Bills › 88th General Assembly
Relating to customer choice regarding the installation of certain public utility meters
Topics:Business & economyEnergy & utilities
Same legislation: HF 154
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 29, 2019
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 12, 2019
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2020 session adjourned on June 14, 2020, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill relates to customer choice regarding the installation of certain public utility meters. The bill defines “digital meter” to mean a public utility meter which uses electronic components and produces conducted emissions. “Electromechanical analog meter” is defined as a public utility meter which is purely electric and mechanical, uses no electronic components, has no radio frequency or conducted emissions, and is not upgraded to function as a digital meter or smart meter. “Smart meter” is defined as a device which uses radio or other wireless means for two-way or one-way communication between the device and a public utility, or any public utility meter that emits wireless radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation or requires a direct current to operate.
Read the full explanation
The bill provides that a public utility shall not install a digital meter or smart meter at a customer’s residence or place of business on or after July 1, 2019, without first providing the customer with educational information regarding the full scope of the meter’s functioning and effects, including health and safety warnings, and the opportunity to consent to the installation or refuse such consent by electing to keep or receive an electromechanical analog meter instead of the digital meter or smart meter. A public utility shall offer to replace a digital meter or smart meter with an electromechanical analog meter free of charge and at any time upon a customer’s request. A public utility shall not offer to provide or provide discounted rates to customers in exchange for obtaining consent to install a digital meter or smart meter, and shall not charge a fee, assessment, or higher rate to any customer choosing not to consent to the installation of a digital meter or smart meter, or requesting the replacement of such meter with an electromechanical analog meter. The bill directs the Iowa utilities board to adopt rules to implement the bill’s provisions.
Senate subcommittee
Named February 12, 2019. It hasn’t reported yet.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
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88th General Assembly