Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada is taking up consumer comment on Southwest Gas’ proposed rate increase. It is aiming to raise the rates on everyday Nevadans by more than 7%. While that seems negligible, fossil fuel rates are the leading cause of inflation. Nevadans are still recovering from the pandemic, with the potential of another big outbreak of the omicron variant on the horizon.
Southwest Gas is focused on increasing its profits and paying out its shareholders. If it can afford to buy a $2 billion pipeline, it can afford to withdraw its proposed rate hike. This would be its third rate increase in three years.
Southwest Gas is planning to cover its costly expansion with this rate increase despite methane gas becoming obsolete if Nevada starts to take climate change seriously.
Southwest Gas should not be allowed to increase rates on Nevadans while the unemployment rate is still double that of pre-pandemic levels, nor is gas expansion in line with Nevada’s climate goals.
We need to prioritize communities and an equitable green future, not shareholder profits.
The writer is an environmental justice organizer with the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada.
