Bill > H2868

This bill, titled "Relative to utilities, smart meters, and ratepayers’ rights," aims to give utility customers, referred to as "ratepayers," more control over the types of meters installed on their property and how their data is handled. It defines key terms like "Electromechanical analog meter" as a purely mechanical device without electronic components or radio frequency emissions, and "Wireless meter" as any transmitting metering device, often called smart meters or AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure), that can measure, record, and send data wirelessly. The bill mandates that utility companies, which include electric, gas, and water providers, must offer ratepayers a choice of meter type and allow them to keep or switch to an electromechanical analog meter at no cost. Utilities are also prohibited from installing wireless meters or similar technologies without the ratepayer's written consent and must provide written notice to ratepayers about any wireless meters already installed, offering a free replacement with a non-transmitting meter. Furthermore, utility companies are forbidden from shutting off service based on usage or the presence of wireless meters, imposing penalties for not consenting to wireless meters, or discriminating against ratepayers with medical conditions exacerbated by radio frequencies. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is tasked with ensuring that Massachusetts residents are not negatively impacted by wireless utility meters and infrastructure and must monitor the safety of this technology, considering factors like human rights and informed consent principles.