PRINTER'S NO. 1289
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1202
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY B. MILLER, E. NELSON, ROWE, STAATS, PICKETT,
KAUFFMAN, DEASY, KEEFER, GILLEN, T. JONES, LAWRENCE AND
WENTLING, MAY 23, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION, TECHNOLOGY AND
UTILITIES, MAY 23, 2023
AN ACT
Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility
industry, further providing for definitions and for duties of
electric distribution companies and providing for duties of
public utilities.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 2803 of Title 66 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a definition to read:
ยง 2803. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * *
"Electromechanical analog meter." A meter attached by a
public utility to the wiring of a customer's building or
residence for the purpose of measuring the amount of electricity
consumed by the customer or to supply pipes for the purpose of
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measuring the amount of natural gas or water consumed by the
customer, which meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The m eter has no wireless or power line data
transmission capabilities.
(2) The meter has no wireless or power line reception
capabilities.
(3) The meter c ontains no switched-mode power supply.
(4) If the meter is attached to the wiring of a
customer's building or residence, the meter contains surge
protection.
* * *
Section 2. Section 2807(f)(2) of Title 66 is amended and the
section is amended by adding a subsection to read:
ยง 2807. Duties of electric distribution companies.
* * *
(f) Smart meter technology and time of use rates.--
* * *
(2) [Electric] Except as provided under subsection
(f.1), electric distribution companies shall furnish smart
meter technology as follows:
(i) Upon request from a customer that agrees to pay
the cost of the smart meter at the time of the request.
(ii) In new building construction.
(iii) In accordance with a depreciation schedule not
to exceed 15 years.
* * *
(f.1) Electromechanical analog meters.-- Notwithstanding the
provisions of subsection (f), a customer may elect to have an
electromechanical analog meter for use on the customer's
property instead of a smart meter at any time with all
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consequent actual costs to be recovered from the customer as
approved by the commission. The following shall apply:
(1) A customer may select an electromechanical analog
meter by providing a notice to the electric distribution
company of the customer's selection. Upon request by the
customer, the electric distribution company shall provide a
form for the customer to make a selection under this
subsection by certified mail or electronically through the
electric distribution company' s publicly accessible Internet
website.
(2) I f an electric distribution company has previously
installed smart meter technology on a customer's property,
the electric distribution company may charge the customer for
the installation of an electromechanical analog meter and the
actual costs incurred to provide service through the
electromechanical analog meter as approved by the commission
on a full and current basis.
(3) An electric distribution company may not assess any
other additional fees, monthly or otherwise, to a customer
who has paid for the installation of an electromechanical
analog meter under paragraph (2).
(4) A customer who qualifies for a customer assistance
program or LIHEAP as defined in section 1403 (relating to
definitions) or other assistance with financial hardship in
accordance with a public utility's guidelines shall qualify
for assistance in paying for the installation of an
electromechanical analog meter under paragraph (2).
(5) An electric distribution company shall complete the
installation of an electromechanical analog meter within a
reasonable time period, but no later than 60 days after the
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customer's request to switch to an electromechanical analog
meter under paragraph (1).
* * *
Section 3. Title 66 is amended by adding a section to read:
ยง 2807.1. Duties of public utilities.
(a) Usage reporting.--A public utility shall provide a
customer with easily accessible methods to report energy usage
on a monthly basis, including by phone, certified mail and
online reporting.
(b) Meter switching.-- No less than once annually, a public
utility shall inform a customer of the option to switch the
customer's current meter to an electromechanical analog meter .
(c) Natural gas distribution utilities.--A natural gas
distribution utility as defined in section 1403 (relating to
definitions) shall provide a customer with the option of a
usage-measuring meter that does not transmit or receive
wirelessly in accordance with the same requirements applicable
to an electromechanical analog meter under section 2807(f.1)
(relating to duties of electric distribution companies) .
(d) Water distribution utilities.--A water distribution
utility as defined in section 1403 s hall provide a customer with
the option of a usage-measuring meter that does not transmit or
receive wirelessly in accordance with the same requirements
applicable to an electromechanical analog meter under section
2807(f.1) .
Section 4. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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