Vegas electric rates could go up again

Southern Nevadans will face a 1.3 percent increase in electric power rates in September if state regulators approve a request filed by Nevada Power.

The rate increase request follows a 4.7 percent, $48 million rate increase that went into effect Tuesday.

Nevada Power now wants the Public Utilities Commission to increase its rates by an estimated $15.1 million yearly to offset increases in the cost of fuel used in generation and wholesale power purchases.

The $15 million increase, if approved, would increase rates for residences and for small business customers by about 1.3 percent while major casinos would pay 3.2 percent more.

Experts blame high demand and limited supplies of electric power for the increased costs.

Regulators and Nevada Power call the rate increases moderate in comparison with rates in San Diego, which have doubled this summer.