Massachusetts § 116C - Advanced metering data repository; right to access advanced metering infrastructure customer data; opt out; accelerated switching

§ 116C. Advanced metering data repository; right to access advanced metering infrastructure customer data; opt out; accelerated switching

[Subsection (a) applicable as provided by 2024, 239, Sec. 127.]

Section 116C. (a) Distribution companies deploying advanced metering infrastructure in their territories shall jointly establish a centralized data repository to allow customers and third parties, including competitive suppliers, access to advanced metering data, including billing, interval usage and load data, in near-real time for all customer classes. The centralized data repository shall be developed in a cost-effective manner as approved by the department.

(b) A supplier or other third party shall be entitled to access detailed advanced metering infrastructure customer data from the centralized data repository, subject to appropriate customer approval and protections. Advanced metering infrastructure data may include, but shall not be limited to, customer billing period usage data, peak demand, supplier information and relevant account information.

(c) Electric customers may opt out of inclusion in the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure with notice to the distribution company. Upon receiving such notice, the distribution company shall remove the customer from the implementation plan, notify the department of the customer's decision to opt out of such implementation plan in a manner determined by the department and charge such a customer any reasonable and necessary fees for delivering non-advanced metering service.

(d) Distribution companies shall implement accelerated switching permitting a residential or small commercial electric customer to change suppliers within 3 business days. Customers moving within a distribution company's territory shall be permitted to transfer their supplier directly to their new service location without being required to switch to an interim rate provided by the distribution company or other supplier. Customers establishing electric service shall be permitted to take service from their supplier on the first day of service. Customers shall not be required to take basic service from a distribution company prior to selecting and switching to a supplier. Notwithstanding the requirements of this subsection, a distribution company shall not implement accelerated switching until the advanced metering infrastructure, approved by the department in calendar year 2022 as part of a company's grid modernization plan, is fully deployed.

(e) Distribution companies shall be entitled to recovery of prudent and necessary expenses for the implementation of advanced metering data repositories. The department may implement penalties for failure of distribution companies to meet implementation goals.