NV Energy digital smart meters coming to northern Nevada

RENO (AP) - NV Energy's smart meter system is coming to northern Nevada.

Utility officials said they'd begin installing smart meters in homes in the Reno-Sparks area beginning Tuesday.

Project manager Gary Smith says the digital meters allow customers to review their energy use from home computers on a daily basis. The system also alerts NV Energy whenever a user is without power.

Other options allow customers to request e-mail alerts when monthly bills reach a certain amount.

NV Energy wants smart meters in every home statewide by the end of the year as part of a $303 million project.

Much of Las Vegas already is wired.

Residents get five days' notice before installation. They don't have to be home at the time of the switch, which will cause a brief power outage.