Commercial, Energy Procurement, Utilities, Commercial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  July 19, 2016

Reno resort joins group of Nevada casinos looking to unbundle utility service

Las Vegas-based utility NV Energy Inc. may be on its way to losing another large power customer. 

Another Nevada casino — the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno — is asking state regulators for permission to stop buying power from the company, the Las Vegas Sun reported July 18. 

The move follows attempts by four Las Vegas-based large electricity customers of the utility to unbundle their service and purchase power from alternative suppliers and has reportedly fueled speculation that a number of other Reno casinos may follow suit.

The Peppermill is operated by Peppermill Casinos Inc.; NV Energy subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Las Vegas-based data center company Switch earlier this month filed suit against NV Energy and the Nevada Public Utilities Commission alleging deceptive trade practices, fraud, civil conspiracy, conspiracy to commit fraud, negligence and gross negligence related to the PUC's decision to reject Switch's request to stop buying power from the utility.  

That lawsuit came as two of NV Energy's other large corporate customers — MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts — are pushing forward with their plans to pay millions in exit fees in order to stop buying its power.

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