History of NV Energy in Timeline

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

1906: Nevada Power Formed

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

1928: Sierra Pacific Power Founded

In 1928, Sierra Pacific Power was founded through the merger of several companies that date back to the gold rush of the 1850s.

1929: Nevada Power Sells Telephone Operations

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

1961: Southern Nevada Power Renamed

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

1984: Sierra Pacific Power Reorganized

In 1984, Sierra Pacific Power reorganized as a holding company, known as Sierra Pacific Resources.

1998: Merger of Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power

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

1999: Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power Merge

In 1999, Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power officially merged. Sierra Pacific Resources was the nominal survivor, with Nevada Power becoming one of its operating companies. The company headquarters moved from Reno to Nevada Power's former campus in Las Vegas. The merger resulted in a service territory of over 44,400 square miles.

2001: State Law Permits Commercial Customers to Buy Power from Other Sources

Under a 2001 Nevada state law, six major commercial customers left NV Energy's system between 2016 and 2018 and began purchasing power from alternative sources.

2006: Ely Energy Center Planned

In 2006, the company revealed strategies to establish the Ely Energy Center near Ely, Nevada.

September 22, 2008: Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power Begin Operating as NV Energy

On September 22, 2008, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power began conducting business under the name NV Energy, as a decision to unify its image under a single brand. Later, Sierra Pacific Resources changed its corporate name to NV Energy, Inc.

February 2009: Ely Energy Center Delayed

In February 2009, the Ely Energy Center was delayed for approximately 10 years.

2009: NV Energy Ranked Best in Nation for Electric Distribution Service

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, NV Energy was ranked as the best in the nation in 2009 by the Edison Electric Institute.

2009: NV Energy Sells California Operations

In 2009, NV Energy divested its California operations to a partnership between Algonquin Power & Utilities and Emera. Algonquin Power & Utilities later acquired Emera's stake.

February 2010: NV Energy Enters Agreement with Pattern Energy

In February 2010, NV Energy signed a 20-year agreement with Pattern Energy to become the sole purchaser of power produced by Pattern's Spring Valley Wind Farm.

2010: NV Energy Among Top 10% for Electric Distribution Service

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

May 2011: Completion of the Harry Allen Gas-Fired Generating Plant

In May 2011, the company successfully completed the construction of the Harry Allen gas-fired generating plant under budget and ahead of schedule.

2011: NV Energy Among Top 10% for Electric Distribution Service

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

August 2012: Spring Valley Wind Farm Opens

In August 2012, Pattern Energy's Spring Valley Wind Farm opened and began generating power for NV Energy customers in northern Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley.

2012: NV Energy Among Top 10% for Electric Distribution Service

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

December 19, 2013: MidAmerican Energy Acquisition of NV Energy Completed

On December 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, now known as Berkshire Hathaway Energy, finalized its acquisition of NV Energy. As part of the agreement, NV Energy would maintain its base in Las Vegas and operate under its current name.

2013: Completion of One Nevada Transmission Line

In late 2013, NV Energy completed a transmission line connecting its northern and southern Nevada electric grids. The 500-kilovolt One Nevada Transmission Line (ONLine) is expected to improve electric service reliability, reduce costs, and enable development of renewable energy sources.

2016: Nevada Voters Consider Competitive Retail Energy Market Proposal

In 2016, Nevada voters considered a proposal to establish a competitive retail energy market in the state in place of the traditional one-utility model.

July 2018: NV Energy Launches Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program

In July 2018, NV Energy launched an electric vehicle infrastructure program, investing $15 million to incentivize the development of public charging stations. The program was authorized by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission and the state legislature.

2018: NV Energy Plans to Purchase Power from Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar Project

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

2018: Nevada Voters Reject Competitive Retail Energy Market Proposal

In 2018, Nevada voters rejected the proposal to establish a competitive retail energy market in place of the traditional one-utility model, previously considered in 2016.

April 2019: Nevada Legislature Passes Renewable Energy Bill

In April 2019, the Nevada legislature passed a bill requiring 50% of the state's electricity to come from renewable resources by 2030 and setting a goal of 100% carbon-free generation by 2050. This law applies to all electricity providers in Nevada.

June 2019: NV Energy Announces Three New Solar Power Projects

In June 2019, NV Energy announced three new solar power projects with a total generating capacity of 1,200 MW paired with 590 MW of battery storage. Developed by 8minute Solar Energy, EDFG Renewables, Quinbrook Infrastructure and Arevia Power.