Reno Electricity Rates
Reno’s average residential electricity rate is 13.8¢/kWh — approximately 24% below the national average. NV Energy (northern division) serves Reno households as part of its Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary. Nevada is a fully regulated market — you cannot choose your electricity provider. The Reno–Sparks metro has become a major tech and logistics hub, home to the Tesla Gigafactory, Google, and Switch data center operations.
Reno Utilities
Reno’s electricity is delivered by NV Energy’s northern division (formerly Sierra Pacific Power), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Rates are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
NV Energy serves the Reno–Sparks metro, Carson City, and surrounding communities through its northern division (formerly Sierra Pacific Power). The utility is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and serves approximately 400,000 electric customers in northern Nevada. NV Energy has committed to 100% renewable or zero-carbon electricity by 2050 and operates significant solar and geothermal generation across the state.
The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in nearby Storey County is the world’s largest industrial park and one of northern Nevada’s biggest electricity consumers. Tesla’s Gigafactory, Google’s data center, and Switch’s SUPERNAP campus operate here. Under Senate Bill 547, several of these large consumers have exited NV Energy’s bundled service to purchase power on the open market, leveraging the area’s renewable energy resources and favorable grid capacity.
Reno Electric Bills
At Reno’s average rate of 13.8¢/kWh, here’s what a typical home pays across the year — and where that electricity is generated on Nevada’s grid.
Estimated monthly bill across the year
A typical Reno home’s bill ranges from about $103 in Apr to $161 in Jul — Reno’s high-desert climate produces dual peaks from winter heating and summer cooling, with lower bills in the mild spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Reno Power Generation
Monthly bills are modeled from the local average rate and a high-desert seasonal usage profile; your actual usage will vary. Grid mix reflects Nevada’s generation sources (EIA data).
How to Lower Your Reno Electric Bill
Nevada is regulated for residential customers. Reno’s high-desert climate means both heating and cooling costs — efficiency upgrades and smart rate management offer the biggest savings.
Dual-Season Efficiency
Reno’s 4,500+ ft elevation means cold winters AND warm summers — dual-fuel heat pump + insulation handles both for 25–35% savings.
NV Energy Programs
Time-of-use rates to shift usage off-peak, smart thermostat rebates, and conservation programs.
High-Desert Solar
Reno’s altitude and dry air boost solar output — 5.2 peak sun hours yield ~8.8 year payback with the 30% federal ITC.
Reno Electricity FAQ
Common questions about electricity rates, utilities, and service in Reno and Washoe County.
What is the average electricity rate in Reno?
Reno’s average residential rate is 13.8¢/kWh as of June 2026 — approximately 24% below the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. Commercial rates average around 9.5¢/kWh.
Is Nevada a deregulated electricity state?
No. Nevada is a regulated electricity market for residential customers. NV Energy is the sole utility serving the Reno area, and rates are set by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN). Despite two successful voter referendums (Question 3 in 2016 and 2018), the legislature never passed implementing legislation.
Who is the electric utility for Reno?
NV Energy (northern division, formerly Sierra Pacific Power) serves Reno and all of Washoe County. NV Energy is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and serves approximately 400,000 customers in northern Nevada. Outage line: 775-834-4100.
What is the average monthly electric bill in Reno?
The average household pays approximately $130/month. Usage averages about 950 kWh/month, with dual peaks in winter (heating) and summer (cooling) driven by Reno’s high-desert climate at 4,500+ feet elevation.
How do I report a power outage in Reno?
Contact NV Energy at 775-834-4100 or report online at nvenergy.com. NV Energy also offers a mobile app and outage map for real-time restoration updates.
Why do tech companies choose the Reno area?
The Reno–Sparks area offers cheap electricity, abundant renewable energy (solar and geothermal), a high-altitude desert climate ideal for cooling data centers, no state income or corporate tax, and generous tax incentives. Tesla’s Gigafactory, Google, Apple, and Switch all operate major facilities at the nearby Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County.