This bill mandates that electric and gas public utilities utilizing smart meters establish an "Energy Bill Watch" program to inform customers when their electricity or gas usage surpasses specified thresholds. Utilities are required to notify customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle if their average daily usage exceeds that of the previous cycle. Additionally, customers will have the option to set a threshold dollar value for notifications based on their usage costs. The program will also provide customers with their average monthly usage in both dollars and kilowatt hours or therms.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that utilities must promote the Energy Bill Watch program through various channels, including email, social media, and customer bills. All smart meter customers will be automatically enrolled in the program and notified about its availability, with guidance on customizing notifications or opting out included in their first notice. The bill also requires that each utility bill includes the dollar amounts charged in the previous and current billing cycles, as well as the difference between the two.