History of NV Energy in Timeline

NV Energy is a public utility providing electricity in northern and southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley, and natural gas in the Reno-Sparks area. Headquartered in Las Vegas, it serves approximately 1.3 million customers and caters to over 40 million tourists each year.

1906: Formation of Nevada Power

In 1906, Nevada Power was formed as the Consolidated Power and Telephone Company of Nevada.

1928: Foundation of Sierra Pacific Power

In 1928, Sierra Pacific Power was founded from a merger of several companies dating back to the gold rush of the 1850s.

1929: Sale of Telephone Operations

In 1929, the Consolidated Power and Telephone Company of Nevada sold off its telephone operations and became Southern Nevada Power.

1961: Name Change to Nevada Power

In 1961, Southern Nevada Power changed its name to Nevada Power.

1984: Reorganization as Sierra Pacific Resources

In 1984, Sierra Pacific Power reorganized as a holding company and renamed itself Sierra Pacific Resources.

1998: Merger of Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power

In 1998, NV Energy was formed through the merger of Sierra Pacific Power, based in northern Nevada, and Nevada Power, serving Las Vegas.

1999: Merger of Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power

In 1999, Sierra Pacific Resources and Nevada Power merged, creating a company with a service territory covering nearly all of Nevada's densely populated area. Headquarters moved from Reno to Nevada Power's old campus in Las Vegas.

2001: State Law Allows Customers to Leave NV Energy's System

Under a 2001 state law, six major commercial customers left NV Energy's system during 2016 through 2018 and began buying power from other sources.

2006: Announcement of Ely Energy Center Construction

In 2006, NV Energy announced plans to construct the Ely Energy Center near Ely, Nevada.

September 22, 2008: NV Energy Branding

On September 22, 2008, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power began doing business as NV Energy to unify their image under a single brand.

February 2009: Delay of Ely Energy Center Construction

In February 2009, plans to construct the Ely Energy Center near Ely, Nevada, which had been announced in 2006, were delayed for approximately 10 years.

2009: Best Reliability Ranking

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, in 2009, NV Energy was the best in the nation.

2009: Sale of California Operations

In 2009, NV Energy sold its California operations to a partnership of Algonquin Power & Utilities and Emera.

February 2010: Agreement with Pattern Energy

In February 2010, NV Energy entered a 20-year agreement with Pattern Energy to purchase power generated by Pattern's Spring Valley Wind Farm.

2010: Reliability Ranking

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, in 2010, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide.

May 2011: Completion of Harry Allen Plant

In May 2011, NV Energy completed construction of the Harry Allen gas-fired generating plant below budget and ahead of schedule.

2011: Reliability Ranking

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, in 2011, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide.

August 2012: Opening of Spring Valley Wind Farm

In August 2012, Pattern Energy's Spring Valley Wind Farm opened, generating power for NV Energy customers.

2012: Reliability Ranking

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, in 2012, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide.

December 19, 2013: Acquisition by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

On December 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (now Berkshire Hathaway Energy), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, completed the acquisition of NV Energy. Following the acquisition, NV Energy continued to be based in Las Vegas under its current name.

2013: Completion of One Nevada Transmission Line

In late 2013, NV Energy completed a transmission line running from the Harry Allen plant north to Ely, Nevada, connecting the northern and southern Nevada electric grids. The 500-kilovolt One Nevada Transmission Line (ONLine) improves electric service reliability and allows for renewable energy development.

2016: Nevada Voters Consider Energy Market Proposal

In 2016, Nevada voters considered a proposal to establish a competitive retail energy market in the state.

July 2018: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program Launch

In July 2018, NV Energy launched an electric vehicle infrastructure program, investing $15 million to incentivize the development of publicly available charging stations.

2018: Power Purchase Plans Announced

In 2018, NV Energy announced plans to purchase power from the Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar Project, a 300 MW solar photovoltaic project which is being developed by Avantus.

2018: Rejection of Energy Market Proposal

In 2018, Nevada voters rejected a proposal to establish a competitive retail energy market in the state.

April 2019: Renewable Electricity Bill Passed

In April 2019, the Nevada legislature passed a bill requiring 50% of electricity in the state to be generated from renewable resources by 2030 and setting a goal of 100% carbon-free generation resources by 2050.