Overview: In July 1997, the State legislature approved a restructuring plan for the electric utility industry that also set the stage for possible restructuring of the gas industry. In August 1997, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada opened Docket No. 97-8002 to examine changes in the natural gas industry and to formulate pertinent regulations. Since then, regulations have been written covering affiliate transactions and licensing. In 1999, a provision was added to the Nevada Administrative Code that allows competitive suppliers who are serving “generating, industrial or large commercial customers” to obtain a license as an alternative seller of discretionary services. This is the only area where competition exists at this time. No significant actions regarding gas restructuring are expected until issues associated with electric utility deregulation have been resolved. In its 2001 session, the legislature enacted Assembly Bill 369 that repealed provisions pertaining to competitive retail electric service, citing its duty to protect consumers, safeguard the economy of the State, and ensure adequate reliable electricity service at just and reasonable prices.
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EIA State Data: In 2004, Nevada had 648,551 residential and 35,792 commercial customers. They consumed 37 and 27 billion cubic feet of natural gas, respectively. The average prices paid for natural gas purchased from local distribution companies by residential and commercial customers were $10.05 and $8.38 per thousand cubic feet, respectively.
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