NY A02949

Directs the New York Public Service Commission to establish a statewide smart meter pilot program within 24 months, with utilities required to implement it across a minimum of 1 percent of their customer base and report results within 48 months.

Defines smart meters as devices that record electrical consumption in real-time and communicate information to utilities through two-way electronic exchange, applying to electric utilities with annual revenues exceeding $200 million.

Grants residential customers the right to opt-out of smart meter installation free of charge and request replacement with a non-communicating digital meter for a reasonable commission-determined fee, with utility contact restrictions for 2 years after opt-out.

Requires utilities to notify affected customers at least 60 days before smart meter installation with detailed information including benefits, privacy concerns, radio frequency data, and opt-out rights.

Mandates the Commission consider program costs, grid impact, environmental benefits, capital investment payback periods, and customer privacy protections including data storage, deletion timelines, and law enforcement access procedures.