LAS VEGAS (KSNV & MyNews3) -- If you have an opinion about whether you want to keep an energy smart meter at your home, time is running out to express your thoughts. But before you send in a letter, keep in mind that it will cost you money to opt out of using a smart meter.
Most of residents in Southern Nevada already have a smart meter that was installed sometime last year. NV Energy said the meters save customers money and allow them to monitor energy use.
For many people it's not really a big deal to keep them but there are some customers who have health and privacy concerns. For those customers, NV Energy submitted four opt-out proposals to the Public Utilities Commission. If approved, those options are going to cost consumers extra.
Each plan has a one-time charge of at least $100 plus a monthly fee of about $15. That fee is not sitting well with customers who argue there has to be other options. Some customers are worried about their privacy, fearing hackers will get access to their daily routines and possibly rob them.
Others are concerned about their health, citing studies that claim smart meters emit radio waves that can cause hair loss and even cancer.
Customers are calling on the commission to explore advanced technology and investigate why they have to foot the bill if they choose to go back to the older meters.
On Wednesday, a workshop will be held where Public Utilities Commissioners will hear customers' comments. Residents can only speak at that workshop if they submit a written comment by noon Friday.
