History of NV Energy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 25, 2025

NV Energy is a public utility based in Las Vegas, Nevada, that provides electric service to both northern and southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley. It also supplies natural gas to the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. Serving approximately 1.3 million customers and over 40 million tourists annually, NV Energy is a significant provider of energy services in the state.

1906: Nevada Power Formed

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

1928: Sierra Pacific Power Founded

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, named 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 and Nevada Power merged. Sierra Pacific Resources was the nominal survivor, with Nevada Power joining Sierra Pacific Power as one of its operating companies. The headquarters moved from Reno to Nevada Power's campus in Las Vegas. This merger created a company with a service territory covering nearly all of Nevada's populated area.

2001: State Law Allowing 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

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

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

2009: Best in the Nation Electric Utilities

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, NV Energy was the best in the nation in 2009, based on interruption frequency and duration compared to a peer group constructed by the Edison Electric Institute.

2009: Sale of California Operations

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

February 2010: Agreement with Pattern Energy

In February 2010, NV Energy entered into a 20-year agreement with Pattern Energy to be the sole purchaser of power generated by Pattern's Spring Valley Wind Farm.

2010: Top 10% Electric Utilities Nationwide

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide in 2010, based on interruption frequency and duration compared to a peer group constructed by the Edison Electric Institute.

May 2011: Completion of Harry Allen Generating Plant

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

2011: Top 10% Electric Utilities Nationwide

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide in 2011, based on interruption frequency and duration compared to a peer group constructed by the Edison Electric Institute.

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 in northern Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley.

2012: Top 10% Electric Utilities Nationwide

Based on the reliability of electric distribution service, NV Energy ranked among the best 10% of electric utilities nationwide in 2012, based on interruption frequency and duration compared to a peer group constructed by the Edison Electric Institute.

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, the 500-kilovolt One Nevada Transmission Line (ONLine), running from the Harry Allen plant north to Ely, Nevada, connecting the northern and southern Nevada electric grids.

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 Launch

In July 2018, NV Energy launched an electric vehicle infrastructure program authorized by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission with a $15 million investment to incentivize the development of public charging stations, under Senate Bill 145.

2018: Purchase Agreement for 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 being developed by Avantus.

2018: Retail Energy Market Proposal Rejected

In 2018, Nevada voters rejected the 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.

June 2019: New Solar Power Projects Announced

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. The projects will be developed by 8minute Solar Energy, EDFG Renewables, Quinbrook Infrastructure and Arevia Power.