NV Energy’s February 2025 request to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) and its recent spending patterns signal multiple rate increases and new charges on the horizon. Here’s a breakdown of what to prepare for—and how you can protect your wallet.

~9% Residential Rate Hike in Early 2026

To recover $215.7 million spent on last summer’s grid upgrades (Silverhawk gas plant, Reid Gardner battery storage, etc.), NV Energy has asked for a 9% increase in residential revenue. Expect your base per‑kWh charge to jump once this is approved and takes effect.

$3.57/Month for Greenlink CWIP

NV Energy also wants to begin collecting Construction‑Work‑In‑Progress (CWIP) costs for the Greenlink transmission line before it’s finished. That adds roughly $3.57 to your monthly bill, rather than waiting five to six years as previously promised.

Low-Income Customer Subsidy

Non-participating households will pick up the tab by eliminating the $18.50 basic service charge for qualifying low-income customers, about $0.42/month at 30% participation. Plus, deferred‑cost interest will inflate that surcharge over time.

New Peak Demand Charge (Likely 2026)

A proposed residential demand charge—designed to discourage heavy simultaneous usage—could tack on additional fees based on your highest 15-minute consumption interval, typically in the late afternoon or evening.

15‑Minute Net‑Metering Credit Changes (Oct 1, 2025)

Rooftop solar customers will see exports and imports netted every 15 minutes instead of once per month. While NV Energy estimates an average impact of $11/month, customers with midday generation and evening loads at high “Time-of-Use” rates could see much more significant bill increases.

Ongoing Annual Rate Requests

Beyond these one-time changes, NV Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan anticipates continuous investment in grid hardening, wildfire mitigation, battery storage, and more. Historically, this has translated into a 3–7% yearly rate increase. However, based on the cost overruns on the Greenlink project, those increases could be substantially more.

Cumulative Impact on Your Electric Bill

• 2026: A 10–12% spike once the 9% rate hike, CWIP surcharge, demand charge, and net‑metering change are combined.
• 2027 & Beyond: Add 3–7% yearly for ongoing capital projects and higher shareholder returns.
• 3–5‑Year Outlook: Your overall electric expenses could rise by 20–30% (or much more if Greenlink costs escalate further and the Integrated Resource Plan adds billions of dollars to meet the energy demand of Southern Nevada).

Strategies to Shield Your Wallet

1. Lock In Net‑Metering
   Apply or finalize your solar interconnection before October 1st to preserve the current monthly net‑metering credit structure.
2. Add Battery Storage
   Store midday solar output and discharge during peak hours (3–6 PM) to avoid buying at top TOU rates.
3. Shift Loads to Daytime
   Run dishwashers, EV chargers, laundry, and other heavy loads while your panels produce.
4. Right‑Size or Slightly Oversize Your Array
   Ensure you generate enough surplus to cover peak‑hour consumption—even after 15-minute netting.
5. Engage in PUCN Dockets
   Monitor rate‑case filings and voice your concerns at public hearings or via written comments.

Bottom Line

NV Energy’s proposed changes transform today’s straightforward net‑metering and flat rates into a complex mix of surcharges, interval billing, and demand charges that disproportionately impact “export only” solar systems. Proactive steps—solar, storage, and load shifting—are now essential to preserve your savings and achieve true energy independence. After October 1^st, expensive storage batteries will be required to realize the full benefits of a solar energy system. Hot Summer temperatures on the way in, net metering is on the way out. Now is the time to secure energy independence.

Energy Independence Starts with an Honest Conversation.
Interested in a personalized cost‑impact analysis or battery/storage sizing?
Contact Matt Kreuz
📱 702‑216‑1212 | ✉️ solar@mattkreuz.com.com

Protect your energy future—take advantage of current net metering billing before the October 1st deadline.