Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request and in new building construction.
Impact
This legislation represents a significant shift in the infrastructure for electricity consumption measurement and management. Through the introduction of smart meters, the bill aims to enhance energy efficiency, providing customers with more detailed information about their electricity usage. Utilities are required to implement time-of-use electric rates, allowing for pricing models that reflect periods of high and low demand. This could potentially lead to cost savings for consumers who adjust their usage according to real-time pricing.
Summary
Assembly Bill A671 requires electric public utilities to install and operate smart meters and related technology at customer premises upon request and in new building construction. The bill mandates that utilities submit a plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 90 days of enactment, detailing the smart meter technology to be provided. This plan must include provisions for customer consent to allow direct access to their smart meter data by third parties, including electricity suppliers and service providers. Additionally, the BPU is responsible for approving or modifying these plans within 180 days of submission.
Contention
While proponents argue that A671 will improve energy conservation and empower consumers with better data, there are concerns regarding privacy and data security. By permitting third-party access to customer data, there is a potential risk that sensitive information could be misused. Furthermore, debates may arise around the financial implications for utilities, especially as they cannot recover lost revenues attributed to decreased consumption resulting from energy efficiency initiatives. These aspects may provoke opposition from certain consumer advocacy groups and sectors of the energy market.
Carry Over
Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request and in new building construction.