A newly introduced state bill would require utility companies to offer opt-out policies to customers who don’t want "smart meters" in their homes.
The devices replace older mechanical electric or water meters with an electronic version that can transmit the usage information.
Most utility companies in the state use some form of an automatic reading system or smart meter, according to a Public Service Commission of Wisconsin spokesman. But only the Madison Water Utility has a commission-approved opt-out policy for customers who don't want the technology in their homes.
Spokeswoman Amy Barrilleaux said the company will have installed more than 68,000 smart meters by the end of this year. Only 470 customers have declined the change and agreed to pay a monthly fee for traditional meter reading.
“Really, in the grand scheme of things, it has been a very small number of customers who've decided to do that,” she says. A Public Service Commission spokesman said there have been a small number of complaints — fewer than 70 — about the devices since 2007. Companies are not currently required to offer opt-out policies for customers. While no major utility companies have such policies in the works, many are willing to put the devices elsewhere on a customer's property for a fee.
Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt introduced legislation this month, however, that would require the companies to have an opt-out policy. He pointed to a recent example of a Baraboo woman who didn't want a device installed in her home and didn't have the option of opting out. Her water was shut off before the issue was resolved.
“I don't think you should have to sacrifice what, in our modern world, are essential services just to be able to protect the privacy of the data that's coming out of your house,” he says.
Thiesfeldt's legislation is currently in committee.
