Southwest Gas Holdings Backs Nevada's SB 417 for Utility Rate Modernization
- Southwest Gas supports Senate Bill 417, which modernizes natural gas utility rate proposals in Nevada.
- The legislation enables alternative ratemaking plans, allowing for more efficient and predictable utility billing.
- CEO Karen Haller highlights SB 417's potential to improve service delivery and attract investments for state growth.
Legislative Progress: Southwest Gas Supports New Rate Modernization Bill in Nevada
Southwest Gas Corporation expresses robust support for the recent signing of Senate Bill 417 (SB 417) by Governor Lombardo, which aims to modernize the framework for proposing and reviewing natural gas utility rates in Nevada. This pivotal legislation allows Southwest Gas to introduce alternative ratemaking plans through the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN). The provisions of SB 417 include the implementation of formula rates, multi-year rate plans, and performance-based rates, all designed to make utility billing more predictable and efficient. By reducing administrative costs and the frequency of rate cases, the bill paves the way for more timely recovery of infrastructure investments, ultimately benefiting the customers with potential savings.
Karen Haller, CEO of Southwest Gas Holdings, emphasizes the importance of this legislation, noting that Nevada accounts for 35% of their authorized rate base. She articulates that the enhancements brought by SB 417 will not only facilitate better service delivery but also attract further investments, crucial for supporting the state's economic growth. The legislative changes are poised to uphold customer interests by implementing strict safeguards that require utilities to prove that any proposed plans are aligned with customers' best interests. This ensures just and reasonable rates while upholding a commitment to public welfare and transparency in utility management.
Amy Timperley, Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer at Southwest Gas, highlights the balanced approach of this new legislation, which combines flexibility with operational efficiency while emphasizing consumer protection. She reiterates the importance of transparency throughout the process, ensuring that customers remain informed and engaged as the utility navigates these changes. Haller expresses gratitude to Governor Lombardo and the Nevada Legislature for their collaborative efforts in advancing SB 417, reinforcing a shared commitment to maintaining reliable, affordable, and customer-focused energy services.
In addition to the legislative developments, Southwest Gas continues its dedication to providing safe and reliable energy services to over 2 million customers across Arizona, Nevada, and California. The company remains focused on enhancing customer experience through innovative solutions and robust infrastructure investments. For further information on their initiatives, stakeholders can visit their website at www.swgas.com.