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Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Committed to rules
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.157
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to mandating the public service commission to establish a smart metering pilot program
In Assembly Committee · Energy · Sponsor Andrew Hevesi
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6388
Title of bill
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to mandating the public service commission to establish a smart metering pilot program
Purpose:
To mandate the Public Service Commission to establish a smart meter pilot program ("Pilot") in order to evaluate the benefits that smart metering can provide.
Summary of Specific Provisions:
The bill adds new provisions to Article 12 of the Public Service Law, including: Section 250 to direct the Public Service Commission to establish a smart metering Pilot; Section 251 to define key terms; Section 252 to charge the utilities with implementing the Pilot; Section 253 to force the Commission to consider cost, environmental and economic factors in establishing the Pilot; Section 253 also requires the utilities to furnish technical information to the Commission and to make consumer privacy a top priority, as well as to provide notice to affected customers; Section 254 covers the installation of smart meters, and provides any residential customer on whose home a smart meter of other two-way meter has or will be installed, whether past of the Pilot or not, the option to "opt-out" of receiving smart meter or two-way meter; Section 255 provides for reasonable utility cost recovery.
Existing Law:
Public Service Law does not currently address smart meters or pilot projects.
Justification:
Smart meter technology holds tremendous potential benefits for both residential energy consumers and utilities. Not only could smart metering reduce monthly residential electricity bills, but by shifting energy consumption to off-peak periods, smart meters can help reduce stress on the electrical generating facilities, transmission lines, and the national electrical grid. This would help prevent blackouts, reduce statewide energy costs, and create environmental benefits. Smart grid technologies can aid in combating climate change by promoting utilization of renewable resources, as well as by helping to improve electric system reliability and efficiency. This bill is in furtherance of the Public Service Commission's 2011 Smart Grid Policy Statement, which outlined how New York will fulfill its obligation to modernize the electrical grid. The Policy Statement offered guidelines but was scant in detail and timeframes. By mandating smart grid demonstration programs, the Commission will evaluate the cost/benefit of statewide residential smart meter implementation. This bill also promotes freedom of choice by providing an "opt-out" for consumers who do not wish to have smart meters placed on their property.
Fiscal Implications:
None
Legislative History:
New Bill
Effective Date:
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.