PUCNV approves order in rooftop solar complaint, directs NV Energy to address interconnection timing in stakeholder rulemaking

At its March 25, 2025 meeting, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved a draft order in docket 24-03026 (Chris Banda v. Nevada Power Company, doing business as NV Energy) concerning delays and procedures for reconnecting rooftop solar systems.

Commissioner Samuel Cordova, who presented the item, said the complaint raised "some valid concerns," and described NV Energy’s interconnection process for net energy metering (NEM) customers as "confusing and inconsistent and could be improved for customer transparency and efficiency." The order approved by the commission recommends that NV Energy include consideration of timeliness and clarity for NEM interconnections in an existing stakeholder process to update Rule 15 in the Triennial IRP docket (referred to in the record as "docket number 20 four-five 41").

The draft order also states that, based on the facts in this matter, the commission lacks authority to direct compensatory damages to the complainant. "The draft order also finds that the commission has no authority to direct compensatory damages based on the facts in this matter," Cordova said during his presentation.

Cordova moved to approve the proposed order; Chair Haley Williamson seconded the motion. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor; the motion carried.

Why it matters: The commission’s direction asks NV Energy to consider procedural and timing improvements for rooftop solar interconnections as part of a broader stakeholder rulemaking, rather than imposing an immediate, case-specific remedy. The decision leaves open any separate regulatory or legislative remedies for damages because the commission concluded it lacked authority to award compensatory payments in this docket.

What was said and what happened: Commissioner Cordova summarized the complaint and said multiple meetings and written submissions were in the record. He recommended folding interconnection-timeliness topics into the existing Rule 15 stakeholder process connected to the Triennial IRP docket referenced in the record. Commissioner Brown had no questions and thanked Cordova for streamlining the matter. The motion to issue the draft order passed on a voice vote of aye from the commissioners present.

Next steps and limits: The commission did not set a specific timeline in the meeting for when NV Energy must propose or implement changes; the approved order directs NV Energy to address the issue in the ongoing stakeholder process. The order, as approved, does not award damages to the complainant.