Opinion ID: 2631746
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 26

Heading: The record contains substantial evidence to support the PUCN's decision to allow Nevada Power to recover nearly $485 million in purchased energy costs

Text: The PUCN's conclusion that Nevada Power prudently incurred nearly $485 million in deferred energy costs is supported by substantial evidence. Evidence was presented supporting Nevada Power's assertions that, given the market conditions between 1999 and the middle of 2000, Nevada Power was faced with a substantial risk that some or most of its customers could be transferred to a separate entity serving as the provider of last resort, that the timing of the retail choice could change, and that the rules governing the provider of last resort provision could change. Based upon this evidence, the PUCN concluded that uncertainly in the market and with regard to future power requirements affected Nevada Power's purchasing during that time. While the PUCN was highly critical of some of those purchasing practices, the PUCN stopped short of labeling those practices imprudent. The court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the [PUCN] as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact. [41] As such, a reasonable mind could accept the above evidence as adequate to support the PUCN's conclusion that Nevada Power prudently incurred the $485 million in deferred energy costs. [42] We therefore affirm the district court's order denying the BCP's petition for judicial review as it applies to the $485 million in deferred energy costs that the PUCN allowed.