• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nevada Business Magazine

The Decision Maker's Magazine

Subscribe Now!

  • Subscriptions
    • Print
    • Mobile App
    • Email
    • Nevada News & PR Wire
  • Features
    • New This Month
    • View Issues
    • Cover Stories
    • Feature Stories
    • Industry Focus
    • Building Nevada
    • Special Reports
    • Meet the Decision Maker
    • Press Release Wire
    • Nevada Industries
  • Departments
    • A Matter of Opinion
    • Around the State
    • Business Indicators
    • Commentary
    • Commercial RE Report
    • Crossfire
    • Expert Advice
    • Face to Face
    • Free Market Watch
    • Inside Politics
    • Power of Attorney
    • Profit & Loss
    • Speaking for Nevada
    • Tech.knowledge.me
    • The Last Word
    • Vital Signs
  • Planning Calendar
  • Advertising
    • Advertising Info
    • Advertising Staff
    • Submission Requirements
    • Online Advertising
  • Events
    • NBM Events
  • About
    • About the Magazine
    • Contact the Staff
  • Connect
    • Business Directory
    • Press Release Wire
    • Business Calendar
    • Submit Listing
    • Post Press Release
    • Add Your Event
    • Sign Up
    • Log In
You are here: Home / Departments / Crossfire / Question 3 Nevada: A Nevada Constitutional Amendment on Energy

Question 3 Nevada: A Nevada Constitutional Amendment on Energy

September 1, 2018 By Nevada Business Mag Leave a Comment

One of the questions on this November’s ballot, Question 3, will address energy in Nevada. A proposed constitutional amendment, the question must be approved in two consecutive election years. Having passed in 2016, this is the second time it’s appeared on the ballot.

The question reads: “Shall Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to require the Legislature to provide by law for the establishment of an open, competitive retail electric energy market that prohibits the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity?”

Nevada Business Magazine asked both sides to state why they oppose or support Question 3. The responses follow.

Why do you oppose Question 3?

by the Coalition to Defeat Question 3

Question 3 is a constitutional amendment on this November’s statewide ballot that would raise our electricity rates, eliminate consumer protections, and lock a risky experiment into our state constitution. The deeply flawed ballot measure would force Nevada to dismantle its current regulated electricity system – one of the most reliable and affordable in the nation – and replace it with a new, unknown system established by the legislature and the courts.

The reality is we do not know what we are voting on with the extremely vague wording of this ballot measure. The proponents have not provided any details or instructions on how Nevada’s new electricity system would be set up or function.

Because Question 3 contains ambiguous and contradictory language, it would spark significant legal challenges and court battles over its implementation. This uncertainty would slow investments into Nevada’s energy infrastructure, hurting economic development and jeopardizing thousands of good-paying jobs.

Question 3 would also make Nevada the first and only state to deregulate its electricity system through a constitutional amendment, locking this risky experiment into Nevada’s Constitution. When things go wrong, it would take at least four years and multiple legislative sessions to repeal it from our state constitution.

Many states1 – including Nevada in the late 1990s – tried unsuccessfully to deregulate their electricity systems. It resulted in significantly higher electricity prices, less reliable service, rolling blackouts, spikes in customer complaints, and predatory marketing scams that target seniors and consumers on low and fixed incomes.

Question 3 would cost Nevada consumers billions. According to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN)2 dismantling our existing electricity system would cost consumers at least $4 billion. That’s because the state’s major energy provider, NV Energy, would be forced to divest its generating facilities and power plants. Nevada ratepayers would remain liable for any financial losses incurred for these stranded costs.

The PUCN also found that implementation of Question 3 would result in upwards of $100 million in new start-up costs, and more than $45 million in new annual operating and maintenance costs, money that would come directly out of the pockets of residential customers and small businesses in the form of higher electricity rates and higher taxes.

For example, residential customers in southern Nevada could see a monthly increase of up to $28, and some northern Nevada commercial customers facing a nearly $370 per month increase for at least a decade.

Today, Nevada’s average electricity rates are already lower than all 14 deregulated states. In fact, in those deregulated states, average residential electricity rates are 30% higher than Nevada’s.

Question 3 would damage Nevada’s renewable energy sector3 and would eliminate Nevada’s current rooftop solar program.

If passed, Question 3 would eliminate Nevada’s existing rooftop solar program. Both the PUCN and the Guinn Center4 found there are no guarantees that rooftop solar customers would continue to receive favorable net-metering rates for electricity returned to the grid under Question 3.

