SolarCity CEO: Governor Sandoval’s PUC Owes Nevadans the Truth about Decision to Kill Rooftop Solar

Last week the Nevada Public Utilities Commission chose to ignore hours of testimony from solar customers and workers, begging them to delay their decision to end rooftop solar in Nevada. As I’ve said before, the decision was a massive bait and switch. After encouraging thousands of Nevadans to go solar, the government dramatically increased their costs after the fact. Even worse, the Public Utilities Commission continues to hide the real impact of the decision from Nevadans.

Commissioner Noble misled the public when he said the impact on customers would be $1.68 per month. The real impact is more than 25X greater than that—the average Nevada Power solar customer will have to pay NV Energy about $11,000 more over the next 20 years. As a result of the ruling, Nevadans will receive a lower payment for the solar power they generate than anyone else in the world, and Nevada Power will turn around and sell the electricity solar customers produce to their neighbors at a 400% higher price.

Before the PUC ruling, Nevadans were beginning to have more choice and control over who provided their electricity and where it came from. Now Nevadans have no choice—they must use electricity from NV Energy or be punished with higher costs and fees.

I have promised SolarCity’s Nevada employees and customers that I will continue to fight for them. I believe when they hear and understand the facts, all Nevadans will join the fight against this unfair decision. This Governor and his commissioners will hear more from all of us in the coming days. Stay tuned.