Latest news with #NVEnergy
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal lawsuit seeks halt to NV Energy's Greenlink transmission lines in Nevada
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A lawsuit filed on Wednesday aims to stop NV Energy's Greenlink West transmission line project, arguing government approvals failed to recognize what the project would mean for wildlife and pristine desert ecosystems. In essence, conservation groups are saying the government can't see the forest for the trees. By approving the power line, government agencies are ignoring the impact of massive solar farms that will follow. Two groups, Friends of Nevada Wilderness and Basin and Range Watch, are seeking a court injunction over approvals issued by the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. NV Energy, owner of the $4.2 billion project, is not named in the lawsuit. SEPT. 9, 2024: Greenlink West gets federal OK; construction will go into Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 'The fact that the final EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) completely ignored the future impacts of a proposed industrial solar field complex the size of Las Vegas is simply a dereliction of duty,' Friends Executive Director Shaaron Netherton said. 'The transmission line and the new complex are inextricably linked, and the impacts of both should have been thoroughly analyzed. They were not.' Greenlink-ComplaintDownload The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Nevada, also cites decisions on the route that Greenlink West will follow. Conservationists say better routes were available. The approved route cuts through the southern end of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Scans that penetrate into the ground have determined the presence of prehistoric fossils where NV Energy plans to put in 11 new power poles — each with a 100-foot square concrete pad — along the north side of Moccasin Road in the north valley. The poles will be across the street from an existing 400-foot wide utility corridor that NV Energy said is no longer wide enough to accommodate an additional power line. Alternative routes — none of which went into the fossil beds — were all rejected. Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, pointed to a decision by the Interior Department to avoid a conflict with a speculative gold mining claim near Beatty while sticking with the plan to intrude on the fossil beds. 2023 REPORT: Greenlink power poles on collision course with treasures at Tule Springs Fossil Beds, Protectors say 'The massive construction footprint from the Greenlink West Transmission Project will destroy delicate fossils that are legally mandated to be protected for the future,' Emmerich said. If fossils are encountered, it could mean project delays while they are extracted and protected. The lawsuit cites federal guidelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. In addition to wildlife habitat, construction of Greenlink West and solar farms would also impact Native American cultural sites. 'Under NEPA, federal agencies are required to consider the potential environmental impact of all agency actions,' the lawsuit said. Greenlink West will extend from Las Vegas to a site just north of Yerington, connecting to Greenlink North, which will extend across the state along U.S. 50 into White Pine County. More solar development is planned along that route. From Yerington, the transmission line extends toward Reno with a branch that goes to Storey County, home to the Tesla Gigafactory. The lawsuit asks the court to set aside decisions made by the three federal agencies that authorized the project, as well as attorneys' fees. Conservationists cite violations of NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and legislation that created Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. They also cite violations of the Administrative Procedure Act. If successful, the lawsuit would put the Greenlink project back to square one. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill seeks to ensure full refunds when utilities overcharge customers
Last week state utility regulators disclosed that over several years NV Energy overcharged more than 80,000 customers over $17 million, with only 20,000 receiving partial six-month refunds that amount to a fraction of what customers overpaid. (Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current)) Lawmakers are looking to pass a law that would require utilities to fully refund energy customers who are overcharged, closing loopholes that have allowed utilities to withhold full refunds from wronged customers. Assembly Bill 452, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, would ensure customers receive full refunds with interest for overcharges, address high utility bills by shifting some cost volatility back to utilities, and extending regulatory timelines for rate case reviews. The bill comes after years of customer complaints detailing partial refunds by NV Energy which is only required to reimburse customers up to six months prior to the data the error is discovered in certain cases. Last week the bill became more relevant than ever after state utility regulators disclosed that over several years NV Energy overcharged more than 80,000 customers over $17 million, with only 20,000 receiving partial six-month refunds that amount to a fraction of what customers overpaid. Following the disclosure, NV Energy's president and CEO stepped down amid a call from regulatory staff at the Nevada Public Utilities Commission for an investigation into whether NV Energy used an inapplicable rule to cap refunds at six months. Several advocacy groups said the disclosure that the statewide electric utility overcharged tens of thousands of customers for years only highlighted the need for the bill's passage. 'It is outrageous that NV Energy would harm so many customers like this and not report it or fully repay them,' said Audrey Peral, program director of Chispa Nevada in a statement. 