The very existence of an exit fee is controversial, because customers wouldn’t be looking elsewhere if NV Energy provided cost-competitive electricity. The exit fee, determined by the PUC, is supposed to compensate NV Energy for any increased costs the utility would incur as a result of the customer leaving. The state Legislature has granted customers an out clause from NV Energy, but has authorized the PUC to assess discretionary exit fees on those who leave.

The PUC, in turn, is supposed to act as a watchdog on behalf of individuals and businesses that purchase power from NV Energy and is supposed to ensure NV Energy, owned by billionaire Nebraska stock speculator Buffett, does not take advantage of its near-monopoly status to put its customers at a disadvantage.

In return for being granted a near-monopoly under Nevada law, NV Energy must subject its major business decisions to the approval of the PUC. This brings up a question: Why is the Nevada Public Utilities Commission giving away the candy store to out-of-state (and misnamed) NV Energy while vindictively sticking it to Nevada’s largest job creator? Nevada’s public utilities watchdog appears to be refereeing the impasse between Warren Buffett-owned NV Energy and several Nevada casinos with the expertise and objectivity of a professional wrestling referee. NV Energy (David Becker/Las Vegas Review-Journal file)

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