Unwanted Upgrade to a Smart Meter by Origin

peteru on 13/09/2022 - 00:06
Last edited 13/09/2022 - 02:20

Got an email from Origin Energy within two months of signing up with them that my electricity meter needs replacing. No specific reason given, but I'm pretty sure they want to get me onto a different plan so that they can charge me more.

Any idea how I can get out of having to change to a smart meter? I suspect that the answer is that I don't get a say in what they install.

Alternatively, what can I do to avoid costs escalating due to change in metering?

At the moment I have two analogue meters, one for the peak consumption and a second one for controlled load 1 (off-peak hot water). I recently switched to an Origin plan that has a reasonable rate for anytime load and controlled load 1. While I was doing my research, I noted that this plan was not available to customers with smart meters. This was a common deal with most retailers - predictable fixed price plans were just not available to premises with smart meters. Our house has no gas and as a result any plans that are based on highest peak usage over a certain period are completely out of question. Having an electric oven and a couple of hotplates going for even less than an hour day would be unaffordable.

Looking at the currently available plans, even the TOU plans from most providers are going to result in a significant increase as a significant proportion of our usage would be metered at double or triple the current rate (current plan peak rate is 23.8c/kWh, but new TOU plans are 62c/kWh or more), even the CL1 prices are higher.

Current plan will expire in about 9-10 months and while I can't predict the future, I really don't want to be in a position where the smart meter based plans will triple the bills.

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Comments

  • jv on 13/09/2022 - 00:14
    +14

    You don't own the meter, they do.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 00:20
      +1

      Sure, and as I mentioned I accept that I don't get a say in what meter they install.

      That doesn't mean I'm not going to try and avoid bill shock once my current plan expires.

      • avoidfullprice on 13/09/2022 - 01:02
        -2

        No specific reason given, but I'm pretty sure they want to get me onto a different plan so that they can charge me more.

        This is one unhelpful remark. The distributor owns the meter and it is not making up what you are using. The retailer is the one charging you with their offer.

        Alternatively, what can I do to avoid costs escalating due to change in metering?

        You can’t change your distributor, but you can change your retailer and change your usage pattern.

        • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:20
          -1

          The energy plan offers from the retailer change depending on what meter you have. The retailer can get the distributor to upgrade the meter and I suspect that this is what is happening. There is no apparent meter fault, so at face value, there is no pressing need for the distributor to initiate the meter change. However, I don't have enough information as to who got the ball rolling on this or why.

          With the current metering arrangement and the plan I am on, I have a fairly good idea of where the bill is going to land. The usage is more or less consistent seasonally over the years and the price variations are due to the c/kWh rate. Reasonably simple maths.

          There's some scope to change the usage patterns, but it's pretty minimal. For example, our washing is already done at night so that the off-peak hot water system heats up the water used for the washing.

          I am concerned about the fact that the contract says that if/when the meter type is changed then the retailer can vary the terms.

          even if we say that we won’t vary certain Charges in your Energy Plan, we can still vary any of the Charges if:
          • any of the information we used in determining the Charges for energy is incorrect (such as your supply area or meter type); or
          • the meter at your Supply Address is changed from an accumulation meter to an interval meter.

          Emphasis mine.

          • cookie2 on 13/09/2022 - 06:49

            @peteru: Crappy term. 'even if we say we won't '. Can you make a complaint pr just call whatever governing body oversees elec? Isn't there an ombudsman? I'd love to know what they say about you potentially having to pay 2-3 times more due to a non essential upgrade.

  • core101 on 13/09/2022 - 00:30
    +5

    They made an offer, and are waiting for your acceptance. Regulator states: "If your current meter is working properly and a retailer wants to replace it with a smart meter, you can opt out of the smart meter installation. You can only opt out if you haven’t waived your right to opt out when you signed up to your current electricity contract." If you go forward, get it all in writing. Had our meter replaced, and they reneged on the price quoted.

    • avoidfullprice on 13/09/2022 - 01:07

      It also states

      Retailers are required to install smart meters for new connections (for example, a new house build) and if your meter is faulty or has reached the end of its life and needs replacing.

      We don’t know what is what. This is almost like people holding onto copper phoneline and exercising their right to not get NBN

      • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:43
        +3

        This is almost like people holding onto copper phoneline and exercising their right to not get NBN

        Not in my case. If I could, I'd have optical fibre to the house, but I'm stuck with coax. I actually don't have a problem with smart meters. I'd very much like to have access to the data that a smart meter would provide.

        What I am trying to avoid is a large increase in how much I have to pay. If I could, I'd whack solar panels on the house, but even that wouldn't help with cooking dinner at or after sunset.

