What's happening
This bill prohibits utility companies from charging customers different rates based on the type of meter they use.
Why it matters
Protects consumers from extra fees. By prohibiting utilities from charging more based on the meter type (analog, digital, smart, etc.), the bill prevents customers from incurring unfair or hidden costs simply for keeping or choosing a certain meter.
Limits utility company influence over technology choice. Utilities can no longer use pricing to pressure customers into switching to newer (often digital or smart) meters; this supports consumer autonomy and addresses privacy, health, or personal preference concerns about meter types.
Ensures regulatory consistency. The bill prevents the Public Service Commission from approving any rate structures or surcharges that discriminate by meter type, closing potential loopholes utilities might use to implement such charges.
Guarantees fair access as long as rules are followed. Customers who allow proper meter access and comply with utility regulations are protected from cost differences, supporting both utility operations and consumer rights.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Stop Meter-Based Utility Fees
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to rules
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6796
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
October 23, 2019
Introduced by Sen. MAYER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to prohibiting charging different rates based upon the type of meter a customer uses
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 39 of the public service law is amended by adding a new subdivision 5 to read as follows:
5. A utility corporation or municipality shall not impose different rates, charges, price differentials or fees based upon the type of meter that a customer uses. The commission shall make no regulation and allow no tariff that shall impose a fee, surcharge, cost or creates a cost differential for a customer for having an analog meter, digital meter, automated meter reading equipped meter, advanced metering infrastructure equipped meter or manual meter so long as such customer provides access and allows for metering in compliance with the rules, regulations and tariffs as the commission may impose.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13589-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to prohibiting charging different rates based upon the type of meter a customer uses
Purpose
The purpose of this bill is prevent utilities from penalizing customers that choose not to use a smart meter.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 disallows a utility corporation or municipality from imposing a different rate, charge, price or fees based upon the type of meter that a customer uses.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
Justification
Increasingly, utilities are installing automated meters reading equipped meter or advanced metering infrastructure equipped meters commonly known as "smart meters" across the state. For example, ConEdison has begun switching all customers in Brooklyn and Westchester to the "smart meters". While there is a choice to opt out, ConEd charges an additional $9.50 per month for customers that opt to remain with traditional meters. This charge is for a service that was traditional performed by the utility, namely "meter reading". Utilities claim that customers that opt out are costing them more based on the extra manpower needed to continue reading a meter after a neighborhood has switched to smart meters. Yet, when applying for their most recent tariff, after the change to smart meters began, ConEd once again asked for a rate increase, passing none of the "savings" created by smart meters on to the consumer.
Additionally, many individuals have concerns regarding smart meters, including privacy and health concerns. Many individuals worry about what information smart meters can collect and what information will be trans- mitted back to utility companies. With the proliferation of smart meters, there are increased fears about the health risks caused by smart meters and the added volume of radio frequencies that individuals are being exposed to.
Legislative history
New bill
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect thirty (30) days after becoming law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.