Sanders meets solar workers in Nevada


              Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. shakes hands during a canvass kick-off event at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. shakes hands during a canvass kick-off event at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Bernie Sanders is making common cause with advocates for Nevada's struggling solar industry as the state's Democratic presidential contest approaches.

The Vermont senator met activists in Reno on Saturday and criticized a decision by Nevada regulators to increase rates for rooftop solar customers. He calls the decision "incomprehensible."

Solar companies in Nevada have been laying off workers because of the pending rate increase. Regulators decided Friday to introduce the higher rates more slowly.

The increase is meant to phase out a subsidy that regulators say traditional customers pay to support solar users.

Looking ahead to the caucuses in a week, Sanders tells volunteers he's ready to surprise people after having placed first in New Hampshire and a close second in Iowa.

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