One Step Closer to Free Choice

Smart meter oversight bill heads to Senate - Bennington Banner

A bill originally introduced by Bennington County Sen. Robert Hartwell, seeking more oversight of smart meters being deployed by electric utilities, has cleared the Senate Finance Committee and will hit the Senate floor.

The bill, S.214, was approved Tuesday by the Finance Committee by a unanimous vote. The bill was changed some, Hartwell said, but he favors the changes.

"I’m really glad that it got as far as it did. I hope to get it passed in the Senate," Hartwell said.

The legislation spells out customers’ rights, including a requirement that utilities provide written notice to customers that wireless smart meters use "radio or other wireless means for two-way communication between the meter and the company." The bill also states that customers who choose not to have a wireless smart meter installed can do so at no additional monthly charge, unless the charge is approved by the state’s Public Service Board.

Customers could also have a wireless smart meter removed without incurring a charge.

"It’s got some provisions about getting rid of the fee and how to opt out," Hartwell said.