Recent reforms to accelerate the rollout of smart-metering is now addressing how meter data is collected, managed and utilised.
Universal access to real-time data plays a critical role in supporting energy affordability through transparency and flexibility. People must be confident that charges for enabling real-time data are fair and efficient – regardless of their energy provider. We need strong metering and data frameworks to enable an energy system that operates efficiently, while unlocking fairer and more flexible services.
That’s why we advocated for a raft of changes to the proposed framework for metering data in our response to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Real-time Data for Consumers – Draft Determination.
Key recommendations included that the Commission:
- Implement measures ensuring consumers know the capability of their meter and how much any upgrade or replacement will cost;
- affirm people’s rights to access and oversee all data captured by their meter, so they can make informed decisions about their energy use that benefit them, and;
- establish robust standards around consumer consent to access real-time data.
What’s next?
We’ve seen some important and meaningful improvements on earlier proposals, but there is more to be done to ensure metering and data frameworks fulfill their role of promoting the interests of the people of NSW. We’ll be engaging further on this and other rule changes related to real-time data, as well as advocating for NSW Government action to support an equitable energy transition.