        If you really want to make an NBN analogy, switching from copper line ended up costing me $40/month more, but I get 7 times faster downloads and 45 times faster uploads. Switching to a smart electricity meter is not presenting me with any apparent value add - just a potential for a major cost increase for exactly the same service.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:30
      +1

      You can only opt out if you haven’t waived your right to opt out when you signed up to your current electricity contract.

      Thanks for pointing that out. I'm looking through all the documents now to see what is applicable in my situation.

      • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:53

        Bugger. Clause 13 in the contract:

        If you have a basic meter, we may propose to replace your existing meter with a Digital Meter. If we do so, we will give you notice beforehand. You agree to your existing meter being replaced as part of any new meter deployment by us and waive your rights under rule 59A of the National Energy Retail Rules to opt out of having your meter replaced (where applicable).

        So, this is kind of painting a fuller picture, together with:

        even if we say that we won’t vary certain Charges in your Energy Plan, we can still vary any of the Charges if:
        • any of the information we used in determining the Charges for energy is incorrect (such as your supply area or meter type); or
        • the meter at your Supply Address is changed from an accumulation meter to an interval meter.

        Basically, this is one way for Origin to get out of the 12 month contract they entered 2 months ago and start charging me more than what they agreed to in the first place.

        • cookie2 on 13/09/2022 - 06:52
          +1

          Can you cancel the origin contract and go with another that doesn't have the clause? Or is the clause even legal that they can get you to waive your rights to that?

        • bargain88 on 13/09/2022 - 14:29
          +1

          I think you're just being extreamly paranoid to say it in the nicest way possible. Realistically the retailer likely has that second clause in place for situations where, for example, a customer changes from a Gross Meter to a Net Meter and the rates are materially different.

          I very much doubt they will change your plan rates if all they're doing is upgrading from an analogue to digital meter. In theory it saves the energy retailer money as they can remotely read your meter now instead of sending someone out.

  • savemore on 13/09/2022 - 00:32
    -3

    Could always put a lock on your meter box (e.g. https://locksupplies.com.au/products/cl1ss) and not provide them with the key and send in meter readings.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 02:09
      +1

      Hindering access to the switchboard is not something I am willing to do. I might be trying to save money here, but I'm not going to do anything that would reduce the safety aspects.

      Hindering access to the meters and circuit breakers is a step I'm not going to take. The previous house owners had a lock on the metal cover to the switchboard, but I removed that when we moved in. I also had RCDs installed on all circuits, wiring inspected and crusty switches and power points replaced.

    • JimmyF on 13/09/2022 - 09:21
      +1

      Locks can be easily removed….. I'm sure they have bolt cutters in the truck.

  • boomramada on 13/09/2022 - 00:40

    I really don't want to be in a position where the smart meter based plans will triple the bills.

    Usually smart meter plans are time based, peak / off peak etc. If you dont have solar, do your washing at night etc.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:03

      Kids need to be fed on time, which means that the stove/oven need to be used during peak.

      • avoidfullprice on 13/09/2022 - 01:09
        -3

        So do other households, hence it is at peak demand and therefore cost more.

        • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 01:27
          +3

          At the moment it doesn't cost more. Flat rate means same predictable price all day and night. One could call this pricing a bargain when compared to some of the other plans, and, in the spirit of this site, I'm very much trying to hang onto that bargain.

          • avoidfullprice on 13/09/2022 - 08:34
            +1

            @peteru: What is the Plan Number that you found in your research that will charge 62c/kWh on a TOU rate? Something like this? And which Plan Number are you on right now?

            Just seeing if you compare two plans on the same distribution network. Feels like you may also be referring to demand charge (c/max kW/day) not TOU (c/kWh), which can opt out of, although I can’t find one on the list for Ausgrid (assuming you’re in sydney) You can also ask Origin to keep you on a flat rate plan (which I’m sure you have already asked from your research)

            • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 12:37

              @avoidfullprice: The first plan that came up in my search at Energy Made Easy, when sorting by what they estimate to be the lowest total cost:

              Plan ID: ORI429193MRE1
              Daily supply charge: 104.08 cents/day
              Time of use usage rates 16.42 to 62.34 cents/kWh
              Controlled load usage 16.54 cents/kWh
              Shoulder | 0700 - 1359
              Peak | 1400 - 1959
              Shoulder | 2000 - 2159
              Off-Peak | 2200 - 0659

              Peak Off-Peak Shoulder
              62.34c/kWh 16.42c/kWh 28.39c/kWh

              I'm currently on a flat rate, fixed price contract:
              Peak Usage: 23.8680 c/kWh
              Controlled Load Off-Peak 1: 11.8390 c/kWh
              Supply Charge: 76.9820 c/day

              I want to hang onto that pricing for as long as possible. I certainly don't want to lose those prices 3 months into what was supposed to be a 12 month contract. I'll give Origin a call to clarify things, but before I do, I wanted to do a bit of research.

