The Australian Energy Market Commission has made a draft determination and draft rule in response to the Meter Replacement Processes rule change request submitted by ERM Power. The draft rule is a more preferred rule. This rule change only deals with replacement of meters where a consumer has asked for a new retail service which may be supported by a new meter.

The rule change does not affect the process by which a consumer is moved from one retailer to another.

The draft rule would provide clarity on which parties hold rights and obligations in respect of the relevant connection point during the meter replacement process. The draft rule would also support the reduction in the time of the process to be followed when an incoming retailer seeks to provide its customer with a change of their metering installation. However, the incoming retailer would have no right to change the meter under the NER before the retail transfer is complete.

The changes to be introduced under the recently completed competition in metering rule change resolve many of the issues for large customers identified by ERM Power. Under this framework, a large customer would have the right to appoint its own Metering Coordinator, who in turn can undertake the change in a metering installation entirely independent of the retail transfer timelines.

The draft rule also includes transitional provisions that require AEMO to update certain procedures relating to the meter replacement process by 1 September 2016 to take account of the changes made to Chapter 7 of the NER.

Submission on the draft determination, including the draft more preferable rule are due by Thursday 28 January 2016.

For more information:

Media: Prudence Anderson, Communications Manager, 02 8296 7800