Directs BPU to establish certain standards concerning electric public utility use of customer energy usage data.
Impact
The proposed legislation mandates the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to implement statewide privacy requirements within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This includes provisions ensuring that utilities commit to protecting CEUD from unauthorized disclosure and notifying customers and relevant authorities in case of any breaches. The legislation facilitates customers' access to their CEUD and allows them to revoke consent for third-party access at any time, thereby enhancing consumer autonomy and privacy.
Summary
Senate Bill S629 aims to establish standards for the collection, use, and disclosure of customer energy usage data (CEUD) by electric public utilities in New Jersey. The bill asserts that customers have full ownership and control over their data collected via advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), essentially smart meters. Utilities are required to disclose this data only to authorized third parties with the customer's informed consent. Furthermore, utilities must establish standardized privacy requirements to protect this information from unauthorized access.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding how these regulations will be enforced and whether the BPU can adequately oversee compliance among electric public utilities. The bill raises questions about the balance between fostering innovation within the energy sector and ensuring consumer privacy. Concerns might also be raised by those who fear that stringent regulations could lead to increased operational costs for utilities, possibly affecting energy prices for consumers.