Gridlocked

An investigation was opened in late November by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada after residents expressed concern over the health risks and privacy concerns of smart meters.

A smart meter is an electronic device that takes the place of the analog meters. The device tracks energy usage and sends a report via computer back to residents, with the intent to increase energy conservation by providing consumers a detailed breakdown of their household use. The technology is pretty straightforward—similar information tracking resources already exist in automobiles, smartphones, televisions and some existing electricity meters. Installation began in southern Nevada in early 2011, continued in northern Nevada late December, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. To date, more than 700,000 smart meters have been installed.

Smart meters are part of a move toward smart grids, which better track the consumption of energy, and function as an aggregate of energy networks to allow consumers and communities to establish more sustainable habits. A grid would also allow for alternative energy resources, like that generated from solar, geothermal and wind power, to be more efficiently measured.

There are three schools of criticism on the meters. Some residents claim that the radio-frequency emitted by the meters causes severe migraines, anxiety, insomnia and other neurological disorders. Others are wary about the privacy matters—that the software in smart meters will give corporations and the government another way to control what happens inside peoples’ homes, and could be susceptible to hackers. And many are concerned about the fiscal impact, particularly the loss of meter readers’ jobs.

Most of the health concerns are found on blogs without much scientific evidence to support them. Research institutions like the Environmental Defense Fund and the California Council on Science and Technology, among others, have debunked health-concern claims.

The privacy of personal data is protected by encryption, and “no private data is included in streams,” according to NV Energy spokesperson Faye Andersen. She claims residents’ information can’t be accessed by third parties. To date, smart meters have not faced a hacking attempt, and one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s rules for smart grids states that the network must resist attack—it also must be able to repair itself.

Once the installation is completed throughout the state, the meter reader position will become obsolete, but Andersen said that NV Energy has plans for those employees.

“No one will end up losing their job,” Andersen said. “We hope to use them all in some other capacity.” This includes ushering them into the smart meter program and redefining their roles.

NV Energy is looking into alternative options to provide residents with a choice if they decide to opt-out of the smart meter installation. A smart meter workshop will be held in late January.

Smart meters have already been implemented in countries around the world. Italy started installing smart meters back in 2000 with the intent to have every residence outfitted with one by 2016. Japan’s Energy Conservation Center advocates for their widespread usage to encourage better conservation habits.