Solar Company Sues Nevada Governor Sandoval

Sunrun Seeks Transparency on Communications Between NV Energy and Nevada Governor

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 09, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, residential solar provider Sunrun filed a lawsuit against Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for failing to provide any text messages in response to a public records request filed in June. The initial request asked for all communication between NV Energy employees and lobbyists and Governor Sandoval and his staff, including current Public Utilities Commission Chairman Paul Thomsen.

Two of Governor Sandoval’s closest advisers, Pete Ernaut and Greg Ferraro, are NV Energy’s top lobbyists. The Governor himself was once an attorney for a utility shareholders group. The public has a right to know what impact those relationships have had on critical policy decisions, including the ongoing rooftop solar debate.

“The Governor failed to produce a single text message,” said Bryan Miller, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Power Markets at Sunrun. “Politicians have tried to hide texts and emails before, but the law is clear that these are public records.  It is unfortunate the Governor has forced us to sue, but the texts will come out.”

Governor Sandoval’s appointees at the Public Utilities Commission, including Chairman Thomsen, will soon determine whether to grant NV Energy’s request to eliminate the rooftop solar industry and its 6,000 solar jobs.

Sunrun Media Contact
Andrew Pontti
apontti@sunrun.com
415-580-6900 x6529

Released December 9, 2015