In restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for definitions and for duties of electric distribution companies and providing for duties of public utilities.
Summary
HB1112 would amend Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Code to create a new customer right to choose an electromechanical analog meter instead of a smart meter. The bill defines “electromechanical analog meter” as a meter without wireless or power-line transmission or reception capabilities, and it requires electric distribution companies to continue offering smart meters while also allowing customers to opt out and request the analog alternative. If a customer requests the switch, the utility must provide a selection form, complete the installation within 60 days, and may recover the actual costs of installation and service through commission-approved charges.
The bill also extends similar no-wireless meter options to natural gas and water customers. It adds a new section requiring public utilities to provide easy monthly usage-reporting methods, notify customers at least annually about the option to switch to an electromechanical analog meter, and offer non-wireless usage-measuring meters for gas and water service under the same general requirements. The bill also includes a provision that customers eligible for customer assistance programs, LIHEAP, or other hardship assistance should qualify for help paying installation costs.
Impact
HB1112 would modify Title 66 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding new definitions and duties for electric distribution companies, natural gas distribution utilities, water distribution utilities, and public utilities generally. It would create an explicit statutory right for customers to request a non-wireless analog meter and would require utilities to accommodate that request subject to commission-approved cost recovery. The bill would also impose new customer-notification and usage-reporting obligations on utilities and could affect utility billing practices, meter replacement programs, and cost allocation for customers who choose to switch away from smart-meter technology.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded floor debate, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative discussion. Based on the bill’s sponsorship and structure, the measure appears to be framed as a customer-choice and privacy-oriented utility bill, likely appealing to customers concerned about smart meters, wireless transmission, or utility surveillance. At the same time, the bill would impose operational and cost-recovery obligations on utilities, which could draw concern from utility providers and regulators.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between customer choice and utility modernization. Supporters would favor the right to opt out of smart meters and the requirement for non-wireless alternatives, especially for privacy, health, or personal-preference reasons. Opponents or concerned stakeholders may argue that allowing analog meter requests could increase utility costs, complicate meter management, and undermine smart-meter deployment and related efficiency programs. Another likely issue is who pays: the bill permits utilities to recover actual costs from customers requesting the switch, but it also requires assistance for low-income or hardship customers, which could raise questions about administrative burden and cost shifting.
In restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for declaration of policy, for standards for restructuring of electric industry and for duties of electric distribution companies.
In natural gas competition, further providing for consumer protections and customer service; in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for duties of electric distribution companies; and making an editorial change.
In natural gas competition, further providing for standards for restructuring of natural gas utility industry, for consumer protections and customer service and for requirements for natural gas suppliers; and, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for standards for restructuring of electric industry, for duties of electric distribution companies and for requirements for electric generation suppliers.