Question 3 would also cancel an unprecedented plan to double renewable energy production in Nevada by 2023. Question 3 would shut down six new solar projects that would create more than 1,700 construction jobs and generate 1001 megawatts of renewable energy. That’s enough new clean energy to power 600,000 Nevada homes.

There are many reasons why it’s been nearly 20 years since any state has taken the risk of implementing a system like the one Question 3 proposes. We are urging all Nevadans to look carefully into the facts and vote No on Question 3.

Why do you support Question 3?

by Yes on Question 3

Warren Buffett, the owner of NV Energy, once said that, “Energy deregulation will be the largest transfer of wealth in history.”5 That was before he said owning utilities isn’t “a way to get rich, it’s a way to stay rich.”6 And while energy choice is most accurately referred to as restructuring (deregulation implies the absence of regulation), is it any wonder why NV Energy is spending $30 million to protect their monopoly?

Lower power bills, more renewable energy and more jobs. All will come to Nevada upon passage of the Energy Choice Initiative in November, otherwise known as Question 3.

Question 3 is a constitutional measure that very simply does two things. First, it bans the electric generation monopoly in Nevada and second, it requires the legislature to provide for an open, competitive electricity market by July 1, 2023.

Competition simply lowers prices, even in energy markets. According to data from the Energy Information Administration, the 14 energy choice jurisdictions in which almost one-third of Americans live saw prices fall 14 percent between 2008 and 2015 while monopoly states’ prices rose 5 percent in that same time frame.7 A study presented before the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice found Nevada ratepayers would see a net benefit of more than $1.1 billion by 2023.8 That equates to savings of $11.16 a month on bills before competitive pricing is even included.

The chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission estimates that consumers in energy choice states have saved $324 billion dollars on their power bills from 2008 to 2017 as a result of competition.9 According to a 2016 study from Cleveland State University, energy choice saved consumers in Ohio an average of $3 billion per year, for a total of $15 billion over five years.10 In Pennsylvania, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, energy competition saved residential customers $818 million in 2016 alone.11 Warren Buffett was right: energy competition is a huge transfer of wealth from the monopoly to us.

Having the option to choose your energy provider means choosing the type of plan that works best for you. Want 100 percent renewable energy? There will be plans available for that, just as there are in other jurisdictions around the country. According to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, renewable energy plans were ‘the most widely offered innovative product’ available to residential customers following energy restructuring ‘by far’.12

At its core, the Energy Choice Initiative is about unleashing Nevada’s renewable energy potential. Consumers will drive the new market and because consumers are demanding renewable energy, that will spur the demand for building those projects right here in Nevada. Consider the data center provider Switch, one of the primary backers of Question 3 and a company who has already exited NV Energy. They have announced they are building 1,000 megawatts of solar energy at a 50 percent discount than what you would have to pay NV Energy to get 100 percent renewable energy today. Other major companies like MGM, Wynn and Caesars have also left NV Energy and have announced solar projects of their own to power their businesses at major savings over the current monopoly utility. Bill Ellard, the chair of economics for the American Solar Energy Society, said, “The utilities are not negative on solar, they are negative on you controlling your own electricity.”

A study done by Nevada-based economist John Restrepo found that because of the demand for building more renewables, Nevada could see an increase of up to 34,080 new clean energy jobs by 2033 as a result of passing Question 3, more than doubling Nevada’s current job total in that sector.13

In November, vote Yes on Question 3 for lower bills, more renewable energy and more jobs.

Sources

  1. Are Consumers Benefiting from Competition?: An Analysis of the Individual Residential Electric Supply Market in Massachusetts by Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, March 2018; Electricity Prices Expected to Skyrocket this Summer by L.M. Sixel, Houston Chronicle, June 11, 2018; Regulators Blast Electricity Providers for Deception by L.M. Sixel, Houston Chronicle, June 28, 2018; Regulators Seek Default Pricing on Monthly Utility Bills by Jeffrey Tomich, E & E News, Illinois, July 5, 2018
  2. Energy Choice Initiative Final Report by Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, April 2018
  3. Clean Energy Advocates Oppose Nevada Ballot Question 3, Sierra Club Press Release, July 26, 2018
  4. Restructuring the Electricity Market in Nevada?: Possibilities, Prospects and Pitfalls by the Guinn Center, 2018
  5.  “AZQuotes.com”, Accessed 7/27/2018
  6. Who Owns the Sun? by Noah Buhayar, Bloomberg Businessweek, January 28, 2016
  7. Electricity Customer Choice Outperforms Traditional Monopoly by Wayne Kuipers and Laura Chappelle, UtilityDive.com, August 23, 2016
  8. Conflicting Reports Underline Tough Path for Preparing for Energy Choice Ballot Question by Riley Snyder, Nevada Independent, May 10, 2018
  9. Coalition Fights for Energy Choice in Florida by Alex Crees, Choose Energy, January 12, 2018
  10. Electricity Choice in Ohio: How Competition has Outperformed Traditional Monopoly Regulation, Cleveland State University, November 2016
  11. A Case Study of Electric Competition Results in Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, October 28, 2016
  12.  A Case Study of Electric Competition Results in Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, October 28, 2016
  13.  Job Analysis & Forecast: Yes on Question 3 by RCG Economics, October 2016

