Bill
S 2306
Massachusetts utilities must offer non-transmitting analog meters at no cost, obtain written consent for wireless meters, and remove them upon request (emergency act).
Note on source documents
- The materials provided contain inconsistent metadata (multiple titles, sponsors, and headings). This summary focuses on the substantive bill text included in the packet titled “An Act relative to smart meters” (Senate Docket No. 126 / Senate No. 2306), which amends Chapter 164 of the Massachusetts General Laws to add a new Section 116C concerning utility meters.
Bill short title
- Appears in the packet as an emergency act titled “An Act relative to smart meters” (Senate No. 2306). The bill includes an emergency clause making it effective upon passage.
Purpose / intent
- To require utility companies to offer non‑transmitting electromechanical (analog) meters as an option, protect ratepayers’ ability to refuse wireless (smart) meters, require informed consent for wireless meter installation or functional alterations, and prohibit penalties or discriminatory practices against customers who choose non‑wireless meters.
Key definitions (selected)
- “Electromechanical analog meter”: a purely mechanical/electric device with no electronic components, transmitters, antennas, or radiofrequency emissions.
- “Wireless meter”: any transmitting metering device with electronic components capable of sending data wirelessly (examples: AMR, AMI, ERT, smart meters).
- “Equivalent technology”: utility infrastructure that uses wireless frequencies but may be proprietary/undisclosed.
Major provisions
- Choice and retention (Section b):
- Utilities must offer ratepayers a choice of meter types, including installation and ongoing operation of an electromechanical analog meter.
- Ratepayers must be able to retain and operate an electromechanical analog meter at no cost.
- A wireless meter must be replaceable with a non‑transmitting electromechanical meter at no cost to the ratepayer.
- Written consent (Section c):
- Utilities must obtain a ratepayer’s written consent before installing wireless meters or “equivalent technology” on their property, and before altering meter functionality.
- Notification and removal (Section d):
- Utilities must notify ratepayers within 90 days of the law’s effective date whether wireless meters have been installed on their properties.
- Ratepayers can request removal of wireless meters and replacement with electromechanical analog meters; utilities must comply and cannot charge for removal, replacement, or usage.
- Protections and prohibitions (Section e):
- Utilities may not shut off service based on usage or on the presence of analog meters.
- Utilities cannot impose disincentives for refusing wireless meters.
- Utilities must notify customers that wireless meter installation is not mandated by state or federal law and requires consent.
- Prohibits discrimination against customers with medical conditions aggravated by pulsed microwave radio frequencies.
- Prohibits installing “equivalent technology” near homes/businesses of individuals who requested non‑transmitting meters.
- Administration (Section f):
- The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) shall establish terms and conditions to implement the section.
- Effective date:
- Section takes effect upon passage (emergency law).
Who would be affected
- Utility companies (electric, gas, water, municipal/town utilities, cooperatives) operating in Massachusetts.
- Ratepayers/residential and commercial customers: those already served by wireless meters and future customers.
- DPU: charged with rulemaking/implementation.
- Potentially vendors and contractors who install or maintain meters and utility data systems.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Consumer choice and health accommodations: strengthens customer ability to avoid wireless meters and protects customers with self‑reported sensitivities.
- Operational and cost implications for utilities: mandatory no‑cost replacements and ongoing operation of analog meters may increase staffing, meter‑reading costs, reduce remote monitoring capabilities, complicate outage detection, and affect time‑of‑use billing and demand response programs.
- Technology and grid modernization: may slow or limit deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and associated utility benefits (remote read/firmware updates, detailed interval data).
- Regulatory and legal issues: DPU rulemaking will be required to implement the law; potential questions about interaction with federal rules or technical standards for utility communications may arise.
- Immediate effect: emergency clause makes requirements effective upon passage, so utilities and DPU would need to act promptly.
Procedural status (from packet)
- Appears filed as Senate No. 2306 (Senate Docket No. 126). The bill text includes an emergency clause making it effective upon passage and directs the DPU to establish implementing terms and conditions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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