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S 8515

Allows customers to decline the installation of smart meters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Oberacker and 2 co-sponsors

Senate Bill S 8515 gives customers the right to opt out of smart meter installation, requiring utilities to honor opt-out requests and maintain service.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 8515

Summary: Senate Bill S 8515 — Allows Customers to Decline the Installation of Smart Meters

Overview

Senate Bill S 8515 is a proposed measure introduced on September 26, 2025, that would grant customers the right to decline the installation of smart meters. The bill is currently referred to the Rules committee. The primary sponsor is Christopher Ryan. A companion bill exists in the Assembly as A 3978.

Purpose and Intent

  • The stated objective of S 8515 is to provide customers with an opt-out option regarding smart meter installation. This reflects an emphasis on consumer choice and control over metering technology.
  • The bill’s introduction suggests a policy shift toward enabling individuals to refuse deployment of smart metering devices by utilities or service providers.

Key Provisions (Note)

  • The specific textual provisions are not included in the provided information. As such, the precise requirements, processes, and constraints are not detailed here.
  • Based on the bill’s title, the core concept is to establish a mechanism by which customers can decline installation. If enacted, the bill would likely require:
    • A defined opt-out process (request method, verification, and eligibility).
    • Requirements for utilities to honor opt-out requests in a timely manner.
    • Protocols for continued billing, data handling, and service quality for customers who opt out.
    • Considerations related to data privacy, safety, and any potential impacts on grid management or energy programs.
  • Until the bill text is available, the exact scope, exceptions, and any associated fees or transitional rules remain unspecified.

Affected Parties

  • Consumers/customers: Individuals who may choose not to have a smart meter installed.
  • Utility and service providers: Entities responsible for meter installation and related data collection.
  • Regulatory agencies: Bodies that would oversee compliance with opt-out provisions and any related public policy goals.
  • Data privacy and energy efficiency programs: Potential implications for data collection, analytics, and utility efficiency initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: September 26, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Rules (as of the provided information).
  • Legislative action history shows the sole listed action on the same date (referred to Rules), with companion activity noted for A 3978.
  • Next steps typically include consideration by the Rules committee, potential amendments, and eventually floor debate and votes in the respective chambers.

Related Legislation

  • Companion bill: A 3978 (Assembly), indicating parallel or complementary efforts in the lower house.

Observations and Next Steps

  • The available materials do not include the bill text or specific provisions. To assess full impact, the exact language will be necessary.
  • Readers tracking this bill should monitor Rules committee proceedings for amendments and the eventual floor votes, and review the companion A 3978 for aligned language and provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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