SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
CARSON CITY – Senate Republican leader Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, today introduced legislation to give the Nevada Public Utilities Commission oversight of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
Senate Bill 232 increases transparency and accountability of the rulings made by the SNWA board. It requires SNWA to submit an application to obtain approval from the PUC for any increase in water rates.
Last summer, SNWA ruled that water rates would be significantly increased to cover the debts incurred by the agency. “Water rates were hiked some 300 percent last summer on small businesses in Southern Nevada,” stated Roberson. “Many in the southern Nevada community believe the process failed to allow an adequate opportunity for public input.”
“I am pleased to have bipartisan support on SB 232,” stated Roberson. “The primary sponsors of this legislation are Senators Parks, Goicoechea, Manendo, Hammond and myself. Senators Cegavske, Settelmeyer, Woodhouse, Hardy and Hutchison have also graciously agreed to cosponsor this important legislation to increase transparency and accountability in the Southern Nevada Water Authority.”
“Southern Nevada residents and businesses will likely face future significant rate increases. This legislation will ensure that those rate increases occur in as fair and equitable manner as possible in a completely open process,” commented Roberson.
