BILL NUMBER: S8515REVISED 9/30/25
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to advanced metering
infrastructure
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To protect the rights of utility consumers by granting them the choice
to decline the installation or continued use of smart utility meters
without incurring any fees, penalties, or service charges.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 Sub-Section 2 is amended to add a new
Section 67-B to the Public Service Law to include the following: It
shall be the right of every customer of an electric and/or gas corpo-
ration, at no penalty, fee or service charge to decline the permission
of such customer's electric and/or gas corporation (a) to replace an
existing meter at such customer's premises that is assigned to such
customer's account with a two-way smart meter, or
(b) to install any two-way smart meter device at such customer's proper-
ty without such customer's consent.
(a) The customer shall have the right to decline such customer's elec-
tric and/or gas corporation from installing a two-way smart meter with
no fee, penalty or service charge;
(b) The customer may, at any point during a period of three hundred
sixty-five days following the installation of a two-way smart meter,
require the removal of such device with no fee, penalty or service
charge;
(c) The customer may be liable for a fee to be determined by the commis-
sion for the removal of a two-way smart meter device if the customer
requests the removal more than three hundred sixty-five days following
the installation of such meter at such customer's premises.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Across New York State, many residents have expressed frustration with
being penalized for declining the installation of new digital or smart
utility meters from utility providers like National Grid. Homeowners who
prefer to retain their conventional analog meters whether due to privacy
concerns, health considerations, or simply a lack of clear information
are often faced with unexpected fees. These fees can include a one-time
charge for opting out and recurring monthly service fees, adding to the
financial stress many households already face.This issue is particularly
concerning given that companies like National Grid hold monopolistic
control over energy delivery in many areas. When there are no alterna-
tive providers, consumers are left vulnerable to policies that may feel
unfair or financially punitive, exacerbating a sense of powerlessness
and frustration.The Consumer Utility Meter Choice Protection act
addresses this problem by prohibiting opt-out fees imposed by utility
companies, ensuring that New Yorkers are not penalized for their choice
of utility meter. It also promotes transparency, requiring companies
like National Grid to provide clear and accessible information about
metering options so that consumers can make informed decisions without
fear of financial repercussions. This legislation upholds consumer
rights and promotes equitable treatment in the utility sector.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.