North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1486

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  

Caption

Unauthorized metering.

Impact

The impact of HB1486 is multifaceted. Primarily, it enhances consumer protection related to utility services by mandating informed consent for the installation of smart metering technology. This is crucial as smart meters can have implications for privacy and energy management in homes and businesses. Moreover, the bill necessitates the written communication of the utility regarding the installation of these devices and provides an avenue for removal if requested by the property owner, requiring a traditional meter to be installed instead. Ultimately, this legislation strengthens consumer rights in dealing with utility providers.

Summary

House Bill 1486 proposes significant amendments to the North Dakota Century Code concerning the installation of smart meter gateway devices. It establishes regulations that utilities must follow to install such devices at residential or business locations. The bill requires that a utility must not install a smart meter gateway device without obtaining the owner's consent through a form disclosing the nature of the device and allowing the owner the option to opt-out of the installation. This measure aims to ensure that customers have a say in the appliances and technologies used in their utility services.

Contention

Notable points of contention and discussion around the bill may arise from differing opinions on the necessity and implications of smart meter technology within communities. While supporters argue that smart meters contribute to efficiency and better energy management, opponents may express concerns about privacy, data security, and the potentially invasive nature of these devices. The requirement for consent reflects a growing recognition of consumer rights in the face of advancing technology, yet it may also lead to debates about cost implications for utility providers and the pace of smart infrastructure deployment in North Dakota.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1493

Motor vehicle definitions, nondriver photo identification cards, operator's license applications, and expiration of operator's licenses; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1316

Definitions relating to multipassenger bicycles, driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, open container prohibition, and exempting multipassenger bicycles from the point system; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1082

The adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code amendments (2022).

ND HB1097

The definition of electric energy conversion facility, the publication of notices of public hearings, payment of an administrative fee, adding hydrogen to definitions, the publication of a public hearing, and the payment of an administrative fee; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner, the federal environmental law impact review committee, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2140

Self-insurance health plans; to provide for a report; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HB1038

Technical corrections and improper, inaccurate, redundant, missing, or obsolete references; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2013

The salary of the superintendent of public instruction, baseline funding, high-cost students, and regional library cooperative definitions; to provide for a transfer; to provide for reports; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.