07/18/2026
Establishing Fernley Power District~
Council meeting on 7/15: I highly recommend watching the recording. https://fernleynv.portal.civicclerk.com/event/482/media
This topic is discussed at 54:20-2:00 timeframe in the recording.
The agenda packet has much more information if you review the pages related to this topic pgs 420-445.
I left the meeting thinking, what is truly best for Fernley? If you watch the recording, you can see the council is asking the same questions and wants what is best for Fernley and the residents too. I would like to ask you all, as residents, your opinion. As stated, watch the recording before giving your input; it will provide a ton of information I won't explain. It's just too much to explain, and I do not want to get anything wrong. The council did vote to table the approval/denial until they receive the consultant's feedback.
The establishment of the Fernley Power District is a strategic initiative by Mark IV Capital to create a specialized utility system to serve the customers within the Victory Logistics District. NV Energy does not have the infrastructure needed to service the anticipated end-users and will not for several years. The creation of this power district will allow for continued economic development within Fernley and result in direct revenues to the City and increased services to the residents. This model relies on long-established municipal utility models currently in use by Boulder City, the City of Caliente, and the City of Fallon. Lyon County is also currently considering the same type of power district model to accommodate development.
Formation costs will be paid by Mark IV Capital and their partner, Stella Power Company. The City of Fernley, including residents, will not be required to contribute to the costs of the future power plant. Instead, the estimated $600,000,000 will be paid entirely by the developers. In addition, because the only customers will be within the Victory Logistics development, customers using NV Energy will not see any increase to their rates.
A Conditional Use Permit will be required for the construction of the associated power plant that is planned as part of this power district. This permit will be approved by the Planning Commission. However, the Planning Commission decision may be appealed, in which case it would be heard by the City Council.
The Fernley Power District will also benefit the City of Fernley and its residents through a 1% franchise fee. The district will deliver (at full buildout) nearly $24 Million in annual revenue to the Fernley budget, which will increase the services that the City can provide. This money could be used for things such as (but not limited to): roads, parks, recreation, and public safety.
Currently Fernley has property taxes, personal property tax, and Building/Construction permits fees as revenue for infrastructure, building, and maintenance and are unable to afford many of our needs and wants of residents within the City.
The questions I have for the residents are as follows;
Does Fernley want additional revenue that could help fund things like:
Better roads and street maintenance.
Improved Parks and Recreation.
Major Infrastructure upgrades.
Enhanced public safety, including potential investments in fire and police services.
Long-term community improvements without relying solely on property taxes.
But every source of revenue comes with tradeoffs.
My question is: At what cost to the residents?
Will there be health and safety risks?
What will their Water use be?
Noise Control?
Air Quality?
Visually unappealing?
There isn't a right or wrong answer. I am genuinely interested in hearing your thoughts, concerns, and priorities. Please keep the discussion respectful so we can have a productive conversation about what is best for Fernley's future.
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