I WOULD like to address some issues raised in the letter from Julie Calderone published on November 23, 2012.
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The Victorian Government carried out a thorough review of smart meter program and found that pressing on with an improved rollout would deliver the most benefits for Victorians.
This means that all Victorian homes and small businesses will need to have their meters replaced by the end of 2013.
The Government review found that, at this advanced stage of the roll out, allowing customers to opt out would lead to higher costs for all consumers, because of the extra costs of running two different metering systems.
Consumers and electricity distributors are required to abide by rights and obligations set out in the Essential Services Commission's Electricity Distribution Code.
Under the code, a customer must provide convenient and unhindered access to the distributor's equipment for purposes associated with the supply of electricity.
More information about the code can be accessed from the Essential Services Commission website
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Electricity meters, including smart meters, are owned by electricity distribution businesses who are given the right under section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 to enter private land to put in, maintain or alter those assets.
More facts on smart meters can be found on
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Mark Travill
Community Liaison Manager
AMI Program