LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- Because a variety of concerns with NV energy's 'smart meters,' there's a push to let people opt out of the conversion.
With NV Energy currently owing almost $160 million in bills, a consumer advocate with the Attorney General's office worries the 'smart meters' are just another way to pass the buck to consumers.
600,000 homes in Southern Nevada have NV Energy's smart meters installed. They were sold beginning last summer as a way to help people track their electric usage. But privacy concerns quickly sprouted because of the way the meters pass along usage information. In addition, health worries arose because of a small amount of electro-magnetic radiation they spit out.
Consumer advocate Eric Witkoski says the smart meters may be costing consumers more than they think, and that people should be allowed to opt out of the conversion.
“When you make a big change like this we did see some problems,” said Witkoski. “Every day you hear about something being hacked into, so you're very concerned.”
NV energy is submitting answers today for a public utilities commission investigation on their smart meters. NV energy has said before their smart meters don't transmit private information and are not dangerous to your health.
The consumer advocate advises that customers keep track of energy costs and make sure their smart meter actually works so they don’t pay more than they should.
