Las Vegas, Nev.  --  Nevada Power Company officials responded today to a demonstration held by Local IBEW 396 calling the rally a“union tactic designed to pressure the company.

Mark Shank, executive, regional operations in Las Vegas stated,“We were extremely disappointed that the union took this type of action when the company has been negotiating in good faith all along.  Our goal is to reach an agreement that is fair to both parties.

Shank added that accusations made by the union were simply a ploy to draw attention to the negotiations. “Claims by the union related to reliability, infrastructure and other areas are an insult to the very employees they represent.  Our employees do an outstanding job in these areas, often producing results that rank among the top in the nation.

Studies have shown that in recent years, Nevada Power is among the top in the nation in reliability and safety.  In addition, over the last few years the company has invested over $300 million annually in its infrastructure, including nearly doubling key components of its maintenance program.

“Our priority is to provide safe and reliable electric service to our customers and we are very proud of our record in doing so, Shank said. “And, while the nature of our business is at times precarious, the safety of our employees will not be compromised.  They are the backbone of our company.

Nevada Power declined to disclose specifics of any proposals currently in negotiations, but did say that it has no intention of negotiating to provide benefits which are considerably higher than what employees at peer companies receive.  While the company has an obligation to its employees, it must also ensure that customers are not burdened with the costs of inflated contracts.

Negotiations are ongoing, with previously agreed upon meetings scheduled later this month.

Nevada Power Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the distribution, transmission, generation, purchase and sale of electric energy in the southern Nevada communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Searchlight, Laughlin and their adjoining areas. The Company also provides electricity to Nellis Air Force Base, the Department of Energy at Mercury and Jackass Flats at the Nevada Test Site. Nevada Power Company provides electricity to approximately 815,000 residential and business customers in a 4,500 square mile service area.

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