BILL NUMBER: S9137
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the
inspection of gas and electricity meters
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to the inspection of meters and other apparatus used to measure
and supply gas or electricity by the Division of Weights and Measures.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Section 179 of the agriculture and markets law is amended by
adding a new subdivision 21 to read as follows: 21. Inspect and test,
either personally or through authorized agents, as often as the commis-
sioner deems necessary, but no less than annually, meters and other
apparatus used for regulating, supplying and/or ascertaining the quanti-
ty of gas or electricity supplied to residential and commercial utility
customers to verify that such apparatus are properly maintained and
calibrated, and to keep a record of the same.
 
EXISTING LAW:
Click here
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Utility meters play a direct role in determining how much New Yorkers
pay for gas and electricity each month. When these meters are inaccu-
rate, outdated, or improperly maintained, ratepayers may be overcharged
without any clear way to identify or correct the issue. At a time when
utility costs continue to rise, ensuring that billing is based on accu-
rate measurements is essential to fairness and consumer confidence.
The Division of Weights and Measures is responsible for ensuring that
devices used to measure consumer goods and accurate and properly regu-
lated. This bill reinforces that oversight as it applies to gas and
electric meters, helping to ensure consistent inspections and account-
ability. Strengthening this process protects ratepayers from improper
charges and promotes transparency in how utility usage is measured and
billed.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S9137: 179 agriculture and markets law