Power of Choice is a suite of reforms to the National Electricity Rules (effective 1 December 2017) designed to encourage energy consumers to make more informed choices about how and when they use electricity.
The Power of Choice reforms were designed to provide customers with more information and options so that they can better manage their electricity bills. Power of Choice also allows energy companies, including distribution network businesses such as Evoenergy, to better respond to technology and other market changes. Further information on the Power of Choice reforms can be found at the Australian Energy Market Commission website.
Power of Choice impacted how distribution network businesses, such as Evoenergy, operate. One area that changed as part of the Power of Choice reforms is that energy retailers have taken over the management of electricity metering from Evoenergy. To help our customers and business community understand these changes and minimise negative or unintended impacts we provided information and hosted forums to allow people to learn more and ask questions. We also worked with our Energy Consumer Reference Council to ensure we took into consideration feedback from a wide range of customers.
For sites where an Evoenergy electricity meter was installed prior to 1 December 2017*, Evoenergy will continue to read, maintain and monitor your meter. If your meter fails or needs to be replaced for any other reason, your retailer will install a new smart meter and be responsible for these activities from that day onward. If you experience an outage or other fault you will still need to contact Evoenergy in the first instance and we will investigate the problem.
If you would like to discuss your options relating to the installation of smart meters then please contact your retailer. Your retailers contact details can be found on your most recent bill. A list of energy retailer can also be found here. If you would like to know more about the Power of Choice reforms then please visit the Australian Energy Market Commission.
* = Evoenergy is also responsible for meters that were ordered prior to 1 December 2017 and installed before 31 March 2018. This only applies to orders that were placed with Evoenergy, it does not include orders that were placed with a retailer prior to this date.
Notes from industry forums hosted by Evoenergy to inform the construction and electrical industries on Power of Choice changes, and to seek their feedback provide an important record of industry feedback.
These can be downloaded below.
March 2017 - discussion paper
March 2017 - ActewAGL Distribution presentation
March 2017 - Presentation by ACT Government
March 2017 - notes from forum held 28 March
March 2017 - notes from forum held 29 March
November 2016 - discussion paper
November 2016 - ActewAGL Distribution presentation
November 2016 - notes from forum held 22 November
November 2016 - notes from forum held 24 November
November 2016 - Information given by the ACT Government