RENO — State utility regulators have voted to formally launch an inquiry into the safety of smart meters installed on over 1 million Nevada homes and businesses by NV Energy.
Thursday’s action by the Public Utilities Commission comes after Reno and Sparks fire chiefs identified nine fires they say started at a residential smart meter.
NV Energy must provide documents answering 20 detailed questions. The PUC seeks information on meter failures, the number of fires associated with meters, any lawsuits involving the meters and internal documents on meter fires.
NV Energy Vice President Pat Eagan pledged the company would comply with the order for records.
NV Energy replaced traditional meters that must be read on-site with smart meters that continuously transmit information wirelessly on power use.
