AN ACT relating to the metering of electric service.
Summary
HB 378 would regulate the replacement of traditional analog electric meters with smart meters by retail electric suppliers in Kentucky. The bill defines a smart meter as a digital, time-based meter with two-way communication capabilities that can record electricity usage data and support real-time monitoring. Before replacing an existing analog meter, a supplier would have to provide at least 30 days’ written notice to the customer.
If the customer owns the premises where the meter is installed, the customer would have 30 days to opt out of having a smart meter installed. That opt-out right would not apply if the existing meter is inaccurate or malfunctioning. The bill also prohibits suppliers from charging customers for the installation of a smart meter or imposing any surcharge or fee for opting out.
Impact
The bill would create a new section in KRS Chapter 278 governing electric meter replacement practices by retail electric suppliers. It would add customer notice and opt-out requirements for smart meter installations, while also limiting utility cost recovery from customers by barring installation charges and opt-out fees. The measure would affect electric utilities, contractors working on meter replacement, and residential or other customers whose premises are served by analog meters.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears to be consumer-protection oriented and focused on customer choice. The bill’s structure suggests support for notice, transparency, and the ability to decline smart meter installation, while still allowing utilities to replace malfunctioning or inaccurate meters without an opt-out. No formal opposition or recorded controversy is shown in the available context.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between utility modernization and customer autonomy. Supporters would likely favor the notice requirement, opt-out option, and ban on fees as protections for property owners and ratepayers. Potential opponents could include retail electric suppliers and utility advocates, who may argue that opt-out rights could complicate system upgrades, increase administrative costs, or interfere with deployment of smart grid technology. The exception for inaccurate or malfunctioning meters may also be a point of discussion because it limits the opt-out right in certain circumstances.