How the government could soon turn your AC and coffee pot on and off at will

By Kelly Chapman  

Nevada News and Views

Imagine it’s one of those hot summer days in Las Vegas.

You turn on your air conditioner, expecting sweet relief. But what if a message pops up on your device and your AC goes quiet — automatically?

That’s exactly what PG&E’s CEO, Patricia Poppe, hinted at recently when talking about smart grids.

She spoke at the World Economic Forum and seemed pretty excited about how future energy systems might quietly “smooth demand” by, say, turning off your AC or even tapping your electric car’s battery — all without you lifting a finger.

“We watched the load curve drop with a straight line,” she said. “We shouldn’t have to send a text message. It worked.”

She suggested that smart devices could do this automatically in the future. And if that sounds a bit unsettling, you’re not alone.

What’s Happening in Nevada?

Here’s how Nevada is stepping into the future — on its own terms.

First, our state is booming with solar and storage projects. Nevada already gets about a quarter of its electricity from solar power and plans to hit 50 percent by 2030.

In fact, solar and storage capacity could double to over 13 gigawatts in the next five years.

We also have big battery projects coming online.

For example, the Reid Gardner Battery Energy Storage System near Moapa began operating in late 2023, offering 220 MW power and 440 MWh storage.

NV Energy said this will help lower bills by 15—20 percent through better energy use.

To move electricity more efficiently, NV Energy is installing smart sensors — called dynamic line rating — in Reno.

These sensors read real-time conditions on power lines so the grid can carry more power safely. It’s like giving the grid a sharper sense of what’s happening so it can act smarter and cut costs.

And there’s more.

A new big transmission line — called Greenlink West — will start in 2025 and run from northwest to southeast Nevada. When finished by 2027, it could enable 4 GW of solar energy to flow across the state and into California.

Why a Conservatively Minded Nevadan Might Feel Cautious

These developments offer great promise. More solar, more batteries, smarter grid tech- all mean better reliability and lower costs.

But the idea of your thermostat or EV being controlled without explicit permission makes some people nervous.

Smart grid advocates say automating demand response is efficient. Critics believe it steps on personal choice.

Right now, Nevada’s leadership leans on voluntary and transparent systems.

Yet hearing someone say, “We shouldn’t have to send a text” — could feel like stepping into “big brother” control.

That’s worrisome for folks who value individual freedom.

What Critics Are Saying

Critics argue that even smart grid programs should respect choice.

They worry that mandatory automation could interfere with personal comfort or cost them more. Especially in low-income households or homes with medical needs, involuntary control of appliances can be risky.

On the other hand, supporters point out that battery storage like Reid Gardner can lower bills.

And transmission upgrades like Greenlink West can boost reliability, especially during Nevada’s brutal summers.

Nevada is pushing forward with smarter energy tools. Solar projects and grid sensors could mean lower bills and fewer blackouts — as long as choice stays in your hands.

But hearing comments like those from PG&E’s CEO makes it clear why many of us want intelligent energy systems — not ones that override us.

In our state, any smart grid must be smart and respectful. It’s a balancing act — using new tools wisely, saving money, and keeping freedom intact.

And that’s what Nevada aims to do.

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Kelly Chapman is the executive director of the Nevada Business Alliance, a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 8, and a 46-year resident of Las Vegas. You can reach her at NevadaBizAlliance@gmail.com or (702) 483-0186. You can follow her on Twitter/X here: @Chapman4Nevada.