Submission to the Review of the regulatory framework for metering services

PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Directions Paper – Review of the regulatory framework for metering services. 

Metering is a fundamental component of the infrastructure providing essential energy services. Our submission strongly supported fundamental changes to the regulatory framework for metering. 

PIAC highlighted the need to regard metering as an essential aspect of the infrastructure of the energy system. Advanced metering is required to deliver efficient and affordable services for all consumers in an energy system based on renewable energy. 

PIAC made detailed recommendations regarding an updated objective for metering that reflects its essential role, as well as the principles which should drive reform to the metering framework and the accelerated rollout of advanced metering. A target date must be set for the universal availability of smart metering to ensure equity of outcomes for all consumers, and a strategy must be developed that assigns roles, responsibilities, and costs to those best placed to meet the target date effectively, efficiently and with least cost and risk to consumers.