2014 -- H 7343

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LC004089

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

     Introduced By: Representatives Gallison, Lally, and Dickinson

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2014

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 39-3-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-3 entitled "Regulatory

Powers of Administration" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     39-3-8. Standards for measurement and testing of service. – (a) The division shall

ascertain and fix adequate and serviceable standards for the measurement of the quality, pressure,

initial voltage, or other condition pertaining to the supply of the product or service rendered by

any public utility, and prescribe reasonable regulations for the examination and testing of the

product or service and for the measurement thereof. It shall establish reasonable rules,

regulations, specifications, and standards to secure accuracy of all meters and appliances for

measurement, and every public utility is required to carry into effect all orders issued by the

division relative thereto.

(b) An electric transmission company or distribution company may not install a wireless

smart meter unless approved by the commission. Upon petition by an electric transmission

company or distribution company, the commission shall open a proceeding to establish the terms

and conditions under which the company may install wireless smart meters. The terms and

conditions must include, but are not limited to, provisions allowing a customer, at no cost to that

customer:

(1) To decline the installation of all types of smart-meter technology; or

     (2) To decline the installation of the wireless smart meter; or

     (3) To have a wired smart meter installed as an alternative to the wireless smart meter.

     (c) Definitions, as used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the

following terms have the following meanings:

     (1) "Wired smart meter" means an advanced metering infrastructure device using a fixed

wire for 2-way communication between the device and an electric transmission company or

distribution company.

     (2) "Wireless smart meter" means an advanced metering infrastructure device using radio

or other wireless means for 2-way communication between the device and an electric

transmission company or distribution company.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

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     This act would allow consumers the right to decline the installation of a wireless smart

meter and substitute a wired smart meter, and to completely decline the installation of any smart

meter technology.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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