Filed Under: Crossfire Tagged With: Coalition to Defeat Question 3, Las Vegas business, Nevada business, Reno business, Yes on Question 3

Paul Krakovitz: Intermountain Healthcare

Edward Vance: EV&A Architects

Scott Arkills: Silver State Schools Credit Union

Tonya Ruby: Cox Media Las Vegas

Online Advertorials

Online Advertorials

Roseman’s College of MedicineAddressing the Physician Workforce Shortage while Being a Positive Economic Driver

Groundbreaking LawRequires Businesses Replace Decorative Grass

The Southern NevadaEvaporative Cooling Issue

New Law Targets Turf in Southern NevadaWill Save 10 Percent of Water Supply

Advertise With Us

Advertise With Us. more details ►

Primary Sidebar

Get important updates from Nevada Business Magazine, directly to your inbox.
Subscribe

Keep WatchFinancing in Nevada

Industry FocusProperty Management

Transportation in NevadaChallenges and Opportunities

Nevada Business Awards2022

Nevada News & PR Wire

  • Southwest Medical Adds Two New Health Care Providers

  • Polish Consulate To Host Slask, A World Renown Polish Dance Ensemble At CSN For A Free Performance

  • Reno Fly Shop Becomes Reno’s First Orvis Endorsed Outfitter

  • Greater Nevada Credit Union Awards $60K in Higher Education Scholarships

  • G8 Strategies Wins Silver Communicator Award for Print Distinction

  • Siena Italian Now Offering Private Dining And Banquet Room For Graduation Parties

  • Elite Body Sculpture Opens New Location in Henderson

  • Reset IV Expanding Again in 2022

  • Nevada Affordable Housing Assistance Corporation Announces Additional Available Funding for Homeowners in Need

  • Henderson Chamber of Commerce to Host Networking Breakfast Highlighting Equity &Amp; Inclusion in Business

  • Special Olympics Nevada Receives $5K Donation From Health and Wellness Solutions Company, GOLO

  • Three Southwest Medical Specialties Newly Recognized as Nevada’s Only Patient-Centered Specialty Practices by the National Committee for Quality Assurance

  • Clark County School District Expanding Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program With $100,000 From Google

  • Optum Care Anesthesia Adds a New Health Care Provider

  • Ninth Grader’s Dinosaur Design Chosen for New Move 4 Less Truck Wrap — Surprise Reveal Made at Student’s School, Prizes Awarded —

  • People Over Profit Foundation & Silver State Schools Credit Union Announces 2022 Scholarship Program Recipients

  • CSN Awards More Than 4,200 Degree at 50th Annual Commencement Ceremony

  • Bank of Nevada, First Independent Bank, Green Our Planet and Nevada Department of Education Make Financial Literacy Curriculum Available to Every Nevada Student

  • Fort 137 Designed by Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd. Recognized as Finalist in International 2022 A+Awards for Architecture and Interior Design

  • De Castroverde Law Group Expands Service With Henderson Location

  • CALV Attracts Record Interest in Spring Mixer

  • Owner of Emerald Island and Rainbow Club Casinos Receives Prestigious Accolade by The Silver State Awards

  • Charlie Palmer’s Pigs & Pinot Returns to the Grand Sierra Resort June 11

  • The Nevada Dairy Farmers Culinary Scholarship Deadline Extended

  • Trosper Public Relations in Nevada Promotes From Within

  • Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Annual “A Flair for Care” Fashion Show & Luncheon Raised More than $500,000 for the Hospice’s Uncompensated Care Program

  • Optum Care to Hold On-Site Hiring Event May 17

  • The Discovery Introduces New Exhibition: Energy/Energía

  • Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Makes Major Contribution to the Children’s Cabinet

  • What’s New for the 2022 Reno Rodeo

  • CALVPresident Angelina Scarcelli Honored by GlobeSt.com Women of Influence

  • Henderson Professional Fire Fighters, Henderson Hospital and City of Henderson Kick off “Safe Pools Rule!” Campaign

