Smart Meters - Residential FAQs

Because smart meters are digital meters, they are generally less likely to provide “slow reads” (inaccurate measurements of energy usage) than analog meters. As with many things, when a utility meter ages it may require maintenance and repair in order to continue to accurately record usage. All types of utility meters are subject to testing. NV Energy uses a two-phased process to test the accuracy of its smart meters:

1. The manufacturer conducts meter testing.
2. NV Energy tests the meters again in its meter shop.

Smart meters transmit data via the same technology used to transmit data between cell phones. Various measures may be taken by a utility installing smart meters to ensure that data is protected. For example, NV Energy is addressing security and privacy concerns associated with such transmissions by protecting its networks through:

• The use of best-in-industry technology and software.
• The use of an encrypted radio frequency network from the meters to the networks.
• Isolation of the network from the customer website.
• Isolation of the network that transmits data from the meters to the corporate computer network

Call NV Energy’s Resolution Center:

• Southern Nevada: (702) 402-4273
• Northern Nevada: (888) 559-9744

The following restrictions apply to customers requesting a refurbished analog meter:

• Customers of Record: Only customers of record (the person whose name is on the bill) with NV Energy are authorized to participate. A property owner who is not the official customer of record cannot participate. For example, a landlord cannot choose to install a refurbished analog meter at a rented property if the landlord is not the customer of record for that property.
• Failure to Make Timely Payments: Customers who have made two late payments in any 12-month period are ineligible.
• Tampering or Evidence of Fraud: If the acts of the customer, or the conditions upon the customer’s premise, indicate to NV Energy that the customer intends to defraud the utility, or the customer tampers or interferes with the operation of the utility’s meter, the utility may deny any request for, or revoke, service in this program.
• Subject to Availability: Participation is limited to 12,000 cumulative residential and non-residential electric customers in Southern Nevada, and 4,500 cumulative residential and non-residential electric customers in Northern Nevada. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Time-of-Use-Rates, Net Metering & Standby Service:Customers choosing to opt out are not eligible for time-of-use rate programs, net metering programs, or large or small standby service.
• Other Optional Programs: A customer choosing to opt out may not be eligible to participate in optional programs offered by NV Energy if the utility determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the customer’s participation is inefficient, not feasible, or too costly.
• Right of Access: NV Energy may deny service under this program to any customer who, twice in any 12-month period, interferes with the utility’s right to access the customer’s premise. NV Energy will provide the customer with 30-day notice of its intent to install a smart meter.