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Bill

S 2306

An Act relative to smart meters

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 7 co-sponsors

Massachusetts legislation establishing consumer protections, privacy safeguards, and opt-out rights for smart meter installation by electric and gas utilities.

Hearing scheduled for 06/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · S 2306

Legislative bill overview

S 2306 establishes new regulations governing the deployment, operation, and consumer protections related to smart meters in Massachusetts. The bill addresses data privacy, opt-out provisions, installation procedures, and utility company accountability for these automated meter-reading devices that collect and transmit energy consumption data.

Why is this important

Smart meters are increasingly mandatory for utility customers, yet they raise legitimate concerns about data privacy, electromagnetic exposure, and billing accuracy. This legislation directly affects millions of Massachusetts residents' homes and businesses while potentially influencing utility costs, data security standards, and consumer choice across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Opt-out provisions vs. grid modernization: Allowing customers to refuse smart meters may conflict with utilities' infrastructure modernization goals and grid efficiency initiatives that depend on widespread data collection
  • Privacy and data security standards: Determining what consumer protections are necessary versus what creates unreasonable compliance burdens for utility companies
  • Cost allocation: Whether consumers opting out should pay higher fees, and how to fairly distribute smart meter infrastructure costs across all ratepayers

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

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