              • Bigboomboom on 13/09/2022 - 15:07
                +1

                @peteru: For what it's worth, I have solar and smart meter and I'm still on fixed price + controlled load 1 for at least 12 months now. I have checked and any other retailer also provide fixed price for my address.

              • boomramada on 13/09/2022 - 15:20

                @peteru: Even with smart meter, you can have fixed price contract with some providers. Mine is way cheaper with peak off peak pricing as no one at home in day time.
                https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/

      • vinnychase on 13/09/2022 - 10:34

        Time is relative

    • geekcohen on 13/09/2022 - 08:01

      Usually smart meter plans are time based, peak / off peak etc.

      Not always and depending on the state (and area) will depend on the time frames of peak vs off peak. My peak period in Ausnet area VIC changed recently so its 3pm to 9pm now. It was previously up until 11pm.

      If you dont have solar, do your washing at night etc.

      Often easier said than done. I cannot do washing at night due to the laundry being right next to my daughters room.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2022 - 03:54
    -1

    put a dangerous dog sign up, optionally, get a dangerous dog as well. deny them access to your property, only allow them access to read the meter and supervise them to make sure that's all they're doing.

    if you make it look like you have a large, aggressive dog, that has free run of your property, i doubt they will enter the property.

  • WreckTangle on 13/09/2022 - 05:57
    +1

    My previous house had a smart meter…its way better. You are able to monitor power usage & get special deals from your power supplier.

  • Overclocked91 on 13/09/2022 - 06:41
    +1

    I assume they are upgrading you from a traditional meter to a smart meter. It is a lot more accurate so due to the inefficiency of the older meters you are probably getting free power. This does not happen with the smart meter so you are only being charged for the power you are using. If your bill is massive after the change, you're actually using a lot more power than you were aware of.

  • dasa on 13/09/2022 - 09:06
    +3

    One of the main reasons for the new smart meters except higher prices is that now they can throttle your usage when they want to.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 12:45

      Huh? You can't get a smart meter to somehow deliver more or less electricity. It's either on or off, there's no 50% setting. The only thing they can do is remotely disconnect you. However, if the distributor needs to perform load shedding, they are not going to do it house by house.

      • Gros21 on 16/09/2022 - 10:16

        They can use ripple to control some loads (same as hot water) alot of new AC have this feature its called DRED. Some meters will have the ability to control loads and act as meter in one. Basicly remove the 3rd box you have and incorporate it into the meter.

        Also most smart meter now have telecommunications so its likely they will be able to do similar functions via this method.

        I would not call it throttling your usage but more controlling loads.

        • peteru on 18/09/2022 - 03:47

          Yes, CL1 and CL2 have been around for decades. The new meters usually have a 100A total rating and can switch one additional circuit in the 20-40A range, either based on the time or one of the ripple channels. Again, the only change there is the consolidation of the off-peak switching box and two rotating disk meters into one digital unit, but there is no additional functionality if you are already an off-peak customer.

  • dasa on 13/09/2022 - 12:48

    Well thats funny the installer that did mine explained to me they can throttle when they want to especially if everyone is using aircons at summer and they need more power, go figure you know more than he does.

  • windale on 13/09/2022 - 13:04

    I had to upgrade my meter as I was renovating and wanted to move the location of it. My bill actually went down as the old meters from the 1970’s were probably not as accurate due to wear over the years. So it might be a good thing for you.

  • Chandler on 13/09/2022 - 13:06
    +1

    I recently moved to an Anytime with Demand tarrif plan - basically flat rate for usage at any point in time but plus an additional charge for your highest usage during peak for the month. I've found that my total bill didn't change significantly. The demand charge is offset by a lower usage rate than what I was on.

  • Webber000 on 13/09/2022 - 20:41

    Are they asking you to agree to book a date for them to come and do it? EG you need to be home as they need to access your property to confirm it is safe or check after they have done the work?
    If so - firstly I would just ignore them until they chase you again (assuming they haven't provided a date yet), and then when they do give you a date call them to let them know that the date isn't convenient and ask them to rebook it for a date further in the future, and then nearer that time call them again to let them know that you can't provide them with access as you will be away on holiday so they will need to delay it again.
    With Christmas, holidays, Covid sickness etc you should be able to get towards the end of your contract time.

    • peteru on 13/09/2022 - 22:01

      Nope, they are not doing anything other than giving me the required notice of outage. I don't need to be home or give permission. They'll just turn off the electricity, replace the meter and turn electricity back on again.

      The switchboard is on the front wall of the house, easily accessible and in plain view.

      I have no intention of being obstructive or somehow making anyone's life difficult. My main objective here is to ensure that I continue to receive the best possible electricity prices for as long as possible. I think I've done enough research to be informed enough to give Origin a call in the next day or two and discuss with them what, if any, impact on the pricing the new meter will have.

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