PUC hearing today on NV Energy's petition to recover $78 million in 'smart meter' costs
NV Energy has petitioned the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada with the hopes of recovering $78 million in costs associated with implementation of electric and gas smart meters in Northern Nevada.
A hearing on the matter is set for today, Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. in Hearing Room A of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, 1150 E. William St. in Carson City.
NV Energy’s petition is to recover costs from the Advanced Service Delivery Project, also known as smart meters, and Nevada Dynamic Pricing Trial in Northern Nevada. The petition by NV Energy examines both the costs and estimated long-term savings of the Advanced Service Delivery Project, according to the PUC.
When the commission approved the project in 2010, as a condition for recovery of the investment NV Energy was directed to demonstrate that the long-term savings would benefit consumers, according to a news release.
NV Energy seeks recovery of approximately $53 million of electric division costs and approximately $25 million of gas division costs related to smart meter implementation.
NV Energy’s petition says the estimated long-term savings, spread out over a 20-year period, will total $82 million. In addition, NV Energy’s electric division requests recovery of approximately $2 million of costs associated with the Nevada Dynamic Pricing Trial, or voluntary time of use program, the news release states.
Based on the evidence presented in the case, the commission may approve changes to rates as necessary to provide that such rates are just and reasonable.
Public comment will be limited to the contents of the application. NV Energy and PUCN representatives will be present to hear comments and answer questions. Hearings on this application start Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. Individuals with questions regarding the consumer session may contact the PUCN at (775) 684-6101. To view documentation regarding NV Energy’s application, visit the PUCN website here. From the top navigational bar on the home page, select “Dockets,” followed by “Electric Dockets.” Scroll to docket number 14-05005 and click “View.”