NV Energy is facing significant scrutiny following revelations that it overcharged approximately 60,000 customers more than $17 million due to misclassification of residential properties. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) was alerted to these issues, which have been occurring since as early as 2001. The utility reportedly misclassified single-family homes as multifamily residences, leading to overcharges, while other properties were charged less due to the reverse misclassification.
In response to the issue, NV Energy has begun issuing refunds to affected customers but has limited these refunds to a six-month period, resulting in less than $2 million being reimbursed. This decision has been criticized as inadequate by multiple organizations, including the Nevada Conservation League and others, who have called for greater accountability from NV Energy.
The controversy has also caught the attention of legal authorities, with attorneys Jared Wigginton and Donald Lomoljo initiating an investigation into the utility’s billing practices. They are questioning the legality of NV Energy’s use of Rule 2(K)(3), which was allegedly applied improperly to limit refunds.
Furthermore, the Nevada Legislature is considering bill AB 452, which would mandate utility companies to reimburse customers for overcharges with interest and revise regulatory filings. NV Energy is actively opposing this bill.
The situation has raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of NV Energy’s operations, prompting calls for a formal investigation by the PUC to scrutinize the utility’s practices and determine if further action is warranted.