PA State Representative Mike Reese: “In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend Title 66 (Public Utilities) to repeal a mandate imposed on electricity companies to install smart meter technology on the buildings of their customers.
Act 129 of 2008 requires electric distribution companies to develop energy efficiency and conservation plans. The Act also requires electric distribution companies to deploy smart meter technology throughout their service territories according to a 15-year depreciation schedule. Smart meter technology transmits usage data to an electric distribution company and to the consumer on an hourly basis.
I am of the opinion that although smart meters may be a technology that has advantages, no government body should mandate their usage. Such a mandate jeopardizes common principles of supply and demand.
This legislation, one of three bills addressing smart meter technology that I intend to introduce, would simply remove language that requires energy companies to provide smart meters while still allowing companies to offer the technology should they choose.”
Link to Co-sponsor Memo for opt out bill.