New York Bill Would Allow Customers To Opt Out Of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program

‘A bill introduced in the New York Assembly would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of this bill would allow New Yorkers to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect.
Asm. Michael DenDekker (D – East Elmhurst) introduced Assembly Bill 3066 (A3066) on Jan. 26. The legislation would allow New Yorkers to opt out of any utility company smart meter program with no penalty.
Smart meters monitor home energy usage in minute detail in real time. The devices transmit data to the utility company were it gets stored in databases. Anybody with access to the data can download it for analysts. Without specific criteria limiting access to the data, these devices create significant privacy issues. Smart meters can also be used to remotely limit power usage during peak hours.’
Read more: New York Bill Would Allow Customers To Opt Out Of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program