{"id":77779,"date":"2023-08-10T08:30:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T23:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=77779"},"modified":"2023-08-10T08:30:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T23:00:03","slug":"solars-hidden-metering-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solars-hidden-metering-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar’s Hidden Metering Cost – And Tips To Avoid It"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Inaccessible, no hinge, ceramic fuses, disintegrating chipboard, duct tape! This is a hamburger with the lot.<\/p><\/div>\n

Solar Electricity Meters – The Situation Is Unhinged<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recently I fielded a question from a frustrated customer who couldn’t believe she was given so many different opinions about what she needed to do with her retail electricity meter. It seemed that even the eight solar industry professionals had eight different ideas. It can be a minefield.<\/p>\n

Utility metering is like an unwanted hot potato. In the days of yore, the network authorities (DNSP<\/a>s) used to handle this task. But since implementing “Power Of Choice” metering contestability rules, the ball shifted into the electricity retailers’ court. Now, it’s a responsibility that everyone in the electricity industry wants to dodge.<\/p>\n

Here’s an example from Queensland.<\/p>\n

The Problem : An Old, Non-Compliant Meter Position<\/h2>\n

Despite the customer having a remotely read meter that nobody had visited in 5 years, concerns were raised that a new one needed to be installed, which meant possible asbestos removal, a new box, a hinged panel for access to the wiring behind, and maybe even the huge expense of complete relocation to the front of the house. This can even mean service upgrades to the house, and in one instance, I have seen quotes for $15,000 to directional bore under a roadway because a legacy overhead supply cable didn’t meet current rules.<\/p>\n

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Located in the laundry, no hinges, asbestos, ceramic fuses… this place got demolished.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Solution: Get Your Retailer Involved<\/h2>\n

If you’re in the throes of getting solar panels<\/a>, or it’s on the list of things to do soon, reach out to your electricity retailer. Ask if they can program your meter for solar remotely. If your meter is modern enough (i.e. it’s a smart meter) and there’s an internet connection available, they will likely be able to carry out the task without any technician needing to darken your door.<\/p>\n

However, if the electricity retailer advises that your meter cannot be reprogrammed for solar, they’re legally entitled to charge you for a new one. I think it’s the height of hypocrisy that they want your money to make their business cheaper to run, so don’t give in too easily.<\/p>\n

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Amazingly the retailer changed this meter to the latest remote read 4G network-connected unit, (without the customer initiating it) despite no hinges and tiny cotton\/rubber consumer mains. The wiring in the roof was a death trap.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is the death trap mentioned in the previous image. Disturbing wiring like this kills people. When old metal conduits fall apart, they can shear through the crumbly rubber insulation of the live wires inside. With the earth path broken, anyone touching the conduit can be electrocuted.<\/p><\/div>\n

Switching Electricity Retailers Can Save You Paying<\/h2>\n

If you do need a new meter, consider shopping for an electricity retailer offering a free meter change as an incentive to earn your business. This customer-acquisition strategy is not uncommon among retailers as it costs about $500 in marketing costs for an electricity retailer to sign up a new customer. Tell them you are keen to sign up – but not if you must pay for the new meter.<\/p>\n

The Rules of Engagement: Who’s Responsible for Your Meter?<\/h2>\n

Electricity retailers can change meters at their discretion. The key is that if they initiate it themselves, there seem to be fewer rules that apply. You need to encourage them to make the change without actually asking for a solar upgrade in the first place.<\/p>\n

If you, the customer, initiate a meter change due to a solar application, they consider it a consumer driven upgrade. The authorities see it as an opportunity to get everything brought up to current specification at your expense, so brace yourself for potential complexities. <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To assist you, we’ve compiled a\u00a0handy guide on what can be involved if you need to upgrade your switchboard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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These panels are hinged, but the black one is still likely to be asbestos. It’s time these were overhauled.<\/p><\/div>\n

It’s Not All Bad News<\/h2>\n

Navigating the complexities of utility metering shouldn’t be so hard, but it becomes a manageable task with the right information. Remember, there’s always a solution, even if it means switching retailers to get the best service. Smart metering gives you the customer more tools and more options to monitor consumption and cost, while also offering the networks more detailed information to better manage the energy transition, uptake of electric mobility and electrification of everything else.<\/p>\n

One of the best things about owning a smart meter is you can download almost real-time consumption data (if you know where to download your smart meter data<\/a>), and then analyse it with powerful, free tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Appendix: An example of the rules.<\/h2>\n

If You’re Having Trouble Sleeping; Read on…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your DNSP may dictate the rules, but the meter is provided by a subcontractor working for the electricity retailer. The subcontractor could be any of numerous companies, such as Intellihub, ActiveStream, Vector, TMS Group, and Plus ES.<\/p>\n

However, the ease or difficulty of the process largely depends on the electricity retailer’s initiative and approach. It can come down to the mechanic on the day. Pragmatists may install whatever they have at hand and move on, while others can be sticklers for the rules. And as you are about to find out – the rules are many.<\/p>\n

For customers with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, you can delve further into metering intricacies by visiting various online resources such as<\/p>\n