'Nevada lawmakers must pass Assembly Bill 452 quickly to protect utility customers from these kinds of abuses. Hard-working families can't keep paying the price for NV Energy's wrongdoing.' Under the bill, 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Commission determines that a utility has charged a customer more than any applicable rate or tariff allows, the utility shall refund to the customer, with interest, the full amount of any overcharge.' The bill passed the Assembly on a 35-7 vote in April, with some bipartisan support. Under legislative deadlines, the bill would need to pass the Senate Friday. The bill is also supported by the Nevada Bureau of Consumer Protection, which said in a letter to lawmakers the bill would ensure 'a full and equitable refund to ratepayers who are unfairly overcharged.' However, the bill has been strongly opposed by NV Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Ryan Bellows, the vice president of government and external relations at NV energy, told lawmakers last week that the statewide electric utility complies with Nevada Public Utilities Commission approved rules on customer refunds. 'The rule is that it's a six month payment back to the customer. We are currently communicating with the commission on this issue, on how to address and improve and correct this rule going forward,' Bellows said, adding that any changes to the rule is best left to utility regulators. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission disputes NV Energy's interpretation of the rules on customer refunds, telling lawmakers the issue is currently being examined by the Commission's consumer complaint resolution division. Garrett Weir, general counsel for the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, said the bill and 'the proposed change to statute would certainly clarify' the rules on customer refunds. NV Energy also opposes other aspects of the bill, especially language that would direct utility regulators to potentially adopt a fuel cost-sharing structure so ratepayers are not left covering the full cost of fuel price spikes caused by global events or weather disasters. 'It's our position that the adoption of fuel cost sharing would lead to increased costs for customers,' Bellows said. The bill would ask utility regulators to investigate how to best navigate energy price spikes and to study if fuel cost sharing is in the best interest of Nevadans and the utility. State energy regulators would submit a report on their investigation to the Interim Committee on Growth and Infrastructure by July 1, 2026. Nevada law prohibits utilities from profiting from fuel and purchased power costs, however in Nevada every dollar NV Energy spends to purchase fuel is passed fully through to customers. Fuel accounts for about one-third of NV Energy customer costs. Bellows argued revisions to price spike policies are unnecessary because NV Energy does not mark up purchases and the Public Utilities Commission has the authority to deny cost recovery for any purchases deemed imprudent. 'I would tell you that the purpose of this bill is really to prevent us from utilizing natural gas to serve our customers and to build out Nevada's energy infrastructure for economic development,' Bellows said. NV Energy is heavily reliant on out-of-state natural gas sources, which have seen sporadic but sharp price fluctuations in recent years. In 2022, the price it paid for natural gas — which accounts for more than half of Nevada's power supply — spiked by 70% in January 2023, according to NV Energy. Several unions and trades groups echoed concerns about the bill's potential negative impact on economic development and job opportunities, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Nevada residents who spoke in favor of the bill's language to investigate a potential cost-sharing structure highlighted the financial strain on families and seniors due to rising energy costs. 'I hear from families and seniors who are stretched to their breaking point by high energy bills. They're cutting back on life saving air conditioning, skipping meals, rationing medicine, and they're still falling behind. For those living on low income and fixed income, the cycle of high bills is relentless and dangerous,' said Mary House, co-founder of a local faith-based nonprofit community organization called Caring, Helping & Restoring Lives. Conservation groups and energy advocates emphasized the bill's potential to reduce high utility bills, promote clean energy, and ensure consumer protection. The bill is supported by Advanced Energy United, Western Resource Advocates, the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, and the Sierra Club.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AEP Names Industry Veteran Doug Cannon President of AEP Transmission
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Douglas A. Cannon president of AEP Transmission, effective June 11. Cannon will report to Bill Fehrman, AEP president and chief executive officer. In this role, he will lead all aspects of AEP's transmission business, including planning, projects, engineering, operations and growth. Cannon currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of NV Energy and is responsible for all aspects of service to its 1.4 million customers in Nevada. "AEP owns the largest transmission network in the country, and we owe it to our customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders to be best-in-class operators of that system," Fehrman said. "Between unprecedented load growth over the next decade, the joint venture transmission projects in PJM announced in February, and building one of the first 765- kilovolt lines in Texas, AEP is expanding our transmission footprint by thousands of miles. We were looking for an experienced leader who could immediately make an impact and drive results in this crucial part of our business. Doug is a respected industry leader who understands the importance of building coalitions to drive strong regulatory and operational results, and under his tenure, NV Energy is building the more than 700-mile Greenlink transmission network, Nevada's longest and largest transmission project. He also has a demonstrated track record of creating outstanding teams and leading with a growth mindset. We welcome Doug to AEP and look forward to working with him to strengthen our transmission organization to power the exciting opportunities ahead and provide depth to AEP's overall succession plan." "Now more than ever, AEP's robust transmission network is the catalyst for supporting growth across its footprint and the nation," Cannon said. "I am committed to working with the AEP team to drive industry-leading results while meeting customers' changing energy needs." Bob Bradish, currently interim president of AEP Transmission, has been named chief transmission officer and will report to Cannon. "Bob