The Andrews Labor Government today reaffirmed its commitment to making sure Victorians get a fair deal on their power bills.
Responding to the Auditor-General’s report into smart meters, Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said the Labor Government has made significant progress in improving the smart meter system to benefit families and businesses, with the rollout almost finished and most of the report recommendations already implemented or underway.
Smart meters allow households and businesses to better manage their power bills and save money. Victorians are already benefiting with:
- Faster and cheaper remote connections when moving house –providing savings of $128 million
- No more inaccurate estimated bills
- Faster detection of power faults
- Households able to put solar power from their panels back into the grid through their smart meter – saving $86 million on solar PV systems
Victorians can also access detailed and up to date information about their power usage through web portals and smartphone apps allowing them to monitor their energy use and save money.
After four years of inaction and higher power bills under the previous Coalition Government, Ms D’Ambrosio said the Labor Government is focussed on putting Victorian consumers at the forefront of its energy policies.
This includes an inquiry into the value of solar power to ensure households are being paid fairly for the solar power they put into the network, as well as proposed new laws to strengthen protections for households when dealing with their energy provider.
The Labor Government is committed to providing greater fairness, certainty and security for families when it comes to their energy bills.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio:
“Victorians had four years of inaction and higher power bills under the previous Liberal Government.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is focused on making sure Victorian households get a fair deal on their power bills.”
“Smart meters are allowing families and businesses to better manage their bills and save money. Energy metering costs are falling, connections are faster and cheaper.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Victorians are now using web portals and phone apps to track their energy use and save money.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020