This Senate Bill seeks to amend Ch. 164 of the MA General Laws allow an “opt-out” of wireless meter and replacement with analog meter at no cost to the consumer. Adds new provisions to GL c.164 (Manufacture and Sale of Gas and Electricity) that requires the use of ‘smart meters’ in keeping track of utility usage. In particular, the bill defines terms like ‘electromechanical analog meter’ and ‘Wireless smart meter’; requires utilities to offer ratepayers a choice of the type of utility meters to be installed and operated on their places of residence, property or business including the choice not to use meters that emit no radio frequency electromagnetic radiation; requires utilities to obtain the ratepayer’s written consent before installing wireless smart meters on the ratepayer’s property; allows ratepayers retain their electromechanical analog meters if they so choose; prohibits utilities from imposing any disincentive on a ratepayer for not consenting to the installation or use of wireless smart meters; and requires utilities to notify ratepayers in writing that the installation and use of wireless smart meters are not mandated by state or federal law and are not permitted without the ratepayer’s consent. A committee hearing was held on June 20, 2017.
for specific language, see Senate Bill 1864
those in opposition:
http://haltmasmartmeters.org/update-on-ma-bill-h2868-utility-meters-and-ratepayers-rights/
https://sites.google.com/site/understandingemfs/for-engineers-physicists
The PCWWA Legislative Committee recommends opposition to this bill. Email thomas.sexton@gza.com for recommended wording to you congressman.