  • Applied Analysis Announces Management Promotions and Returning Team Member

  • May 26 NAIOP Southern Nevada Breakfast Presents “Nevada Elections and Politics: Midterm Update”

  • Henderson Chamber of Commerce Promotes Events Manager

  • Tee Off for a Great Cause at United Way of Southern Nevada’s 65TH Anniversary Golf United Tournament

  • Attorney General Ford Cautions Nevadans to Be on the Lookout for Credit Union, Bank Imposter Scams

  • Cox Donates Laptops to Intermountain Healthcare’s Medical Assistant Training Program

  • Nathan Adelson Hospice Announces Staff Promotions

  • Las Vegas-Based Social Issues Theatre Hosts Fundraiser to Support Mental Wellness and Community Unity

  • State Child and Family Services Issues Discount Cards in Honor of Foster Care Month

  • CSN Celebrates Its 50th Commencement Ceremony

  • More Prizes Added to Golden Ticket Raffle for Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada — Six Fabulous Packages, May 31 Drawing —

  • Local Businesses Partner with Project 150 to Launch After School Program, ‘A Fighting Chance,’ for Homeless, Displaced and Disadvantaged High School Students

  • Helix Electric of Nevada to Host Charity Spring Golf Tournament

  • Camp Rhino Trainers And Members To Transport Heavy Equipment Manually To New Location

  • LP Insurance Names Marsh HR Director

  • Crovetti Orthopaedics Welcomes Board Certified Jennifer D’Andrea, APRN to Medical Team

  • Nevada Donor Network &Latin Chamber of Commerce of Nevada Launch ‘Corazon de Esperanza’ Latino Donor Outreach Campaign

  • Local Diver to Appear on the Problem Solver Show to Discuss the Search for Human Remains in Lake Mead

  • Calv Presents June 2 Class on Land Sales

  • Ira Gostin to Lead Creative Innovation Workshop at PRSA Counselors Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz.

  • Touchstone Living Breaks Ground On Independence Offering Attainable Homes For First-Time Homebuyers

  • aha! On Course to Complete 1,500 Flights

  • FirstMed Health and Wellness Center Partners with Transit Centers to Combat Human Trafficking in Southern Nevada

  • Rudy Ruettiger to Speak at Northern Nevada Italian Association Annual Fundraising Dinner May 19

  • Southwest Medical Adds Two New Health Care Providers

  • Optum Care Cancer Care Adds a New Provider

  • Elko REALTOR® Greg Martin Appointed to Key 2023 Position With National Association Of REALTORS®

  • Local Dentists Provide Free Care to Uninsured Children at Give Kids a Smile Event

  • Laine Blackmon Joins Blackmon Home Loans and NV Capital Corporation as Loan Officer

  • Cross Creek, a 197-Home Community at the Historic Lompa Ranch, Opens in Carson City

  • Dr. Catherine Prato Introduces NuseMuse a New Web-Based Study Platform Is Built for Nursing Students by Nurses!

  • UNLV Engineering Students Showcased Inventions With Commercial Potential at Senior Design Competition on May 5

  • Tom Clark Solutions Chosen as Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce Lobbyist of Record

  • Southern Nevada Home Prices Keep Climbing While Sales Start to Slide

  • Lipson Neilson Partner Jessica A. Green Appointed Interim Hearing Master for the Las Vegas Municipal Court

  • The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges To Hold 85th Annual Conference in Northern Nevada

  • United Way of Southern Nevada Welcomes New Director of Fund Development and Donor Relationships

  • Henderson Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Wins U.S. Small Business Administration Award Recognition

  • Taurean Consulting Group Promotes Brianda Barrett to Technical Recruiter

  • Sunset Montessori Community Announces 2022 Summer Camps

  • OurFamilyWizard Joins National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges With Corporate Sponsorship

  • Natalie Gulbis Golf Classic to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada — Foursome and Sponsor Opportunities Still Available for May 16 Event —

  • Celebrate Mother’s Day at Emerald Island and Rainbow Club Casinos

  • aha! Announces New Non-stop Service Between Reno and Santa Rosa

  • Henderson Chamber of Commerce Announces Two-Year Rate Lock for Association Health Plans During 2022 Open Enrollment

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame & SilverSummit Healthplan Focus on Student Mental Health & Suicide Prevention at ‘Strong Youth Strong Communities’ Youth Summits

  • Siena Italian Now Taking Reservations For Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner

  • Mariposa Cocina And Cocktails Launches Cinco De Mayo Celebration!

