WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 378

AN ACT relating to the metering of electric service.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Banta and 1 co-sponsor

HB 378 seeks to improve accuracy and transparency of electric meters, requiring testing, data access, and clearer customer protections in metering and billing.

to Natural Resources & Energy (H)
#energy #publicutilities
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 378

Bill Summary: HB 378 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 378 aims to regulate the metering of electric service within Kentucky. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, the bill is categorized as relating to metering, suggesting reforms or specifications regarding how electric utilities measure and bill for electricity supplied to customers. The core intent of metering bills typically includes ensuring accurate measurement, protecting consumer rights, addressing rate design or billing practices, and potentially clarifying regulatory authority over metering standards and procedures.

Key provisions and changes (as generally associated with metering legislation)

  • Metering standards and accuracy: The bill may establish or update performance standards for electric meters (e.g., accuracy tolerances, testing, and certification). It could require utilities to use meters compliant with specified ANSI or industry standards and outline verification processes when meters are found inaccurate.
  • Testing and maintenance requirements: Provisions might mandate regular meter testing, replacement timelines for faulty meters, and procedures for customers to request or obtain meter tests or inspections.
  • Customer protections and rights: The bill could grant consumers greater access to meter data, require timely notification of meter-related events (such as meter errors or failures), and set procedures for correcting billing based on metering disputes.
  • Billing and rate implications: Changes may affect how usage is measured for billing, potentially addressing issues like estimated bills, net metering for solar/alternative energy, or time-of-use pricing. It may also specify how corrections due to meter errors are reconciled on customer bills.
  • Regulatory oversight: The measure could delineate responsibilities among state regulatory agencies (e.g., Kentucky Public Service Commission) and electric utilities regarding metering standards, testing, maintenance, and dispute resolution.
  • Implementation timeline: If applicable, the bill would include effective dates for new metering requirements and any phase-in periods for utilities to comply with updated standards.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Residential, commercial, and industrial electric customers: Beneficiaries include consumers who rely on accurate metering for fair billing and transparent access to usage data.
  • Electric utilities and metering service providers: Utilities may bear compliance responsibilities for testing, calibration, data reporting, and meter replacement/maintenance.
  • Regulatory agencies: The Kentucky Public Service Commission or any relevant energy oversight body would oversee implementation, enforcement, and dispute resolution processes.
  • Solar, wind, and other distributed energy resource participants: If net metering or time-of-use provisions are involved, DER customers could see changes in how generation and consumption are measured for compensation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introductory and committee actions: HB 378 was introduced in the Kentucky House on January 14, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees and then to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee (as of January 22, 2026). This indicates initial routing to the appropriate policy and oversight bodies for review.
  • Next steps in the process: If advanced, the bill would typically move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House, followed by consideration by the Senate and any rearrangements before potential enactment or veto considerations.
  • Effective date and transition: Any metering changes would specify an effective date and may include transitional provisions to allow utilities to come into compliance, with possible phased implementation.

Potential impact considerations

  • The bill could enhance accuracy and fairness in electric billing, reduce disputes over meter readings, and improve transparency of customer usage data.
  • It may impose additional compliance obligations on utilities, including regular testing, maintenance, and data reporting requirements.
  • Depending on specific provisions, there could be implications for rate design, net metering arrangements, and time-based pricing structures.

If you have access to the full text of HB 378, I can augment this summary with precise section-by-section language, exact requirements, dates, and any affected statute citations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.