SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The story has gone viral around the country. Power company to cut off power to 50,000 Lake Tahoe residents so they can feed power to data centers, or a narrative close to that. Those of us who live closer to the story knew about it as it unfolded weeks ago, and knew the plan.
The recent media coverage has raised questions about Liberty’s ongoing energy supply transition as they move from NV Energy, their current supplier, to a supplier not yet identified.
The following is from Liberty:
We want to provide our customers and communities with facts and answers to questions they may have.
Liberty Advances Long-Term Energy Supply Transition in California.
Liberty is preparing for a planned transition in our supplemental energy supply beginning in 2028, while continuing to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers. Liberty began this process in 2019 when Liberty filed for the transmission capacity reservations to enable this transition to the market. Liberty cannot access the greater energy market without these transmission rights, and we’re excited to receive those rights when NV Energy’s Greenlink-West project goes into service, expected December 31, 2027.
Today, we serve customers through a combination of Liberty-owned solar generation and supplemental wholesale power purchased from NV Energy. Our 60 megawatts of locally owned solar generation will continue to play an important role in our long-term energy mix.
Beginning in 2028, NV Energy will no longer serve as our wholesale energy supplier. To prepare for this transition, we are pursuing a competitive process to secure new supplemental energy supply arrangements focused on sustainability, affordability, and reliability. NV Energy will remain our transmission provider and neighbor, and we will continue using the existing transmission system to deliver electricity to our service territory.
We want to emphasize to our valued customers: Liberty customers will not be left without service as a result of this transition. NV Energy will continue to provide energy until Liberty has its own transmission access in place.
As a regulated utility in California, this process is subject to oversight and approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Pending approval, we expect to begin a formal request for proposals process in Summer 2026.
Throughout this transition, our priorities remain clear: advancing our renewable portfolio, supporting customer affordability, and maintaining reliable service that includes supply from our own local solar generation. For more information, below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we’ve received on this topic.
What is changing with Liberty’s energy supply?
While your reliable electric service will not change, Liberty is preparing for a
transition in how we source the power that serves our customers.
The Current Setup: For several years, Liberty has used a mix of energy
sources:
- Our Own Solar: We generate a portion of our electricity through 60-
megawatts of Liberty-owned solar systems. - NV Energy Partnership: Additional power needed beyond what our solar
provides is currently purchased from NV Energy
What is Changing in 2028:
Beginning in 2028, NV Energy will no longer be our wholesale provider. For a seamless transition, Liberty is taking the following steps:
- New Energy Partnerships: We are forming new partnerships to replace
the supplemental power previously provided by NV Energy. This allows us
to diversify where our energy comes from while maintaining reliability. - Same Delivery System: We will continue to use the existing transmission
lines to bring this power into our service territory. - Commitment to Clean Energy: We will continue to utilize our local solar
systems as a core part of our energy mix.
Our Proactive Plan
To get the best deal for our customers, we are launching a competitive search
for new energy partners. Here is the timeline:
- CPUC Approval: We filed a request with the California Public Utilities
Commission to begin this search. - Competitive Bidding: Once the request is approved, we expect to open a
formal bidding process in Summer 2026. - Better Options: This process allows us to find more diverse and
affordable energy sources while maintaining our high standards for
reliability. We will focus on sustainable and affordable solutions. - CPUC Approval: We will file a request, revealing the results of the formal
bidding process and our preferred selection(s) likely in Winter
2026/2027. - New Suppliers: Once approved by the CPUC, we will enter into new supplemental power agreements for energy supply needs in the Spring/Summer of 2027.
- The Transition: The official transition is expected to take place beginning in 2028, once NV Energy’s Greenlink project goes into service and the transmission capacity rights become available to enable this transition to the energy market. In the most recent public posting, NV Energy expects this to occur on December 31, 2027.
Next Steps & the Future of Your Energy
What steps are being taken now? We are seeking approval from the California
Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to search for new partners. Once approved,
we plan to open a formal bidding process (known as a request for proposals)
in Summer 2026. This allows energy supply companies to compete for the
opportunity to supply power to our region.
What are the advantages of finding new energy suppliers? The energy
market has changed significantly in recent years. By looking at new providers,
we can tap into a wider variety of options, especially more modern and
renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This transition allows us to seek
cleaner and more efficient power available today.
What advantage does Liberty have when negotiating in the energy market?
Most utilities in the West use the most electricity during the hot summer
months for air conditioning. Because our region is winter-peaking—meaning
our highest demand is during the cold winter months—we are an attractive
partner for energy suppliers who have extra power available during the offseason for the rest of the grid.
Will this change impact the reliability of my power? No. The ability for the
power provider to deliver reliable power will be a key criterion for selection and
a requirement in the service agreement.
Will my rates go up? While no utility can predict the exact future cost of
energy, affordability is a primary goal in this search. With a competitive
bidding process, we aim to find a cost-effective solution for your monthly bill.
What are Liberty’s main priorities for our future energy supply? Customer
priorities are our priorities. For this reason, Liberty is prioritizing renewable
options and customer affordability.
Does Liberty’s system connect to Nevada or California? Liberty’s distribution
system connects directly to NV Energy’s transmission grid. NV Energy is, and
will remain, Liberty’s transmission provider.
Has Liberty evaluated building a connection to California’s electric grid? Yes.
However, a large transmission line west, further into California, over the Sierras, would be needed. Such a project would require a significant investment with
environmental and other notable considerations.
Does this change Liberty’s relationship with NV Energy? While NV Energy will
no longer be Liberty’s energy supplier, NV Energy will remain our transmission provider, providing transmission line connections to the larger energy grid. NV
Energy is a good partner and neighbor, and Liberty looks forward to continued
collaboration on many shared goals.