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H 3551

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nathan Ballentine and 15 co-sponsors

Requires utilities to offer non-transmitting EMAM meters, obtain consent for wireless meters, and allow cost-free replacement, protecting ratepayers from RF exposure.

Act No. 183
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3551

Summary of H.3551: An Act relative to smart meters

Purpose and scope

H.3551 seeks to regulate the use of wireless/smart meters by utility companies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill would add a new section (Section 116C) to Chapter 164 to require utility providers to offer ratepayers a choice of metering options, protect ratepayers who prefer non-transmitting meters, and set procedural safeguards around installation, consent, and notices. It frames the measure as emergency legislation intended to protect public health from radiofrequency emissions.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • Electromechanical analog meter (EMAM): purely electric/mechanical, with no electronic components, no transmitter, and no radiofrequency emissions.
    • Wireless meter: any meter capable of measuring, recording, and sending data via wireless signal, including AMR, ERT, smart meters, CAMP, etc.
    • Equivalent technology: wireless-communication-enabled utility infrastructure that may be undisclosed due to proprietary rights.

  • Consumer choice and options

    • The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) must direct utilities to give ratepayers:
    • a choice of meter type, including the option to install and operate an EMAM;
    • the ability to retain and operate an EMAM at no cost;
    • the right to replacement of a wireless meter with a non-transmitting EMAM at no cost.

  • Consent and alterations

    • Utilities must obtain ratepayer written consent before installing wireless meters or equivalent technology and before altering the functionality of existing meters.

  • Notice and removal rights

    • Utilities must provide written notice within 90 days of the act’s effective date informing ratepayers whether a wireless meter has been installed.
    • Ratepayers may request removal of wireless meters and replacement with EMAM at no cost, with the utility required to comply promptly.

  • Protections for ratepayers

    • Utilities may not shut off service for meter-related reasons tied to the ratepayer’s meter type.
    • No disincentives may be imposed for not consenting to wireless meters.
    • Ratepayers must be informed in writing that wireless meters are not mandated by law and require consent.
    • Protections against discrimination for medical conditions aggravated by RF exposure.
    • Prohibition on installing equivalent technology near the home of a ratepayer who requests a non-transmitting meter.

  • Administration and effective date

    • DPU must establish terms and conditions to implement these requirements.
    • The section takes effect upon passage (immediate implementation).

Affected parties

  • Utility companies (electric, gas, water; including town/city-owned utilities)
  • Ratepayers (residential and commercial)
  • Department of Public Utilities (rulemaking and oversight)

Timeline and legislative status

  • Current status: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 12, 2025.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025; Referred to the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy; Senate concurrence noted.
  • Related bill: HD 4006 (replaces).

Potential impact

  • Increased consumer choice and control over meter technology, with explicit rights to non-transmitting meters at no cost.
  • Administrative and operational adjustments for utilities to implement consent, notices, and option-switching processes.
  • Public health rationale centered on reducing exposure to wireless meter emissions for concerned ratepayers.

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

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