Here is the answer to my question on this matter to Peter Batchelor, Vic Minister for Energy and Resources.
Answer from Rob Hulls, Deputy Premier.:-
"1/ The Brumby Government understands that this is an issue for all Victorian consumers, and supports the Essential Services Commission (ESC) draft decision's requirement for all retailers to show the total accumulated consumption read corresponding to the end of the billing period for all customers whose bills are derived for interval date. For your information, I have attached a copy of the Minister for Energy and Resources letter to the ESC on tis issue. The Brumby Government awaits the ESCs final decision."
Letter to Dr Ron Ben-David ESC from Peter Batchelor.
"Dear Dr Ben-David,
REGULATORY REVIEW - SMART METERS: DRAFT DECISION
I refer to the submission of 17 August 2010 from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in response to the ESC Draft Decision in its review of the customer prot4ections in light of the Victorian smart meter roll-out. I would like to add to the DPIs comments on the subject of total accumulated consumption readings.
The Brumby Government supports the Draft Decision's requirement for retailers to show the total accumulated consumption read corresponding to the end of the billing period for all customers whose bills are derived from interval data. The Government believes this requirement should also include the total accumulated consumption read corresponding to the start of the billing period. This will enable consumers to conduct a reasonably accuracy check from a single bill in the way they do currently.
Many Victorians check their electricity bills in this way and it is essential that they are still able to do so once they have a smart meter. I understand some customers are already experiencing reconciliation issues so a speedy resolution to this issue would be ideal.
Teh Brumby Government would support any additional measures proposed by the ESC to make this exercise yet more straightforward for customers.
We look forward to the ESCs Final Decision on proposed regulatory amendments and timely implementation thereof.
Yours Sincerely
SIGNED
Peter Batchelor MP
Minister for Energy and Resources."
Lets hope HMV prevails!
