Nevada HVAC Regulatory and Licensing Guide 2026

Nevada requires HVAC contractors to be licensed through the Nevada State Contractors Board, one of the more comprehensive contractor licensing systems in the western United States. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada oversees investor-owned utilities including NV Energy, which serves over 2.4 million electric customers. In September 2025, the PUCN approved a controversial mandatory daily demand charge for residential and small commercial customers, making Nevada the first state with such a charge from an investor-owned utility. This guide provides comprehensive information for HVAC contractors operating in the Silver State.

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) consists of three commissioners appointed by the Governor to four-year terms. Commissioners must have at least two years of experience in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, administrative law, or professional engineering. No more than two commissioners may come from the same political party or the same field of experience. The PUCN has two headquarters: one in Carson City and one in Las Vegas.

Current Commissioners (2025):

Chair Hayley Williamson was reappointed Chair in 2023 by Governor Lombardo after first being appointed Chair in 2020 by Governor Sisolak. The commission is charged with regulating investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, sewer, and telephone utilities for matters including rates, quality of service, finance, accounting, and safety.

The PUCN was established from the Railroad Commission of Nevada (1907) and Public Service Commission of Nevada (1911), with responsibilities consolidated in 1919. The commission was renamed Public Utilities Commission in 1997 when transportation duties were moved to the newly formed Transportation Services Authority. The FY2025 budget is $17,260,760.

Regulatory Environment 2026

Nevada's regulatory landscape experienced significant changes in 2025 with the PUCN's approval of NV Energy's rate restructuring proposals.

Daily Demand Charge: On September 16, 2025, the PUCN unanimously approved a new mandatory daily demand charge for residential and small commercial customers in Southern Nevada, making Nevada the first state with such a charge from an investor-owned utility. Effective April 2026, the charge is calculated by taking the highest 15-minute energy usage period each day and multiplying it by the current kilowatt rate. NV Energy estimates this will amount to roughly $20 per month for average customers, though consumer advocates warn it could add more than $30 to some bills. The PUCN stated the charge will incentivize customers to spread energy usage throughout the day. Former Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection regulatory manager David Chairez criticized the decision, noting "If you're increasing rates by roughly $146 million, you're not going to have a lower bill."

Net Metering Changes: The PUCN approved calculating credits for excess solar energy returned to the grid every 15 minutes rather than monthly for new rooftop solar customers in Northern Nevada after October 1, 2025. This change is expected to increase monthly bills for new rooftop solar customers by approximately $11 and delay return on investment. In 2024, NV Energy served approximately 505,000 non-solar residential customers and 105,000 rooftop solar customers.

Greenlink Transmission Project: The commission approved charging ratepayers for construction work in progress on Greenlink, a $4.2 billion transmission line. This is expected to increase bills by more than $4 monthly in Southern Nevada, with costs split 70/30 between Southern and Northern Nevada customers.

Attorney General Challenge: In November 2025, the PUCN denied the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection petition to reverse the demand charge decision. The AG's office had called the charge "unlawful." The decision also revealed NV Energy overcharged at least 80,000 customers more than $17 million over 23 years due to billing system errors at "point of build and design."

Nevada HVAC Licensing Requirements

State Contractor Licensing

Nevada requires HVAC contractors to be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). The state does not license HVAC installers, technicians, or apprentices at the state level, but contractors who own businesses or perform contracting work must hold a state license. All construction businesses or individuals who construct or alter any structure in Nevada require a license. Contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.

License Classifications:

Nevada's contractor classifications include Class A (Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty Contractor) licenses. The two primary HVAC-related licenses are:

Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting: Permits work in plumbing and heating sub-classifications.

Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Permits work in the following sub-classifications: C-21a Refrigeration, C-21b Air Conditioning, C-21c Sheet Metal, C-21d Maintenance, C-21e Solar Air Conditioning, C-21f Chilled and Hot Water Systems, and C-21g Industrial Piping.

License Application Requirements

Experience: Document a minimum of four years of experience within the past 15 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the specific license classification requested. Educational training from an accredited college, university, or equivalent program may satisfy up to three years of experience.

Examinations: Pass the Contractor Management Survey Exam (2 hours, 60 questions, 75% passing score, $300 fee) and the trade exam for your specific classification. The C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning exam is 3 hours, 85 questions, requiring 70% to pass.

Financial Requirements: Submit current financial statements to the NSCB. A CPA-prepared statement is required unless requesting a monetary limit under $10,000.

Background Check: Pass criminal background check including fingerprinting.

Business Registration: Register business with Nevada Secretary of State and obtain Nevada Business ID.