has been a steady, knowledgeable leader during his time with AEP and especially over the past few months," Fehrman said. "He will remain a vital part of Transmission leadership and will continue to provide his expertise and institutional knowledge in his new role." After leaving private law practice, Cannon joined the Berkshire Hathaway Energy organization in 2011, working as an attorney for PacifiCorp Energy in Salt Lake City. In 2013, Cannon was the lead attorney in obtaining the regulatory approvals necessary for NV Energy to join Berkshire Hathaway Energy. With the closing of the NV Energy merger, Cannon joined the NV Energy team as senior vice president and general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer. Cannon was named president of NV Energy in 2018 and added the CEO role in 2019 with responsibility over the fully integrated gas and electric operations of NV Energy and its subsidiaries. Cannon received his bachelor's degree in environmental geoscience from Weber State University, his master's degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado and his juris doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law. He has served on the board of trustees for the Las Vegas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, The National Judicial College and the Desert Research Institute. About AEP Our team at American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Electric Power
Business Upturn
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
HJB Miner Commissions 50 MW Solar Farm and Opens Green-Hashrate Cloud Mining Contracts
Los Angeles, California, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The facility, co-located with an NV Energy solar farm—will supply 100 % renewable electricity to HJB's Bitcoin and Litecoin mining clusters, reducing per-unit emissions by an estimated 32 % according to an independent audit from SGS. The launch comes as institutional demand for low-carbon crypto infrastructure accelerates worldwide. HJB Miner simplifies the process of encrypted cloud mining and creates a convenient channel for zero-based users to easily obtain daily passive income. In the cryptocurrency industry, ease of operation and profitability are the core elements. For novices seeking low investment, high returns and stable income, cloud mining is undoubtedly an ideal choice. This article will analyze the core mechanism of cloud mining and focus on recommending the industry-leading platform HJB Miner, which is committed to helping users achieve a sustainable income goal of more than $1,000 per day. HJB Miner: Where laziness meets profit HJB Miner takes cloud mining to a new level of convenience, making it ideal for beginners. The platform has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for even cryptocurrency novices to get started. HJB Miner believes that laziness is not a failure, but a path to success. With multiple mining facilities around the world, HJB Miner has won the trust of more than 5 million users worldwide with its stable returns and security. HJB Miner relies on renewable energy such as solar and wind power to power its cloud mining business, which greatly reduces mining costs and integrates excess electricity into the grid. This means that users do not need to buy expensive hardware or endure noise pollution and high temperatures at home to get mining computing power. Users only need a computer or mobile phone, sign a mining contract, and start earning income. How to start using HJB Miner? The first contact is not complicated, just follow these three simple steps: 1. Register an account Click here to create an account in one minute. Register to get $100 investment capital and invest in free contracts to get $1 per day. 2. Choose a contract combination The platform provides a variety of contract plans, and users can choose the contract that suits them to purchase! BTC basic computing power: investment amount: $100, contract period: 2 days, daily income of $3.5, expiration income: $100 + $7 LTC [classic computing power contract]: investment amount: $500, contract period: 5 days, daily income of $6.5, expiration income: $500 + $32.5 BTC [classic computing power contract]: investment amount: $3,000, contract period: 15 days, daily income of $45, expiration income: $3,000 + $675 BTC [advanced computing contract]: investment amount: $10,000, contract period: 30 days, daily income of $170, expiration income: $10,000 + $5,100 The platform offers a range of stable income contracts. For more options, please visit the official website 3. Wait for the income to be automatically credited After purchasing the contract plan, the system automatically connects to mining, calculates interest income every 24 hours, and funds can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time. The appeal of cloud mining Cloud mining has long been popular among cryptocurrency enthusiasts because it is simple to use and easy to get started. Unlike traditional mining, cloud mining does not require expensive hardware, complex technology, or constant monitoring. Cloud mining simplifies the mining process and allows anyone, regardless of experience, to participate in this cryptocurrency revolution. Users do not need to invest in expensive mining equipment or manage complex setups, but can earn income by renting computing power from remote data centers. Incredible profit potential HJB Miner stands out in the market with its attractive daily profit potential. HJB Miner provides a daily profit opportunity of $1,000 or more, helping mining enthusiasts create wealth. Imagine earning a good income without hard work or complicated settings. That's the charm of HJB Miner. Safe and reliable In the cryptocurrency space, trust and security are of paramount importance. HJB Miner understands this and places user security first. HJB Miner is committed to transparency and legality, ensuring that users' investments are protected, helping them focus on profitability. For more details, please visit: or download the mobile APP. About HJB miner HJB Miner, founded in 2016 and headquartered in the UK, is a leading cloud mining company focused on innovation and sustainability. It offers user-friendly, secure, and efficient cryptocurrency mining solutions for both beginners and experts. The platform uses renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and wind power, ensuring environmentally friendly operations. Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
