Bill > HB5041

This bill requires all electricity providers in West Virginia to offer customers a choice between "smart meters," which are digital meters that can transmit usage data wirelessly, and traditional manually read meters that do not contain batteries or emit electromagnetic signals. The Legislature found that consumer choice is important and that many citizens have expressed concerns about smart meters, including issues related to radiation emissions, fire risks, and data security, which they feel have not been adequately addressed. The bill clarifies that natural electromagnetic radiation from electricity flow itself is not considered an electromagnetic signal for the purposes of this choice, and it also authorizes utilities using advanced meter technology to transmit only the monthly total kilowatt-hour usage, using the minimum number of transmissions needed for billing.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5041&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill