CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — NV Energy says it wants to allow customers who already have solar panels to keep more favorable rates for up to 20 years.
The company issued a statement on its plan Monday, just after regulators at the Nevada Public Utilities Commission voted to further discuss the possibility of "grandfathering" existing customers into lower rates.
Commissioners approved new rates effective Jan. 1 that raise a base service charge and lower reimbursements for solar panel users who sell excess energy back to the utility.
Commissioners say it phases out subsidies traditional customers pay to support about 17,000 solar customers.
Solar panel owners say they're angry because their pricey solar installations will now take much longer to pay off.
NV Energy says its proposal will balance the interests of solar and traditional customers.