Changes to meter installations leaves residents without power, says Bell

Wednesday December 19, 2018

Published by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell MP

New guidelines for electricity retailers have put regional people at a disadvantage says Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell.

Previously SA Power networks were authorised to not only connect a residence to power but importantly install the meter as well.

Recent changes to the regulations now prevent SA Power networks from installing the meters.  This is now the responsibility of the retailer. 

This has created a problem for residents in Mount Gambier as these retailers do not have technicians based in the region. This has led to homeowners waiting months to have a meter installed.

It has caused great frustration to local builders and electricians who are resorting to generators or running extension cords over neighbours fences so that they can have power on site.

“This is totally unacceptable” said Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who has accused the state government of not understanding the differences between city and regions in regards to retailers installing meters.

“It is fine to have this system in the cities where there are a numerous installers from the retail companies. The problem is a retailer has to send someone from the city to install a meter in Mount Gambier. This results in the installer often waiting until they have a number of installations to do in our region, which leads to extended times.”

“Contractors are telling me they are waiting anywhere from 2-7 months for new meters to be installed,” he said.

In some instances people are unable to move into their new home because the meter has not been connected.

I have no idea why the Government has changed a system that by all reports was working fine.

I have been informed of one instance where a farmer was forced to pay over $3,000 to have a retailer come out from Adelaide and install a meter on his property. This is totally unacceptable.

What I am proposing is a change to the system where SA Power networks have a bank of “temporary meters”.  This will enable power to be supplied and a meter installed and at a later date the retailer installs their own meter.

Mr Bell said he had written to Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan about the issues faced by local contractors, including Mount Gambier electrician Richard Waters.

“Regional contractors and consumers should not be at a disadvantage just because they live outside metropolitan areas.”

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