CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada regulators are denying requests to suspend controversial new rates for rooftop solar power customers.
The Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously against the request Wednesday after about six hours of testimony from rooftop solar customers and advocates who urged them to stop the increase.
Rooftop solar companies say they've laid off hundreds of employees and stopped selling panels in Nevada because of the hike that took effect Jan. 1.
Commissioners said they were sympathized with the laid-off workers. But they also suggested solar companies were partly to blame for selling panels to thousands in recent months while apparently not warning people they could see big changes in their bill in the new year.
The rates aim to correct a cost-shift that has traditional energy customers subsidizing about 17,000 solar customers.