PUCNV approves amended NV Energy disaster-protection plan with new technology and Mount Charleston phase

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada on an unrecorded unanimous vote approved a modified amendment to the 2024–2026 joint natural disaster protection plan filed by Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, both doing business as NV Energy.

The commission granted in part and modified other requests in docket 24-12016, approving certain technology investments proposed by NV Energy — including additional weather stations, wildfire cameras and a plan to use AI tools and Palantir Foundry — and recommending that a phase of the Mount Charleston rebuild be advanced for Southern Nevada. Commissioner Cordova also noted discussion in the draft order about a labor resource plan concern.

Why it matters: The plan outlines utility actions intended to reduce risks from weather and wildfire events. Approving technology investments and specific infrastructure actions gives NV Energy regulatory authorization to proceed under the terms set by the commission’s draft order.

Docket details and commission action Docket number 24-12016 is the joint application of Nevada Power Company (doing business as NV Energy) and Sierra Pacific Power Company (doing business as NV Energy) to amend the utilities’ 2024–2026 joint natural disaster protection plan. Commissioner Cordova presented the item and described the draft order before the commission as approving some requests and modifying others. Cordova said the application included proposed technology additions and referenced a labor resource plan concern.

Commissioner Brown, speaking during deliberations, said, “I believe the draft order before us today demonstrates this commission is supportive of the regulated utilities efforts around the natural disaster protection plan and that we recognize the importance of the work to mitigate potentially catastrophic events. The safety and well-being of Nevadans is important to this body, and I'm pleased to support Commissioner Cordova's draft order. Thank you.”

After discussion, Commissioner Cordova moved, “I move that we grant the joint application as modified by the draft order and issue the order.” Chair Haley Williamson seconded the motion. The commission recorded voices of assent and the motion carried.

What the commission discussed - Technology investments: The utilities asked to add weather stations, wildfire cameras and the use of AI capabilities including Palantir Foundry; the draft order approves some of those requests and modifies others (the order text specifies which requests were approved and which were altered). - Labor-resource plan: The draft order contains discussion and modifications related to a labor resource plan; Commissioners noted the concern during deliberations. The transcript does not specify all details of the labor plan or any final numeric commitments. - Mount Charleston: The draft order recommends moving forward with a phase of the Mount Charleston rebuild aimed at bolstering natural-disaster protections in Southern Nevada.

What the commission decided The commission approved the joint application as modified by the draft order and issued the order. The transcript records the motion by Commissioner Cordova, second by Chair Haley Williamson, and recorded “Aye” votes; the final tally was recorded as “Aye. Aye. Motion carries.” The transcript does not provide a roll-call with individual yes/no listings beyond the recorded assent.

Next steps and details not in the record The draft order referenced in the meeting contains the specific modifications the commission made to NV Energy’s requests; the transcript does not quote the full text of the order or provide dollar amounts, timeline specifics, or implementation milestones. The transcript also does not specify which exact technology requests were denied versus approved in modified form. Those details are in the commission’s written order in docket 24-12016.

Provenance (transcript excerpts): - "Item 3 b is docket number 24Dash12016. It is the joint application of Nevada Power Company doing business as NV Energy and Sierra Pacific Power Power Company doing business as NV Energy for approval of the first amendment to their 20 24 to 20 26 joint natural disaster protection plan." (transcript block_8)

- "I move that we grant the joint application as modified by the draft order and issue the order." (transcript block_13)

- "Aye. Aye. Motion carries." (transcript block_14)