Installation

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Smart Meter Installation

Safe installation of Smart Meters

Victoria’s electricity distributors are installing Smart Meters in homes and businesses across Melbourne and throughout the state. A recent review of Smart Meter installation found that Victorians can be confident that meters are being installed safely.

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. This includes the installation of Smart Meters.

Having a Smart Meter installed

Step 1: Your electricity distributor will send you two letters before your Smart Meter is installed.
The first, sent 20 to 40 days before the installation, will notify you that Smart Meters are being installed in your local area. The second letter, sent about 10 days before installation, will let you know a 10-day period during which a qualified meter installer will come to remove your old meter and fit your new Smart Meter.
Step 2: A qualified installer (with photo ID) will knock on the door before installation. You do not need to be present at the time of installation unless you are required to provide access to your meter. Customers do not need to pay the installer. Distributors may use a third-party supplier to perform the installation.
Step 3: Power will need to be switched off for 20 - 60 minutes while the meter is installed.
Step 4: The installer will leave a safety card and instructions on how to read the new Smart Meter and who to contact if there are any problems.

There are five electricity distributors in Victoria: CitiPower, Jemena, Powercor, SP AusNet and United Energy. Each distributor covers different geographical areas and has its own installation schedule.
To find out who your distributor is, go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/ smartmeters.

Notification when the Smart Meter will be installed

Your electricity distributor will send you two letters before your Smart Meter is installed.

The new meter will be installed in the same place as your existing meter.

Safe installation requirements

Distributors are installing Smart Meters in line with Energy Safe Victoria approved electrical safety management schemes.

The meter will be tested before power is switched back on.

The installer will test your Smart Meter in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry’s ‘Installation Supply Connection Tests & Procedures’ manual. The test ensures that the Smart Meter is working properly before turning your electricity back on.

Safety advice cards and instructions on how to use the meter

The installer will give you a safety advice card after the meter has been installed. Issuing safety advice cards was introduced by distributors in mid-2011.

The installer will also leave you with instructions on how to read your new Smart Meter, and details about who to contact if you have any problems.

Clear meter access

Customers are required to provide unrestricted access to their meter. This is part of the Electricity Customer Metering Code and the Energy Retail Code. Both codes can be found on the Essential Services Commission website: www.esc.vic.gov.au.

If you believe that the installer cannot gain unrestricted access to your meter (for example, it is behind a locked gate or you have a dog), please contact your electricity distributor.

Safe wiring and defect notices

As part of the process to install Smart Meters, installers conduct a safety check of the meter connection to your property. A defect notice may be issued if a pre-existing wiring safety issue is identified before or during the Smart Meter installation. If you receive a defect notice, you will need to organise a registered electrical contractor to repair the fault and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

If the fault does not pose a threat, your electricity supply will resume as normal following installation of the new meter. In rare circumstances, if the fault poses a serious threat to lives or property, your electricity may be disconnected and will not be reconnected until the defect has been repaired.

Problems with the meter or electricity

All problems with, or changes to, old or new meters should be reported to your distributor.

If the matter cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) for assistance. Go to www.ewov.com.au or call 1800 500 509.

Tenant and property owner responsibilities

If you are a tenant, it is your responsibility to immediately notify your real estate agent or landlord about any electrical safety issues identified during the Smart Meter installation.

If you are a property owner and/or a landlord, it is your responsibility to have any electrical faults or unsafe wiring repaired as quickly as possible.

Customers on life support or with electricity-reliant medical needs

All customers on life support or with medical needs that rely on a constant electricity supply should complete and lodge the necessary forms with their electricity retailer to inform them of their status. Your retailer will inform the electricity distribution business installing your Smart Meter. If you are unsure, please contact your electricity retailer as soon as possible.