
Two Las Vegas residents have launched a class action lawsuit against utility NV Energy following recent moves to restrict net metering payments to solar customers in the state.
Both plaintiffs, John Bamforth and Stanley Schone, maintain that they would not have invested in their PV systems had they known that the programme would be scaled back.
Try Premium for just $1
- Full premium access for the first month at only $1
- Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
- Cancel anytime during the trial period
Premium Benefits
- Expert industry analysis and interviews
- Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
- Exclusive event discounts
Or get the full Premium subscription right away
Or continue reading this article for free
At the end of 2015 the Nevada Public Utilities Commission voted in favour of a plan which would limit payments made by NV Energy under its net metering programme.
The move prompted widespread outrage and forced leading US installer SolarCity to make a high-profile exit from the state.
A lawsuit filed on 12 January alleged that NV Energy conspired to “unlawfully reduce the incentives provided via the Solar Program, increasing base rates or service charges only for solar customers in order to reduce competition and increase their own revenues”.
It said the two plaintiffs were seeking recompense because they had invested in “expensive solar power systems that do not provide the promised rebates, discounts and rates”.