Households will save $100-$200 with cheaper network and smart meters, says Productivity Commission. The Productivity Commission says an efficient electricity transmission reliability framework could produce savings of $2.2 billion to $3.8 billion over 30 years.
Source: News Limited THE Productivity Commission has thrown down the reform gauntlet on electricity, with a report recommending network privatisation, investment in demand management and the creation of a truly national electricity market. The commission report concludes that average household savings of $100 to $200 could be achieved in areas where electricity costs are rising fast by cutting back on non-essential capital expenditure, and introducing smart meters to help better manage peak demand. ''A large share (in New South Wales, some 25 per cent) of retail electricity bills is required to meet a few (around 40) hours of very high ('critical peak') demand each year,'' the report says. ''Ensuring reliable networks requires significant ongoing investment - which ultimately customers must finance.
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Business Advisory Forum Taskforce - Energy Market Recommendations to COAG - FINAL - 7 December 2012.pdf. SCER to provide implementation framework by June 2013. SCER Report to COAG - FINAL - 28 November 2012_0.pdf. Smart meters – SCER agreed to develop market led roll-out. Council of Australian Governments (COAG) The Standing Council on Energy and Resources (SCER) has agreed to four key areas to progress energy market reform to support investment and market outcomes in the long term interests of consumers.
The Queensland Minister found it necessary to reserve his position on specific matters which are the subject of current major energy industry reviews in the State, in particular support for pricing deregulation, time of use pricing, potential arrangements for smart meters and the commencement of the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF). Positions on these matters are expected to be finalised by the Queensland Government by mid-2013.
Strengthening Regulation Strengthening governance – SCER agreed to strengthen the performance and accountability frameworks of both the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) by December 2013, and welcomed the Commonwealth’s commitment to increase the funding to the AER in order to deliver a stronger regulator.
Victorian Government. Department of Primary Industries. Smart Meters - Home. Smart Meters - Installation safety. Download the fact sheet (PDF 92kb) Safe installation Victoria’s electricity distributors are installing smart meters in homes and businesses across the state.
A review of smart meter installation found that Victorians can be confident that meters are being installed safely. Meeting safety standards and requirements As the state’s independent safety regulator responsible for ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is required to assess and approve electricity distributors’ safety procedures. ESV requires that electricity distributors thoroughly test all smart meters after they are installed to ensure they meet all the relevant safety standards and requirements. Installers must follow ESV-approved safety protocols. ESV has the power to audit the electricity distributors and may prosecute individuals or businesses for failing to comply with safety requirements. Standards Australia.
Smart Grids Standards Road Map Report.pdf. Department Of Resources, Energy and Tourism. National Energy Market Reform. 2011 NEL Amendments - SmartMeters.pdf. Smart Grid, Smart City - Ausgrid. Energy_ White_Paper_2012.pdf. Smart Meters. National Energy Customer Framework. Australia.gov.au. Standing Council on Energy and Resources. Smart Meters. Smart-meter-framework-status-report-July-20120720.pdf. Smart-meter-customer-protection-and-safety-issues-draft-policy-paper-1.pdf. SCER-statement-on-smart-meters-for-small-customers.pdf. SCER-Response-to-the-Power-of-Choice-Review.pdf. National Energy Customer Framework.
The NECF forms the final piece of the broader national energy reforms set out in the Australian Energy Market Agreement (AEMA), working in tandem with the established legislative frameworks for other elements in electricity and gas supply chains.The NECF includes provisions for; The retailer-customer relationship, and associated rights, obligations and consumer protection measures;Distributor interactions with customers and retailers, and associated rights, obligations and consumer protection measures;Retailer authorisations;Retailer of last resort; andCompliance, monitoring and reporting; enforcement; and performance reporting.
Benefits The NECF is expected to facilitate an increase in retail competition by reducing regulatory complexity and lowering barriers for energy retailers to enter into the market across participating states and territories. Who benefits? Residential and small business energy customers Price Comparator website The AER has developed a price comparator website.
Productivity Commission - Australian Productivity Commission.