Smart meter explodes in Saskatoon, weeks after SaskPower halts program

Brad McNairn, who lives in Saskatoon’s Willow Grove neighbourhood, told CTV his smart meter -- seen here in this combination photo -- blew out around 1 a.m. July 26, sending scorch marks up the side of his house. (Brad McNairn)

Another SaskPower smart meter exploded Saturday, only weeks after the crown corporation put the meter program on hold.

Brad McNairn, who lives in Saskatoon’s Willow Grove neighbourhood, told CTV his smart meter blew out around 1 a.m., sending scorch marks up the side of his house.

“My oldest son sleeps about five feet away from where that spot blew. It’s really concerning to us. It wasn’t a big deal here, but in the future I think it could be a lot worse for other people,” McNairn said.

SaskPower put the smart meter program on hold earlier this month pending an investigation into possible fire risks associated with the meters. The explosion at McNairn’s home was at least the seventh in the last few months.

More than 100,000 smart meters were installed in Saskatchewan homes over the last few years.