Legislative Memo: Prohibiting the Release of Consumption Data

Utility data – such as electrical and gas consumption – can reveal highly sensitive information from people’s homes. Without proper safeguards in place to prevent misuse of this information, utility data can easily become an attractive target for undirected law enforcement fishing expeditions. The legislature can establish affirmative guardrails around sensitive utility data to protect New Yorkers’ right to privacy. A.7817/S.3019 would ensure that electricity and gas consumption data is not shared with law enforcement absent a court ordered subpoena, warrant, or the affected person’s written, informed consent.