NV Energy CEO leaving amid utility overcharging episode
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and NV Energy then-CEO Doug Cannon at the utility's Dry Lake Solar Project north of Moapa earlier this year. (Photo courtesy NV Energy)
Doug Cannon, president and CEO of NV Energy for the last six years, is leaving the post to join American Electric Power Transmission, according to a news release.
Cannon will be replaced by Brandon Barkhuff, who currently serves as a vice-president, general counsel, and chief compliance officer for NV Energy, according to a statement from the utility.
'Brandon is a lifelong resident of Nevada, providing him with a strong understanding of the needs of the customers and communities NV Energy serves,' spokesperson Meghin Delaney said.
Cannon's departure comes amid a call from regulatory staff at the Nevada Public Utilities Commission for an investigation into allegations that NV Energy overcharged some 80,000 customers statewide by at least $17 million, then failed to fully refund them.
Cannon, while president and CEO, shepherded legislative approval for Greenlink, a massive transmission project that was partially rejected by regulators out of concern for the cost to customers.
In 2021, Cannon told lawmakers that ratepayers would not be on the hook for Greenlink's estimated $2.5 billion cost for at least five years.
'We will put thousands of people to work today and Nevadans will not be asked to pay for this investment until at least five to six years down the road.' Cannon told legislators.
A year later, NV Energy asked federal regulators to grant permission (called incentives) for the utility to come back and request that ratepayers offset the costs of the project's construction and pay for its troubles should Greenlink be canceled.
Greenlink's estimated cost has since ballooned to $4.2 billion.
Cannon is expected to leave his position with NV Energy in mid-June.
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