SMART METERS
3 February 2010
Projects to help all Victorians benefit from smart meters
From the Minister for Energy & Resources
Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor has called on the Essential Services Commission to do a full review of smart meter consumer regulations in light of the new electricity pricing structures, to ensure vulnerable Victorians are not disadvantaged by the changes.
The call comes as the Brumby Labor Government today announced it will introduce new initiatives to ensure vulnerable Victorians can access the full benefits smart meters will provide.
"Our Government will continue to stand up for vulnerable Victorians by continuing to work with consumers to ensure they are fully informed about the benefits of the new technology,” Mr Batchelor said.
“I'm prepared to consider all options including, if necessary, imposing a moratorium on new tariffs until the regulatory investigation is complete.
“We want to ensure that the smart meter roll-out and the transition to time-of-use tariffs are carefully and properly managed.
“I am also writing to the Australian Energy Regulator on this and other matters and I will highlight my expectations that consumer groups and the wider public have the chance to be properly consulted and educated about any major changes to pricing."
The Government will also establish a customer working group, and provide $50,000 to a consumer welfare agency to ensure all Victorians benefit from smart meters.
“The smart meter customer working group will look at equity and any impacts smart meters might have,” Mr Batchelor said.
“It will advise Government on policy, make recommendations such as the educational information needed, and ensure customers can access competitive electricity rates on offer.
“The first meeting will be held this month and the group will include consumer groups such as the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC), electricity industry representatives and government representatives including DHS.
“A further $50,000 will be provided to the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) to undertake a targeted communications campaign that will deliver simple, clear and helpful advice to assist Victorian consumers to change their behaviour in order to maximise the benefits of smart meters.
“CUAC will target those consumers who find it difficult to access information, including low income, disadvantaged, rural, senior, culturally and linguistically diverse and indigenous consumers.
“CUAC will also train community, consumer and welfare agencies to help them deliver useful and practical information so people can best use their smart meters.”
Mr Batchelor labelled the Opposition criticisms of smart meters as hypocritical, given it was also their policy at the last election to mandate the roll out of interval or smart meters.
“While we are trying to move our energy networks into the 21st Century so we can arm consumers with the information they need to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Opposition has flip-flopped on the issue.
“Victorians can see right through the Opposition when they claim to be concerned about fairness.
“The Brumby Government has a proven track record of $5 billion in support for the poorest and most disadvantaged through A Fairer Victoria. But this out of touch Opposition has a track record of cutting services for Victorian families.”
Mr Batchelor said the smart-meter roll-out would see 2.5 million smart meters installed over the next four years in all Victorian homes and small businesses.
“We are committed to helping Victorians tackle climate change and we know that smart meters are an important tool to monitor and control energy use,” he said.
“The Victorian Government already has in place a range of energy concessions. Most of these operate as a percentage of customer bills, so as bills rise these concessions will also increase. In 2009-10 the Government provided $1.262 billion in concessions including energy.”
The call comes as the Brumby Labor Government today announced it will introduce new initiatives to ensure vulnerable Victorians can access the full benefits smart meters will provide.
"Our Government will continue to stand up for vulnerable Victorians by continuing to work with consumers to ensure they are fully informed about the benefits of the new technology,” Mr Batchelor said.
“I'm prepared to consider all options including, if necessary, imposing a moratorium on new tariffs until the regulatory investigation is complete.
“We want to ensure that the smart meter roll-out and the transition to time-of-use tariffs are carefully and properly managed.
“I am also writing to the Australian Energy Regulator on this and other matters and I will highlight my expectations that consumer groups and the wider public have the chance to be properly consulted and educated about any major changes to pricing."
The Government will also establish a customer working group, and provide $50,000 to a consumer welfare agency to ensure all Victorians benefit from smart meters.
“The smart meter customer working group will look at equity and any impacts smart meters might have,” Mr Batchelor said.
“It will advise Government on policy, make recommendations such as the educational information needed, and ensure customers can access competitive electricity rates on offer.
“The first meeting will be held this month and the group will include consumer groups such as the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC), electricity industry representatives and government representatives including DHS.
“A further $50,000 will be provided to the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) to undertake a targeted communications campaign that will deliver simple, clear and helpful advice to assist Victorian consumers to change their behaviour in order to maximise the benefits of smart meters.
“CUAC will target those consumers who find it difficult to access information, including low income, disadvantaged, rural, senior, culturally and linguistically diverse and indigenous consumers.
“CUAC will also train community, consumer and welfare agencies to help them deliver useful and practical information so people can best use their smart meters.”
Mr Batchelor labelled the Opposition criticisms of smart meters as hypocritical, given it was also their policy at the last election to mandate the roll out of interval or smart meters.
“While we are trying to move our energy networks into the 21st Century so we can arm consumers with the information they need to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Opposition has flip-flopped on the issue.
“Victorians can see right through the Opposition when they claim to be concerned about fairness.
“The Brumby Government has a proven track record of $5 billion in support for the poorest and most disadvantaged through A Fairer Victoria. But this out of touch Opposition has a track record of cutting services for Victorian families.”
Mr Batchelor said the smart-meter roll-out would see 2.5 million smart meters installed over the next four years in all Victorian homes and small businesses.
“We are committed to helping Victorians tackle climate change and we know that smart meters are an important tool to monitor and control energy use,” he said.
“The Victorian Government already has in place a range of energy concessions. Most of these operate as a percentage of customer bills, so as bills rise these concessions will also increase. In 2009-10 the Government provided $1.262 billion in concessions including energy.”
22 January 2010
There have been a lot of changes in the Victorian energy industry in recent times – some you may have heard about in the press, some you may not. As your energy retailer, we want to take this opportunity to give you some facts so you can understand how these changes may affect your household.
Smart Meters - The Key Facts
The Victorian Government, in conjunction with the five Victorian electricity distribution businesses, has approved the mandatory installation of smart meters into every Victorian household by the end of 2013
- All Victorian electricity account holders will be charged for the roll out of this program from 1 January 2010, regardless of when the new smart meter will be installed
- The electricity distribution businesses are the primary beneficiaries of this program
- The level of customer benefit will largely depend on the ability of customers to shift energy usage into non peak pricing periods
- Retail businesses such as Australian Power & Gas are required to collect these increased charges on behalf of the electricity distribution businesses
Our aim is to provide you with the best information, so you can manage your energy usage. We recommend you read the ‘Australian Power & Gas FAQs – smart meters for more information.
- VIC - Smart meter Fact Sheet
[PDF - 613kb]
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