Associated Press

Nevada voters have approved a measure that aims to break up NV Energy's monopoly and open the electricity market to more competitors.

Voters gave the greenlight to the Energy Choice Initiative, which is also called Question 3. It must pass a second consecutive vote in 2018 before it can become a constitutional amendment.

The measure calls on lawmakers to create a framework for deregulating the state's electrical market and ending the utility company's legal monopoly. It came as large companies including casinos sought to leave NV Energy and find their own providers, but chafed at high exit fees imposed by regulators.

Data center company Switch and the Las Vegas Sands casino company were the primary financial backers.

Opponents included the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Nevada State AFL-CIO.