Timeline
NV Energy begins misclassifying multi-family customers
2002: The utility starts charging multi-family housing residents at single-family rates — an "error" that would persist for over two decades, overcharging 80,000+ customers a total of $65.4 million.
Berkshire Hathaway acquires NV Energy for $5.6 billion
2013: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway completes acquisition of Nevada's monopoly utility. Profits begin flowing to Omaha.
PUC guts net metering — rooftop solar industry collapses
December 2015: NV Energy-backed net metering changes slash solar credits. The decision retroactively affects existing solar customers.
SolarCity, Sunrun, Vivint shut down Nevada operations
2016: Three major solar companies exit Nevada entirely. 550+ jobs eliminated. The state goes from solar leader to cautionary tale.
Question 3 defeated after $63M Berkshire Hathaway campaign
November 2018: The most expensive ballot measure campaign in state history kills energy choice. 67% of voters reject the measure to break NV Energy's monopoly.
Greenlink West transmission project announced
2021: NV Energy proposes the 472-mile Greenlink West line connecting Las Vegas to Yerington. Initial cost estimate: $2.5 billion.
Overcharge discovered — NV Energy offers only $17M
2024: The systematic overcharging of multi-family customers is uncovered. NV Energy initially proposes refunding only $17 million covering six months, despite $65.4 million in total overcharges spanning 22 years.
Legislature forces full refund with interest
2024: Nevada Legislature passes law requiring NV Energy to refund all overcharges with interest, rejecting the company's attempt to limit restitution.
Greenlink West doubles to $4.2B — federal approval granted
September 2024: The transmission line's cost has nearly doubled from $2.5B to $4.2B. BLM grants approval despite environmental lawsuits and DOD concerns about restricted airspace.
PUC approves rate hike + nation's first residential demand charge
September 2025: The PUC approves ~$119 million of NV Energy's $216 million rate request, plus an unprecedented daily demand charge for residential and small business customers. Solar net metering calculations changed to 15-minute intervals.
Attorney General and Vote Solar file lawsuits against PUC
October 2025: The AG's Bureau of Consumer Protection and Vote Solar both sue the PUC, arguing the demand charge and net metering changes violate state law.
PUC approves overcharge refund plan
February 2026: The PUC approves NV Energy's refund plan for $63-65.5 million to all affected customers. First checks due within 120 days.
Residential demand charge takes effect
April 2026: NV Energy's controversial daily demand charge begins appearing on Southern Nevada residential and small business bills. Nevada becomes the first state to impose this on residential customers.
PUC upholds demand charge despite public opposition
November 2025: Despite overwhelming public testimony against it, the PUC formally upholds NV Energy's daily demand charge for residential and small business customers.
NV Energy requests delay — too busy processing overcharge refunds
March 10, 2026: NV Energy asks PUC to delay demand charge from April 1 to October 1, saying they need more time for 'customer education' while processing $65.4M in overcharge refunds.
PUC pushes demand charge to January 2027
March 31, 2026: The PUC delays the charge further than NV Energy requested — to January 1, 2027. Staff noted the utility 'has not provided any specific information about its additional customer education.' Public pleaded to cancel it entirely.
Lawmaker declares demand charge illegal, plans legislation
April 2026: Assemblymember David Orentlicher (UNLV law professor) publicly states the charge violates a 2013 law prohibiting time-of-day-based rates. Plans to sponsor fair-rate legislation in the February 2027 session.