Latest news with #Chairez
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest Gas asks to recover higher costs of ‘Call Before You Dig' line location
(Photo: Southwest Gas excavation safety presentation) Southwest Gas says it's getting more requests to locate customers' gas lines through its 'Call Before You Dig' service than anticipated in its last general rate request, and is asking the Nevada Public Utilities Commission to allow it to pass on the costs to customers via a process called single-issue ratemaking. ''In 2023, close to 30 percent of Southwest Gas' companywide damages were due to homeowners and contractors not calling 811 before excavation,' says the utility's website. ''Call 811' line marking service is free for residential and commercial digging jobs of all sizes and for all types of projects, and is the law.' While free to the caller, the service comes at a cost to the customer. From June 2022 to May 2023, line location expenses paid by customers totaled just under $11.7 million in Southern Nevada and about $2 million in the north. The utility won approval to recover those yearly costs as part of a $59.1 million general rate hike that went into effect last year. Now Southwest Gas is asking for authority to recover an estimated $3.5 million a year for the next two years. Southwest Gas contends it's not technically seeking a rate hike, but rather permission from the PUC to establish a regulatory account 'to track the actual level of line location-related expenses the Company incurs. This will allow the Company to recover its actual costs – no more, no less – at a future date after consideration by the PUCN,' spokesperson Amy Washburn said via email. In testimony provided to the PUC, utility executives contend the cost of line location has skyrocketed since 2016, with the utility recovering a smaller portion of the expense. David Chairez, regulatory manager for the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, testified to the PUC that the utility's holding company, Southwest Gas Holdings, 'is doing very well… with net income of $261 million, an increase of $19 million' over the previous year, while its operation and maintenance expenses per customer are unchanged. Chairez argues the PUC should deny the application to establish a regulatory asset for line locating expenses because it's an attempt to engage in single-issue ratemaking – legislative or commission actions that set or affect rates outside of a general rate case. The practice is permitted in some cases, such as when it's required by statute, or because of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, that results in unforeseen expenses for the utility. Opposition to single-issue ratemaking is based on the premise that a utility's revenue requirement is calculated on aggregate costs, rather than one cost related to a single component of its operations. Rates are designed to cover a utility's costs and provide for a fair and reasonable return on investment. Chairez argues the proposed rate solely benefits Southwest Gas shareholders. When requests from Nevada's Consumer Advocate for single-issue ratemaking would have benefitted the customer, Southwest Gas and the PUC opposed it, Chairez testified, including when President Donald Trump, in his first term, lowered corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, resulting in a windfall for the utility. The utility, which enjoyed the tax relief immediately, delayed passing the savings of Trump's corporate tax adjustment to ratepayers for nine months until its next rate case, during which time customers were paying rates that were based on the utility having to pay a higher federal tax rate than it was actually paying. That cost Southern Nevada customers $7.2 million in savings and Northern Nevada customers $1.3 million by waiting, Chairez estimated. The Bureau of Consumer Protection's position is at odds with that of PUC staff, who support the application. 'Southwest Gas asserts it has experienced a dramatic increase in the level of line locate requests in recent years,' PUC staffer John Brownrigg testified, and recommended that regulators approve the utility's request to account separately for the increased line location costs now, and include the expense in the utility's next general rate case. Unlike electric utilities, Southwest Gas is not bound by law to file a general rate case every three years, but rather at its discretion. The average customer currently pays $15.20 a year for line location efforts. The utility's request, if approved by the PUC, would eventually add about $5 a year. Chairez, in his testimony, notes Southwest Gas is required to comply with the 'Call Before You Dig' statute 'and that obligation will not change if the PUC denies the request.' Southwest Gas is also currently asking state lawmakers to allow it to engage in alternative ratemaking, a policy shift that could pose a cost burden to customers, according to opponents of the legislation, because it avoids the transparency of a general rate case.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Edgar Chairez dedicates UFC on ESPN 64 win to grandfather, aims for UFC 320 return
MEXICO CITY – Edgar Chairez created a moment at UFC on ESPN 64 that will live on his personal highlight reel forever. Chairez (12-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC) couldn't hold in the emotions after submitting CJ Vergara (12-7-1 MMA, 3-5) in the first round of their main card bout. Fighting and winning on home soil was one thing, but doing it after his grandfather's death added to the moment. During his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Chairez expressed how much the win meant to him because his grandfather sold his truck to pay for the surgery he needed. 'I love my Grandpa, and he was such a support in my career,' Chairez told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at a post-fight news conference. 'He was always there when I was training. I'm here because of him, and of course, I miss him a lot. Of course, I dedicate this win to my Grandpa.' Submitting Vergara marked a return to the win column for Chairez following a unanimous decision loss to Joshua Van at UFC 306. While picking up a bonus-earning finish is always sweet, Chairez says the result would have been irrelevant for his grandfather's admiration. 'Even if I lost, he would be proud,' Chairez said. 'So, of course, I know would be happy to know this victory. I just want to go celebrate with my Grandma and all my family.' With his first fight of 2025 in the books, the 29-year-old flyweight aims to stay active with a return in the summer, and if possible, land a spot at UFC 320, the first Noche UFC event to take place in Mexico this September. 'I feel great with my body, my body's in great shape – I just want to fight,' Chairez said. 'If it's an international card, it would be great, or if its on a Mexican event in September, for sure. I fought here in Mexico, I love it. For sure, as soon as possible, I'll be ready.' For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
USA Today
30-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Edgar Chairez drills, then taps CJ Vergara for emotional finish at UFC Mexico
