Government criticised for dumbing down smart meters

The federal government has been criticised for bungling a smart meter rollout by refusing to commit to key tools that would ensure greenhouse emissions reductions.

Jane Castle, energy campaigner for environmental advocacy group Total Environment Centre (TEC), said that the recently released Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) regarding the rollout showed policy makers have yet to realise that smart meters are a key tool to combat climate change.

“We’re set to roll out new meters across the country, but without the right technology and tariffs they’ll be little more than expensive window dressing,” said Castle.

Smart meters provide consumers with information about electricity usage and costs. With in-home displays, remote load control and flexible tariffs they allow customers to better manage their bills and become more efficient.

However, TEC said the proposed system will be largely ineffective, since the recent RIS (along with the Cost-Benefit Analysis released in March) effectively exclude in-home displays and are silent on tariffs — the main tools to help consumers reduce energy use and ensure the meters can be used.

“Without in-home displays, consumers won’t be engaged. Without direct load control, energy companies won’t be able to make energy-guzzling devices like air-conditioners and pool pumps more efficient. Without the requirement for time of use and critical peak pricing, at least half the meters will sit idle,” said Castle.

“The rollout is a massive operation — going that bit further and providing householders with the tools to manage their electricity bills and greenhouse emissions is essential.”