Provides electric public utility customers' right to decline installation of smart meter under certain circumstances.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will empower customers by allowing them to decline the installation of smart meters for the duration of their account with the utility. By offering the option to refuse a smart meter, S1936 addresses concerns that some customers may have regarding privacy, usage tracking, or financial impact associated with smart meters, which are equipped to provide detailed information on electricity consumption.
Summary
Senate Bill S1936, introduced in New Jersey, establishes the rights of electric public utility customers concerning the installation of smart meters. The bill mandates that a utility must provide customers with a written notice at least 90 days in advance before the installation of a smart meter occurs. This requirement aims to ensure that customers are informed and have sufficient time to decide whether to allow such installations at their premises.
Contention
The bill includes specific provisions about fee structures related to the refusal of smart meter installations. Customers who decline the installation within 30 days of receiving notice will not incur any penalties, while those who decline after 30 days but within the 90-day notice period may face a maximum fee of $100. This provision may lead to discussions on whether the fee is appropriate or if more stringent protections should be implemented, reflecting broader concerns about customer autonomy and utility practices.
Prohibits providers of commercial mobile service and developers of mobile application from disclosing customer's global position system data to third parties under certain circumstances.