LAS VEGAS -- NV Energy is leaving no way to opt out of smart meters, even though some consumer activists say the system will lead to bigger bills. The power company says smart meters are coming and state law gives them the power to do what they want.
Smart meters are currently in 500,000 southern Nevada homes. NV Energy is asking state regulators permission to install smart meters on the remaining 100,000 homes and turn their monitoring system on. But some consumer activist groups are concerned this technology could be used to increase bills using a technique known as "time- based pricing."
The Public Utilities Commission is still deciding whether to allow NV Energy to switch on their smart meter network. The power company says in documents submitted to the commission Wednesday they are willing to accept a compromise: They will let objecting ratepayers opt-out, but at a cost.
Ratepayers concerned about alleged health issues of smart meters can pay a $110 installation fee and $15 a month for an alternative meter. That meter is still digital, still monitors usage in 15 minute intervals, but does not transmit any data and must be read by a meter reader.
NV Energy says letting people keep their analog meters is too costly and prevents them from meeting government-mandated efficiency goals.
California Utilities are two years ahead in installing smart meters. Activist group Utility Reform Network claims California smart meters show accuracy issues.
"We have heard there are power surges that affect the efficacy of the meters. Many consumers at least perceive their bill was going up with the meters put in. We've heard all sorts of excuses from the utility company," said Mindy Spatt with Utility Reform Network.
NV Energy says their system has passed accuracy tests by the University of Nevada, Reno.
The company is also invoking what's called Rule 16, a regulator-approved tariff that says NV Energy can install any meter they want over consumer objections. But consumer activists believe smart meters are one step closer to mandatory time- based pricing. That would mean electricity could cost more on a hot afternoon.
"For someone who is unemployed, has a lot of small children at home, or really can't cut back on something like air conditioning in the middle of the day, they're going to get slammed," said Spatt.
Digital meters do give NV Energy the technology to do optional time-based pricing. The company says they have no plans to ask the PUC to make time-based pricing mandatory.