It's going to be hard for Edgar Chairez to top what he did Saturday in front of his home fans. Chairez (12-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC) broke down in tears in the center of the cage with a wave of emotions after a first-round submission of CJ Vergara (12-7-1 MMA, 3-5 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 64 at the exact halfway mark of the openign frame. Earlier in the day, Chairez was meant to fight on the prelims. He wound up on the main card and took advantage. He drilled Vergara with a right hand and put him on the canvas. Vergara popped back up, but Chairez stayed vigilant and leveled him again. In a show of true well-rounded dominance, Chairez latched onto Vergara, took his back, tightened up a rear-naked choke and had the eighth submission of his career while Vergara still no doubt was dazed from the punches. Afterward, Chairez told Daniel Cormier in his post-fight interview that his grandfather's death was why he was particularly emotional after the win. 'About a year ago, I didn't have the money to get surgery,' Chairez said through a translator. 'I couldn't do anything. My grandfather was also a father to me. He sold his truck to pay for the surgery. That's the reason why I'm here. Last year, he was right here. This year, he's not. But I know he's in the first row in heaven watching me tonight.' Check out Chairez's finish in the video below. EDGAR CHAIREZ GETS THE TAP 😮💨 He gets the hometown victory in Round 1! #UFCMexico — UFC (@ufc) March 30, 2025 For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 64. Gallery UFC on ESPN 64: Best photos from Mexico City View 74 photos
Gulf Insider
30-01-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
American Airlines Jet Crashes Midair With Helicopter In Washington DC
A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines plane with 64 on board and and a Military helicopter on Wednesday night led to a devastating crash in the Potomac River, CBS News reported. The collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, both of which crashed while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Multiple bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River in Washington after the collision, US media reported Thursday. CBS News, quoting a police official, said 'at least 18 bodies were recovered', while NBC said 'more than a dozen' had been found, citing two sources familiar. The commercial flight, American Eagle Flight No. 5342, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Washington, DC The jet, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, which had three soldiers aboard. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred around 9 pm local time as the aircraft was approaching Runway 33 at the airport. All flights were grounded immediately, and emergency teams were deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations. Several members of the US figure skating community were aboard the passenger jet that crashed in Washington, US media reported. 'We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts,' the Washington Post reported, quoting a statement from US Figure Skating. No survivors found so far: police official A police official on the scene confirmed to CBS News that three debris fields were visible in the river, and by 11:30 pm ET, at least 18 bodies had been recovered. 'No survivors had been found so far,' the police official said. The search operations were expected to continue throughout the night. The FAA also confirmed that the crash involved a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operated by American Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. American Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident, saying that it was 'aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident.' The airline expressed condolences to those affected by the crash and stated that it was working closely with authorities. The Army later confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was a Black Hawk helicopter, which was based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. According to Heather Chairez, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region, the helicopter was on a training flight. 'The chopper was on a training flight,' Chairez told CBS News. The helicopter was assigned to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion. A Department of Defence official confirmed that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter, though no senior officials were on board. According to scanner audio from air traffic control, the dispatcher confirmed that both the helicopter and the plane had crashed into the river. 'The accident happened in the river,' the dispatcher said in the audio. 'Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.' The collision created a fireball visible from the Kennedy Center, and a verified livestream captured the moment of the explosion. The explosion occurred at 8:47 pm, shortly before the crash was reported. Trump offers condolences, voices frustration over crash The White House confirmed that President Trump had been briefed on the situation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, 'The President has been made aware of the situation.' Trump later offered his condolences, saying, 'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.' On social media website Truth Social, US President Trump also expressed frustration over the incident, writing, 'The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!' Emergency teams continue search The FBI has confirmed that the incident is not being treated as a criminal event at this time. According to a report from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, a small aircraft crashed into the Potomac River 'in the vicinity' of the airport. The department has also confirmed that emergency personnel are responding to the crash. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth expressed his condolences, saying, 'Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families,' in a post on social media. He also confirmed that an investigation was being launched by the Army and the Department of Defence. 'We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight,' Hegseth wrote. 'We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.' Latest below. Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their launched immediately by Army & DoD. — Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 30, 2025 Heather Chairez, Media Chief at Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region/MDW Public Affairs Office, provided more details in a statement, saying, 'We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available. Very respectfully, Heather Chairez Media Chief JTF-NCR/MDW Public Affairs Office.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'I have directed the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration News to provide full support to the National Transportation Safety Board and all responding agencies and authorities.' The DC Police Department confirmed that multiple agencies were coordinating a search-and-rescue operation, and the US Park Police aviation unit joined the efforts. The FAA is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is assisting in the investigation. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser posted on X, saying 'As we continue to pray for all involved, we are grateful for the efforts of our first responders during this tragic event. There will be a press conference tonight at 12:30AM. It will be live on this account.' As authorities work to determine the cause of the collision, many are left to mourn the loss of at least 63 lives, while questions about the sequence of events continue to emerge.
