Chispa Nevada Disappointed in PUCN’s Decision to Approve Southwest Gas’ Rate Increase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2024 

Media Contact: Carolina Chacon | carolina@chaconconsulting.com | 702-810-7155

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Today, Chispa Nevada reacted to the Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN) decision to approve Southwest Gas’ request to increase Southern Nevada customer rates for the fourth time in six years. 

At a Consumer Session related to the rate increase request last December, dozens of Chispa Nevada members asked the PUCN to reject the Southwest Gas proposal and keep rates affordable for families, especially low-income and Latine families who already pay a higher share of their income on utility bills. Chispa Nevada turned in a petition with over a thousand signatures requesting the PUCN reject any future rate hikes and offer consumers relief. 

“We are deeply disappointed in the PUCN’s decision,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director for Chispa Nevada. “As we shared with the Commission during December’s Consumer Session, our families are struggling to pay for basic needs and cannot afford another rate increase. So long as Nevadans are dependent on imported gas, our bills will continue to be unpredictable. We demand the PUCN reject any more rate increases and seek a transition to local, affordable, clean energy solutions.”

Other Chispa Nevada members, all Las Vegas residents, shared how this rate increase will impact their lives:

“Disproportionate increases in the cost of gas represent an unsustainable burden for people like me, because my pension does not allow me to cover basic expenses,” said Jorge Fuentes. “It is urgent to implement measures that protect vulnerable people such as retirees from unjustified increases. We need programs that are accessible and sustainable.”

“The excessive increase in my gas bill, especially due to my gas heating, is financially affecting families like mine,” said Gloria Guardado. “As a mother, I am deeply concerned about how these increases impact the quality of life of my seven-year-old daughter. I am tired of the PUCN not listening to our demands and forcing Southwest Gas to invest in clean energy.”

“I consider an additional increase in gas service to be unjustified since this would cause much more poverty in communities of color throughout the state of Nevada,” said Laura Pulido Acosta.

“With these high prices for gas utilities, I have to decide whether to take my grandchildren to the dentist or pay my bills,” said Maria Prentice. “The PUCN should listen to our concerns and create programs that help us stay away from methane gas.”

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