Northern Nevada PUC approves lower utility rates

NEVADA - Northern Nevadans will see lower electric and natural gas bills this winter under new rates approved by the state Public Utilities Commission.

NV Energy Inc., the parent firm of Sierra Pacific Power Co., says the rates approved will lower the monthly electric bill $7.21, to $98.22 for the average household.

Typical monthly gas bills will drop $5.84 to $70.41.

The new rates take effect October 1.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection, however, had sought an ever-larger decrease in electricity rates by urging the commission to refund to consumers more than $64 million in over charges collected by the utility to over its own power and fuel costs.