New Jersey Assembly Bill A1292

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires electric public utilities to obtain written consent and provide written disclosure prior to installing smart meters.

Impact

If enacted, A1292 will influence existing utility regulations within the state by enhancing customer rights and autonomy over their energy consumption data. This means that electric utilities cannot unilaterally implement smart meters, allowing customers to remain informed and potentially opt-out of such installations if they are not comfortable with the implications. This legislative move follows trends in other states aiming to bolster consumer protections against invasive data collection practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1292 seeks to mandate that electric public utilities must secure written consent from customers prior to the installation of smart meters. The legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency, requiring utilities to provide a detailed written disclosure outlining what type of data will be transmitted from these smart meters, how the data will be utilized, and any potential third-party disclosures. This is in response to increasing privacy concerns surrounding the detailed data collected by smart meters, which can reveal significant information about a customer's habits and routines.

Contention

The bill may face opposition from utility companies concerned about operational impacts and increased administrative burdens. Some proponents believe that the measure is essential for consumer protection, while critics argue that it might hinder the adoption of technology that can facilitate energy savings and smarter consumption choices. The debate centers on balancing privacy and the benefits of smart technology which provides real-time data that could improve energy efficiency for both consumers and utilities.