Following PSOM event confusion, commission directs staff to consult with NV Energy and stakeholders

Elko County emergency manager Lee Cavness reviewed coordination efforts during a projected Nevada Energy public‑safety outage management (PSOM) event that was ultimately canceled. Cavness and others said county emergency management learned of details after public announcements went out and that the county needs earlier, more granular information (customer maps, critical‑facility isolations and de‑identified Green Cross data for customers with medical power needs) to manage consequences effectively.

Cavness told the board he would like NV Energy to "isolate NNRH and our other healthcare facilities from effective measure so that they can keep the healthcare facilities, the Highland Manor, the hospital energized," and asked for earlier access to customer‑facing information and a more detailed incident decision matrix that aligns with NWS/NOAA forecasts. Residents said planned outages threaten rural wells and medical needs, and one public commenter accused NV Energy of diverting funds to political donations rather than infrastructure improvements.

Commissioners moved to direct staff (Lee Cavness) to consult with NV Energy and other stakeholders — including the county district attorney's office and Spring Creek Association — and return with recommended resolutions or actions; the motion passed by voice vote. NV Energy's government‑relations representative offered to coordinate follow‑up meetings with the county.