55°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

Valley Electric Association in favor of Energy Choice Initiative

With talk of Energy Choice Initiative, or Question 3, ramping up ahead of the Nov. 8 vote, companies and people alike are giving their public position on the ballot measure that wants to deregulate electrical service in Nevada.

The measure must pass the statewide ballot in November and then again in 2018, to amend the Nevada Constitution as to the right for customers’ choice when it comes to their energy provider and the ability to generate their own power and sell it to others.

The ballot measure recommends the Nevada Legislature pass laws authorizing a free and competitive electricity market by mid-2023.

A “yes” vote supports changing the Constitution; a “no” vote keeps it the system as is.

One of the power entities in the state making their support public for the initiative is Valley Electric Association, Inc.

VEA’s board of directors voted unanimously for Question 3, as it would introduce retail choice in Nevada.

Behind VEA’s governing board support of the measure is technology changing the electric business, and with various options for rooftop solar and other forms of distributed generation, customers already have significant choices when sourcing their energy, according to VEA.

Technology and communications are pressing the state in the direction of a smart decentralized grid, meaning that customers being free to choose their means of electricity should present itself in the future.

Instead of older models featuring a centralized, monopolistic utility, the board stated that VEA should be looking for ways to best serve its members in a new, technology-driven world.

In support of the motion, VEA board secretary David Dawson stated that variety will be key in the future of the electric utility market.

“If consumers want choice in their service providers, VEA, a cooperative owned and accountable to its member-owners, has a responsibility to help its members achieve that goal, not to stand in the way,” Dawson said.

The board is confident that VEA would thrive in a retail-choice environment, by offering necessary distribution and communications services to its members, and relaying its expertise and cooperative model to remain the energy supplier of choice for many Nevadans.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.

Second Source donation for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Nye County Sleep in Heavenly Peace is now better off thanks to a second donation from The Source dispensary’s Round Up program.

Beatty riled by sheriff’s substation closure

Lone staffer will be relocated to Pahrump to help with workload there; be onsite in Beatty just once a month.

Sales tax question headed to the ballot

Road conditions in the Pahrump Valley are a sore point for many drivers as well as a source of frustration for the crews dedicated to maintaining them but with only so many road dollars to go around, it can be hard to keep pace with the demand.