Requires electric public utilities to obtain written consent and provide written disclosure prior to installing smart meters.
Impact
The installation of smart meters has become more common across the U.S., but it has also sparked significant privacy concerns. The information collected can potentially reveal when customers are at home or away, as well as their daily activities. By requiring explicit consent from consumers, A4886 aims to protect customer privacy rights and inform them about the implications of smart meter installations. Moreover, this law effectively sets a precedent regarding consumer rights in the face of advancing technology.
Summary
Bill A4886 requires electric public utilities to obtain written consent from customers before installing smart meters. It mandates that these utilities provide a written disclosure that details what data will be collected, how it will be used, and if it will be shared with third parties. This legislation highlights the growing concerns around data privacy associated with advanced metering technologies, which can provide in-depth insights into a customer's electricity usage habits.
Contention
Notably, while the bill aims to safeguard privacy and promote transparency, there may be contention regarding how it could impact the rollout and adoption of smart meter technology. Some utility companies may argue that such requirements could slow down the process of implementing smart meters, which are essential for modernizing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and facilitating demand response initiatives. The requirement for written consent may be seen as an obstacle, while proponents of the bill will argue that these measures are necessary for protecting consumer rights.
Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request and in new building construction.
Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request and in new building construction.
Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meter infrastructure and technology at certain customers' premises; provides employment protections for certain electric public utility employees.