Electric utilities requirement to obtain consent to install certain electric meters authorization
Summary
SF 701 would create a new section of Minnesota Statutes requiring electric utilities to obtain written consent from the owner of a home or business before installing a “smart meter gateway device” on or in that property. The bill defines that term broadly to include electric meters, meter components, load control devices, and related ancillary devices that act as a communications gateway or otherwise communicate with, monitor, or control electrical appliances or equipment inside the premises.
The bill also requires utilities to provide a written opt-in form in 12-point bold type stating that participation is optional and that service will not be affected if the owner declines. In addition, when enrolling a customer for electric service, a utility must disclose in writing whether such a device has been installed and, upon written request, remove or allow removal of all smart meter gateway devices.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new consent and disclosure framework to Minnesota’s utility laws in chapter 216B. It would limit an electric utility’s ability to install certain advanced metering or load-control equipment at a customer’s property without affirmative written permission from the property owner, and it would create a statutory right to request removal of those devices. The measure would affect electric utilities, homeowners, and business owners by shifting installation of these devices from an implied or utility-driven process to an opt-in model.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available legislative context, the measure appears to be driven by concern about privacy, property rights, and customer control over utility-installed devices. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal bipartisan or partisan pattern can be identified. The bill’s structure suggests a precautionary approach toward smart meter technology rather than a broad utility modernization effort.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether electric utilities should be required to obtain affirmative written consent before installing smart meter gateway devices, rather than being allowed to deploy them as part of standard service infrastructure. Supporters would likely emphasize property-owner autonomy, informed consent, and the ability to refuse monitoring or control features. Opponents would likely argue that the bill could complicate utility operations, reduce deployment of advanced metering infrastructure, and create administrative burdens for utilities and customers.