NV Energy Wants Customers to Foot the Bill for $500 Million Wildfire Protection Fund

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NEVADA - Battle Born Progress is highlighting concerns over NV Energy’s proposal to create a $500 million wildfire fund paid for by Nevada customers, arguing the utility company is asking ratepayers to take on the financial risk while the company keeps the profits.

This issue is the focus of the latest episode of Battle Born Bytes, hosted by Daniel Howat, which examines NV Energy’s recent billing controversies, new demand charges, and efforts to limit financial liability related to wildfires allegedly caused by utility equipment.

The episode also highlights several recent controversies involving the utility, including:

• NV Energy is refunding approximately $63 million after more than 100,000 customers were allegedly overcharged due to billing classification errors.

• The implementation of a new residential daily demand charge in Southern Nevada.

• Expansion of programs allowing the utility to remotely adjust customer thermostats during periods of peak electricity demand.

  
  

NV Energy argues the proposal would provide long-term financial stability and support wildfire mitigation efforts. Battle Born Progress argues that while wildfire mitigation is a serious issue in the American West, utilities should remain fully accountable for maintaining infrastructure and reducing fire risk.

The full episode is available on YouTube.

Daniel Howat, Creative Lead with Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Real ‘self insurance’ is when a company sets aside its own money as a reserve. But, what NV Energy is proposing is that the customer set aside money for the company. NV Energy wants a customer-funded liability shield with a corporate logo on it.”

ABOUT Battle Born Bytes: Battle Born Bytes is a digital media series produced by Battle Born Progress focused on breaking down complex political, economic, and policy issues affecting Nevadans through accessible, research-driven video explainers.

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.