Victoria’s smart meter program to continue
Published In: Intelligent Utility January / February 2012
In December, the Victorian Government in Australia completed its comprehensive review of its electric utilities' smart meter program. The consensus: With more than 900,000 meters already installed across Victoria, many of the economic benefits of moving from a manual to an automated metering system can only be delivered if smart meter technology is installed at all properties across the state.
There will be some changes to the program, however. Among them: in-home displays will be subsidized to help households control their electricity bills; the introduction of flexible pricing will be delayed until at least 2013, to allow more time for educating consumers about their options, and flat rates will continue to be an available option even after flexible pricing is introduced.
As well, there will be greater oversight of the program by government going forward, and consumer and welfare groups will be given a stronger voice in the smart meter rollout process through a new Ministerial Advisory Council.
