NV Energy's Gas Plant Plans Spark Scrutiny from Conservation Groups
NV Energy's plans to build three new natural gas plants in Nevada are under scrutiny from conservation groups. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will hold a hearing on September 22 to discuss the utility's Integrated Resource Plan, which requires data centers to pay for any infrastructure needed to support them.
According to NV Energy's filing with the commission, data centers will account for about 64% of the utility's total sales statewide by 2046. The proposed gas plants are expected to cost around $6 billion, and conservation groups want regulators to require NV Energy to shield customers from these costs.
Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, deputy director of the Nevada Conservation League, argues that ratepayers should not be stuck with the bill for big energy projects. She suggests that NV Energy invest more in renewables and make it easier for homeowners and renters to have rooftop or balcony solar panels, which would lower demand on the grid and reduce the need for new generation.