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Bill

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Bill

A 2907

Prohibits public utilities from charging smart meter opt-out fees.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 2 co-sponsors

Public utilities in NJ cannot charge any fee for opting out of a smart meter or for not installing one, preserving customer choice between analog and smart meters.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2907

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to prohibit public utilities in New Jersey from charging opt-out fees to customers who choose not to have a smart meter installed at their residence.
  • It aims to preserve customer choice in meter type (analog vs. smart meter) and prevent additional charges for opting out, with the broader goal of potentially reducing costs for ratepayers who prefer to keep an analog meter.

Key provisions

  • Definitions:

    • “Public utility” follows the definition in R.S.48:2-13.
    • “Smart meter” includes any metering device using smart meter technology to measure, record, and transmit usage data for billing and other purposes. This includes:
    • Basic hourly interval meters
    • Meters with one-way communication
    • Real-time meters with built-in two-way communication capable of recording and transmitting instantaneous usage data

  • Prohibition on opt-out fees:

    • A public utility shall not impose or collect any fee from a person for not installing a smart meter at the person’s residence.
    • The prohibition applies to the billing or collection of fees related to opting out of smart meter installation.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who and what is affected

  • Affects: Public utilities operating in New Jersey that currently offer or impose opt-out provisions for smart meters.
  • Affects: Residential customers who prefer not to have a smart meter installed and who might otherwise be subject to a monthly opt-out fee.
  • Excludes: The bill does not alter other aspects of smart metering technology or the general process by which meters are installed, only the financial fee related to opting out.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced on January 13, 2026.
    • Referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
  • No specific compliance deadlines or phased-in timelines are stated; the act is described as taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Administrative notes

  • The bill is sponsored by multiple members with co-sponsors listed, including Gerry Scharfenberger, Dawn Fantasia, and Alex Sauickie.
  • The bill text defines technical terms to clarify what constitutes a “smart meter” for the purpose of the prohibition.

Summary in practice

  • If enacted, utilities could not charge customers a monthly or recurring fee to remain on an analog or non-smart meter, nor to opt out of smart meter installation.
  • The policy reinforces consumer choice and may influence how utilities structure meter programs and customer engagement around metering technologies.

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

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