The Federal Government is submitting a rule change request to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to introduce maximum timeframes for meter installations which would see electricity customers avoid delays in getting new or replacement smart meters.
Previously, networks had a service condition imposed upon them to install new meters within six days, but since the responsibility has shifted to retailers, there is no longer a maximum time frame for installation.
Consumers have a right to expect that when they want a new smart meter, it should be installed promptly and without unnecessary delay.
Timely installation means that customers will be able to experience the benefits of new technology and energy services as quickly as possible, helping them manage their electricity bills and to get the most from their solar, storage and other energy technologies.
Smart meters also present an opportunity to link energy systems with smart devices in homes and businesses, providing a foundation for multi-services architecture for the Internet of Things.
The proposed rule change, which will be submitted to the AEMC, builds on the Federal Government’s plan to deliver an affordable and reliable energy system.
Under the government’s National Energy Guarantee, households will be $300 a year better off, cutting electricity prices by:
- Ending subsidies for energy, which are passed on to all customers
- Creating a level playing field that ensures all types of energy are part of Australia’s mix
- Providing certainty for investors – more certainty will mean more supply and, in turn, lower prices
- Reducing volatility, by ensuring reliable energy sources which provide power when it’s needed
It is truly technology-neutral, offering a future for investment in whatever technology the market needs – solar, wind, coal, gas, batteries or pumped hydro storage.
