Contact the House Science, Energy, and Technology Committee and ask them to support SB 266 which would not allow smart meters to be installed without the homeowner’s consent.
SB 266 would require folks to opt-in (not opt-out) to certain smart meter devices, such as the load control devices that allow smart meters to control appliances inside the home as well as the motherboards that allow them to monitor appliances inside the home. It also allows consumers to remove such devices if they buy a home or business with these devices already installed. This bill will ensure that consumers have a choice if a utility decides to pursue these spy capabilities, thus protecting their right to privacy. It is important to note that this bill does not affect the installation of basic Smart Meters that allow for the remote reading of household electric usage, and only the enhanced devices are covered by this bill. Nevertheless, for most people, the spy capabilities of Smart Meter gateway devices are the problem, and this bill fixes that problem.
Executive Session to be held: 5/8/2012 10:00 AM LOB 304 (no testimony allowed)