New York Assembly Bill A04047

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits the release of a consumer's electrical or gas consumption data to any police officer, or private, local, state or federal law enforcement entity without a judicial court-ordered subpoena, warrant or the consumer's written consent.

Summary

Bill A04047 amends the public service law to prohibit utility corporations, municipalities, and local publicly owned electric or gas corporations from sharing or disclosing a consumer's electrical or gas consumption data to law enforcement entities without a judicial court-ordered subpoena, warrant, or the consumer's written consent. This legislation aims to enhance consumer privacy regarding their energy usage data, ensuring that such information cannot be accessed by police or other law enforcement agencies without proper legal authorization or explicit consumer agreement. The bill allows utility companies to utilize aggregate consumption data for analysis, reporting, or program management, provided that all personal identifying information is removed. This means that while individual consumption data is protected, utilities can still analyze overall trends and statistics for operational purposes. The intent is to strike a balance between consumer privacy and the operational needs of utility companies. The impact of this bill on state laws is significant, as it establishes clear boundaries regarding the handling of sensitive consumer data by utility companies. It reinforces consumer rights and privacy protections in the context of energy consumption, potentially influencing how utilities manage and report data in compliance with the new regulations. This could also set a precedent for future legislation concerning consumer data protection in other sectors. The sentiment around the bill appears to be largely positive, with discussions emphasizing the importance of consumer privacy and the need to protect individuals from unwarranted surveillance by law enforcement. There is a general agreement on the necessity of consumer consent before any data sharing occurs, reflecting a growing trend towards prioritizing privacy rights in legislative measures. Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance between privacy and law enforcement needs. Some stakeholders may argue that restricting access to consumption data could hinder law enforcement's ability to investigate certain crimes, while proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of protecting consumer rights. These differing perspectives highlight the ongoing debate about privacy versus security in the digital age.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws by establishing strict regulations on how utility companies handle consumer data, particularly in relation to law enforcement access. It reinforces consumer privacy rights, ensuring that personal consumption data cannot be shared without proper legal processes or consumer consent. This legislative change may lead to increased scrutiny of data-sharing practices among utility companies and could influence similar privacy protections in other sectors.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A04047 is positive, with strong support for enhancing consumer privacy rights. Discussions have highlighted the importance of safeguarding individual data from unauthorized access by law enforcement, reflecting a growing public concern over privacy issues. Stakeholders appear to agree on the necessity of requiring consumer consent before data sharing can occur, indicating a collective push towards stronger privacy protections.

Contention

Points of contention may arise regarding the implications of the bill on law enforcement's ability to access data for investigations. Some may argue that restricting access to consumption data could impede law enforcement efforts, while supporters of the bill contend that consumer privacy must take precedence. This divergence in viewpoints underscores the ongoing debate between privacy rights and security needs, with various stakeholders holding differing opinions on the appropriate balance.