License Bond: Obtain a surety bond or cash deposit ranging from $1,000 to $500,000. The NSCB determines the amount based on type of license, monetary limit, financial responsibility, experience, and character of applicant.

Insurance: Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance (if employees) or exemption. Residential contractors must pay semiannual assessment into the Residential Recovery Fund.

Fees: $300 nonrefundable application fee plus examination fees ($85-$160 depending on exam portions) plus $600 license fee for two-year license.

Reciprocity

Nevada has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, California, and Utah pertaining to the trade examination only. All other application requirements must be met. To qualify: the licensee/qualifier must have been actively licensed and in good standing in the participating state for five of the last seven years, must have passed an equivalent trade examination, and must provide license verification. The NSCB retains authority to require trade exams regardless of reciprocity. Nevada license holders with at least seven years of qualifying experience may use their license to work in these reciprocal states.

License Renewal

Nevada HVAC licenses are valid for two years. Begin renewal process at least 30 days before expiration. Renewal is available online through the NSCB website.

EPA Section 608 Certification

Federal EPA regulations require certification for technicians working with refrigerants. The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions to be completed within 3 hours. A score of 70% is required to pass. Exam fee ranges from $60-$120. Certification does not expire and is valid in all states.

Nevada Utility Directory

Electric Utilities

Utility	Type	Service Area	Customers
NV Energy (Nevada Power - South)	Investor-Owned	Southern Nevada including Las Vegas	~1.5 million (70% residential market share)
NV Energy (Sierra Pacific - North)	Investor-Owned	Northern Nevada including Reno-Sparks	~370,000
Valley Electric Association	Cooperative	Pahrump area	~22,000
Lincoln County Power District	Public Power	Lincoln County	~2,500
Overton Power District	Public Power	Moapa Valley	~8,000

NV Energy: Provides electricity to 2.4 million electric customers throughout Nevada and serves a tourist population exceeding 40 million annually. Service areas include Las Vegas, Reno-Sparks, Henderson, and Elko. NV Energy's rates were reported as 22% lower than U.S. average and 60% lower than California through June 2025. In 2024, NV Energy served approximately 505,000 non-solar residential customers and 105,000 rooftop solar customers. The company is implementing major rate changes including daily demand charges (effective April 2026), net metering adjustments, and construction cost recovery for the $4.2 billion Greenlink transmission project. A low-income rider eliminating the $18.50 basic service charge for customers at or below 150% federal poverty level was also approved, potentially saving eligible customers almost $20 monthly.

Natural Gas Utilities

Utility	Service Area	Customers	Contact
Southwest Gas Corporation	Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, other areas	~770,000	877-860-6020
NV Energy Gas	Select areas	Varies	702-402-5555

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nevada require a state HVAC license?
Nevada does not license HVAC technicians or installers at the state level. However, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board under Classification C-21 (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) or C-1 (Plumbing and Heating).
What experience is required for a contractor license?
Four years of experience within the past 15 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor. Up to three years may be substituted with accredited educational training.
What exams are required?
The Contractor Management Survey Exam (2 hours, 60 questions, 75% passing) and the trade exam for your classification (C-21 is 3 hours, 85 questions, 70% passing).
How much does licensing cost?
Total costs include $300 application fee, $85-$160 exam fees, $600 license fee, plus bond costs ($1,000-$500,000 depending on factors). License is valid for two years.
Does Nevada have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Nevada has reciprocity with Arizona, California, and Utah for the trade exam only. All other requirements must be met, and you must have been licensed in good standing for five of the last seven years.
What is the new daily demand charge?
Approved September 2025 and effective April 2026, NV Energy will calculate a daily demand charge based on the highest 15-minute energy usage period each day. Nevada is the first state with a mandatory demand charge from an investor-owned utility.
How will the demand charge affect my bill?
NV Energy estimates approximately $20/month for average customers, though consumer advocates warn it could exceed $30. The utility claims most customers won't see significant changes because base rates are being adjusted.
Is EPA Section 608 certification required?
Yes. Federal EPA regulations require Section 608 certification for technicians working with refrigerants. The certification requires an 80-question exam (70% passing) within 3 hours, costs $60-$120, and does not expire.
What insurance is required?
Workers' compensation insurance is required if you have employees. A surety bond from $1,000-$500,000 is required, with amount determined by the NSCB. Residential contractors must pay into the Residential Recovery Fund.
Where can I get contractor exam help?
The NSCB offers a free business assistance program every third Friday in Reno and Henderson offices from 9-11 a.m. Multiple private exam prep services are also available.