The commission believed the price hike NV Energy was asking for was too much, but that a smaller price increase was acceptable.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has partially approved NV Energy's proposal to increase their basic service charge.

The approval allows for an increase from $16.50 to $18.50 instead of the initial ask of $45.30.

The PUCN believes that applying a 12% rate increase is much fairer for consumers compared to the 175% increase that was originally requested.

"The draft order finds that this slight increase balances the need for Sierra Pacific to cover rising fixed costs while still adhering to the principles of gradualism and rate making that protects costumers from rate shock," said Randy Brown, commissioner for PUCN.

The PUCN also modified the gas division, increasing the basic service charge for residential natural gas customer class from $14 to $16. Brown says this increase will allow the utility to more ably cover costs that have also increased since Sierra Pacific's last general rate increase in 2016.

Cathy Fulkerson, co-facilitator for Third Act Nevada, says while she's very thankful the commissioners did not approve the original proposal, she stills wishes there was no increase at all.

"Any increase in the fixed charges desensitizes energy conservation. So, I would've appreciated a no increase in the basic service charge but it's still a win," she said.

In response to the approval NV Energy released a statement saying, "NV Energy teams are already in the process of analyzing the various components of the order and what it means to northern Nevada customer bill and rates. We appreciate the work of the PUCN on this case."

The new service charge will apply to energy bills starting October 1st.