  • Is Your Business Prepared for Cyber Attacks? iTernal Networks’ Free Upcoming Webinar “Why Your Company Needs a Cyber Security Risk Assessment” – May 12th 1 pm PDT

  • Cox and Manheim Nevada Help Launch Cox “34 by 2034” Social Initiative

  • Southern Nevada Senior Law Program Spreads Awareness of Older Americans Month

  • Asset Tracking Maker, SeeID Wins $200,000 Investment From AngelNV

  • Broadbent & Associates, Inc. Awarded 2022 Nevada Wastewater Circuit Rider Contract

  • CAMCO Promotes Tabitha Gerken to Division Director of Its Southern Nevada Portfolio Division

  • LVGEA President & CEO Tina Quigley Joins the Workforce Connections Board

  • Six Nevada-Based Startups to Vie for $200,000 AngelNV Investment This Saturday Afternoon at Las Vegas City Hall

  • Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas’ Sandy Ridge Campus Ranked in the Top 5 of Best High Schools in Nevada by U.S. News & World Report

  • Nevada State Bank Branches Collecting Feminine Hygiene Products and Gently Used Purses for Local Nonprofit

  • Celebrate Older Americans Month ‘The Reno Way’ Throughout May

  • Pro Football Hall of Famers & SilverSummit Healthplan Visit Metro Police Officers

  • Nevada Donor Network and Clark County Commission: Welcome to Las Vegas Sign Turns Blue and Green to Celebrate National Donate Life Month ‘Blue and Green Day’

  • Tonopah High School Students in J4NG Discover Career Paths at Kinross Nevada

  • Chicanos Por La Causa Celebrates Grand Opening of New Las Vegas Office and Minority Business Development Agency Center with Local Leaders

  • SafeNest Spring Soiree Will Celebrate Kentucky Derby Day, Raise Funds for Critical Survivor Services and Programs

  • Dunkin’® Debuts Vibrant Flavors, Delicious New Ingredients & the Return of Fan Favorites to Make the Most of Sunnier Days Ahead

  • Thrive Wellness Expands Specialized Mental Health Treatment Centers

  • Kara Harris Joins Business Banking Team at First Independent Bank

  • SR Construction Named Design-Build General Contractor For The Hyde Park Commercial Redevelopment Project



 
Submit Your News & PR | Subscribe
Submit Your News & PR

Business Connection

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Nevada Business Calendar

  • Golden Ticket Raffle
    May 31, 2022 12:00 am

    More details...
  • Nevada Workforce: Training, Hiring and Managing Employees
    June 2, 2022 7:30 am

    Location: 6635 West Badura Ave, 180, Las Vegas, NV 89118

    More details...
View Full Calendar ►

Nevada Business Directory

Featured Businesses
Find a Nevada-Based Business Submit Your Business Subscribe to the Nevada News & PR Wire

Nevada Industries

Architects & Engineers
Arts & Culture
Banking
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Credit Unions
Economic Development
Education
Financial Management
Healthcare
Human Resources
Insurance
Law
Manufacturing
Marketing
Media
Mining
Philanthropy
Residential Real Estate
Rural Nevada
Sports
Tax Planning and Accounting
Technology
Telecom
Tourism
Transportation
Utilities

Footer

Subscriptions

  • Print Subscription
  • Mobile App
  • E-mail Subscription

Editorial

  • Features
  • Departments
  • Events

Advertising

  • Advertise
  • Submission Requirements

Connect

  • Contact
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022, Business Link LLC dba Nevada Business Magazine and Nevada Business Journal. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Nevada Web Design services by Nevada Central Media using Genesis Framework by StudioPress

    *Your Name

    *Your Email

    Phone Number

    Company

    *Subject

    *Your Message

      *Your Name

      *Your Email

      Phone Number

      Company

      *Subject

      *Your Message

        *Your Name

        *Your Email

        Phone Number

        Company

        *Subject

        *Your Message

          *Your Name

          *Your Email

          Phone Number

          Company

          *Subject

          *Your Message

            *Your Name

            *Your Email

            Phone Number

            Company

            *Subject

            *Your Message

              *Your Name

              *Your Email

              Phone Number

              Company

              *Subject

              *Your Message

                *Your Name

                *Your Email

                Phone Number

                Company

                *Subject

                *Your Message

                  *Your Name

                  *Your Email

                  Phone Number

                  Company

                  *Subject

                  *Your Message

                    *Your Name

                    *Your Email

                    Phone Number

                    Company

                    *Subject

                    *Your Message