Nevada customers. More time for thorough review means greater scrutiny, transparency, and protection for Nevada families facing rising energy costs.
“This bill is about fairness, accountability, and giving families and small businesses a fighting chance,” Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League, said. “Nevadans are tired of footing the entire bill when energy prices spike. With this vote, lawmakers are showing they hear us, and we’re grateful for all the voices who came together to make such a strong case for this much-needed policy.”
“This bill won’t fix everything overnight, but it is a critical step in the right direction,” Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc., said. “It strengthens oversight and makes sure NV Energy is held accountable for the costly mistakes and overcharges that have hurt customers. For too long, families have been forced to shoulder the burden of rising bills while the utility faced no real consequences. This legislation begins to level the playing field and puts the interests of Nevadans first.
“Parents across Nevada are exhausted — not just by the rising cost of living, but by the fear of what they’ll have to give up next,” Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres, said. “When families are choosing between groceries and the power bill, something is deeply wrong. AB452 is a step toward making energy bills more fair and stable, while sending a clear message that utilities can’t keep piling costs onto Nevada households.”
“Monopoly utilities must be held accountable to the ratepayers they serve,” Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director for Solar United Neighbors, said. “AB 452 is a step towards ensuring that ratepayers are not the only ones bearing the financial impact of spikes in natural gas prices and that customers are rightfully refunded for overcharges. It’s time to shine the light on fuel-cost sharing and how it could benefit everyday Nevadans.”
The Assembly vote follows the Growth and Infrastructure committee hearing and vote on AB452, where the bill drew strong support from small business owners, veterans, renters, and retirees, all calling for relief from unpredictable and unaffordable energy costs. NV Energy opposed the bill and mobilized opposition from some labor and business groups. Despite the utility’s efforts, the bill advanced out of committee with split bipartisan support on a 6–5 vote.
The Nevada Conservation League and partners are committed to advancing AB452 in the Senate to bring long-overdue fairness, accountability, and relief to Nevada families and small businesses.
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@nevadaconservationleague.org or 702-576-7247.
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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.