Key facts
- Protesters disrupted a speech by NV Energy President and CEO Brandon Barkhuff at the Edison Electric Institute conference.
- Protesters demanded the cancellation of a daily demand charge for NV Energy customers slated for January 1, 2027.
- The Public Utility Commission of Nevada approved a demand charge and new rate design for NV Energy customers in southern Nevada.
- NV Energy stated the daily demand charge will lower bills for the majority of its southern Nevada customers.
- Protesters argue the demand charge is a financial threat and a form of air conditioning rationing during extreme heat.
Protesters disrupted a speech by NV Energy President and CEO Brandon Barkhuff at the Edison Electric Institute 2026 conference in Las Vegas, voicing anger over soaring electricity prices and a new daily demand charge set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The protesters, including members of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and the United Ratepayers coalition, demanded the cancellation of the charge and action on clean energy. NV Energy stated that the daily demand charge, based on peak usage, is critical to prevent cost shifting and will lower bills for most customers in southern Nevada, estimating an increase of about 49 cents per day. However, organizers like Leslie Vega argued that the charge is a matter of survival, especially in Las Vegas's extreme heat, and that shifting usage is unrealistic. The Public Utility Commission of Nevada had previously approved the demand charge and a new rate design, despite advice from its own economists and engineers against it. The Edison Electric Institute acknowledged public frustration over energy bills and stated its commitment to lowering customer costs.