Regulators suggest smart-meter opt-out plan
The Public Utilities Commission has asked local power utility NV Energy to propose ways that ratepayers might opt out of the company's NV Energize smart-meter initiative.
The request comes less than a week after the agency held a workshop to discuss consumer health and privacy concerns about the devices.
NV Energy must file its opt-out proposals by Dec. 28. Ratepayers may file written replies to NV Energy's plans by noon on Jan. 13.
A second workshop to discuss opt-out policies is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. at commission headquarters, 9075 W. Diablo Drive, Suite 250. Consumers can also submit written comments to that address. Ratepayers will not be able to participate in the workshop unless they've submitted written comments by the deadline.
Consumers can also file statements electronically by going to the commission's website, clicking on "Administration" and choosing the "Electronic Filing System" option.
NV Energy has installed about 600,000 of the 1.45 million meters it plans to swap out by the end of 2012. But the commission decided to give consumers another chance to weigh in after ratepayer comments in consumer sessions earlier this year.
The commission has a Web page with information about smart meters. Visit puc.nv.gov and click on the "Smart Meters" option in the menu on the left.
Contact reporter Jennifer Robison at jrobison@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512
