History of NV Energy in Timeline

NV Energy is a public utility based in Las Vegas, Nevada, providing electric service to northern and southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley. It also provides natural gas service in the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. The company serves approximately 1.3 million customers and caters to over 40 million tourists annually.

1906: Formation of Nevada Power

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

1928: Formation 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, becoming 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, based in Las Vegas.

1999: Merger of Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power

In 1999, Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power merged, with Sierra Pacific Resources as the surviving entity. Headquarters moved from Reno to Nevada Power's campus in Las Vegas.

2001: State law enabling commercial customers to buy power from other sources

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: Plans to Construct Ely Energy Center Announced

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, unifying their image under a single brand.

February 2009: Delay of Ely Energy Center Construction

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

2009: Best Reliability Ranking

In 2009, NV Energy had the best reliability ranking in the nation based on the reliability of electric distribution service, as measured by interruption frequency and duration.

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

In 2010, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide based on the reliability of electric distribution service, as measured by interruption frequency and duration.

May 2011: Completion of Harry Allen Plant

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

2011: Reliability Ranking

In 2011, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide based on the reliability of electric distribution service, as measured by interruption frequency and duration.

August 2012: Opening of Spring Valley Wind Farm

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

2012: Reliability Ranking

In 2012, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide based on the reliability of electric distribution service, as measured by interruption frequency and duration.

December 19, 2013: Acquisition by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Completed

On December 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (now Berkshire Hathaway Energy), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, acquired NV Energy. 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 from the Harry Allen plant north to Ely, Nevada, connecting the northern and southern Nevada electric grids. The One Nevada Transmission Line (ONLine) is expected to improve service reliability, reduce costs, and enable renewable energy development.

2016: Retail Energy Market Proposal Considered

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

July 2018: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program Launched

In July 2018, NV Energy launched an electric vehicle infrastructure program, authorized by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission to invest $15 million in publicly available charging stations.

2018: Power Purchase from Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar Project

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

2018: Retail Energy Market Proposal Rejected

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

April 2019: Renewable Energy 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.