MEDIA RELEASE

SMART METERS TO CUT BILLS AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Smart metering of gas, electricity and water in Victorian households could help in the fight against climate change, save water and cut down on household bills, Premier Steve Bracks announced today.

Mr Bracks said an Australian first trial had commenced with 50 Melbourne households testing smart water, gas and electricity meters.

“This technology is the way of the future and will revolutionise our energy and water use,” Mr Bracks said.

“It will help further secure our water supplies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Homes are being fitted with an ‘in-house display’, ecoMeter, which shows a household’s electricity, gas and water consumption using information taken directly from utility meters.

This is one of a number of different trials of smart metering technology currently underway in Victoria.

Following the completion of the trials, electricity smart meters will be rolled out across the State from 2008.

Mr Bracks also confirmed that the upcoming State budget would contain funding of $14 million for the Rebates for Being Green program to further help households reduce their emissions.

“Under the scheme, Victorians can claim rebates for installing insulation, replacing inefficient old fridges, heaters, coolers and other appliances with high energy efficient models,” he said.

“One fifth of Victoria’s greenhouse emissions come from residences and we know appliances account for about 40 percent of an average home’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Rebates for Being Green program includes:

• $100 for the purchase and installation of ceiling insulation in uninsulated houses;
• $100 for replacing an old washing machine with a high efficiency model that is also at least a 4-Star water rating;
• $100 for replacing an old fridge with a high efficiency model; and
• $100 for upgrading heating and cooling systems to high efficiency models.

The ecoMeter device provides real time information, meaning residents can make instant comparisons with their daily, weekly and monthly use and track improvements. It also displays greenhouse gas emissions and current utility rates.

The 12-month pilot program, is led by South East Water together with AGL, United Energy Distribution, Multinet Gas and Ampy+Email.

Mr Thwaites said the aim of the trial was to asses whether smart meters can reduce a household’s energy and water usage as well as costs.

“Typically, utilities provide information on a quarterly basis which can make it difficult to know what behaviours were causing consumption to increase or decrease.”

“Residents will for the first time have exact information which will help them to make informed decisions about energy and water reductions.”

Mr Bracks said the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting last Friday endorsed a national roll out of electricity smart meters.

“Victoria was one of the first States to introduce electricity smart meters and is a strong supporter of the national roll out to improve energy supply reliability, enable consumers to better manage their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Ampy+Email General Manger Advanced Metering Brendan King said that combined smart meters were an exciting new development.

“Utilities are able to communicate directly with customers by sending tips and information about their consumption.

“I think it’s really interesting to turn off an appliance to see how much energy you save or check the meter before having a shower and afterwards to see how much water is being used.”

The ecoMeters will provide:

• Energy (electricity and gas) consumption and costs
• Water consumption and costs
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Historical data
• Current tariff rates for all resources