So. Nev. power rate increase sought

LAS VEGAS (AP) " NV Energy is trying to raise electricity rates for its Southern Nevada residential customers by more than 16 percent.

The utility presented its proposed rate hike at a public meeting on Monday. Several opponents called the pricing plan "price gouging."

Company officials say they need to recover costs of changing how NV Energy obtains the power it distributes to customers. The utility says it has spent $1.5 billion on increasing the amount of power it generates in Nevada.

Single-family residential rates would rise 16.7 percent overall, all users would see a general increase of 13.6 percent.

Company officials say they know the rate increase is hitting consumers while their down. They asked the Public Utilities Commission to delay the start date for the higher rates from summer to fall, and they've asked for a rate freeze for low earners.