Do you know your property’s embedded meter network?
The proposed Embedded Network Code of Practice will result in changes for Strata managers and lot owners (more about that here). What stands out is the importance of understanding and documenting the properties embedded network. Some embedded networks are relatively simple comprising of a meter for each property. Others however, may involve renewable assets like solar and EV charging, have multiple common area meters or even virtual meters. Having the key information for the property easily accessible will likely assist in responding to common questions that might arise from lot owners.
What questions might lot owners ask?
When the Embedded Networks Code of Practice becomes mandatory, lot owners will have a right to request certain information. Here are some of the questions that they could ask:
Can I see my meter?
What type of meter is installed?
Is my meter an interval meter?
Can I have a different meter installed?
Can I have an interval meter?
I think my meter is faulty, can you test it?
How is my bill calculated?
Has my meter read been estimated?
Can you read my meter?
Can I see my last 2 years of billing data?
I think my bill is wrong, can you review it?
What is my tariff?
I am experiencing financial hardship, what is your policy?
How do I find out this information?
A good starting point to document and understand your embedded network is a Meter Network Drawing (MND). The MND is the blue print for the embedded network identifying gate meters, end-use sub-meters and the energy infrastructure in the embedded network. It helps to ensure the correct and accurate distribution and allocation of the property’s utilities. In addition, we recommend keeping an updated meter register. The register can document the meter serial number, brand, model, labelling, location, CT ratios, registers and end user information. The MND when accompanied by a meter register gives you a holistic view of the embedded network and is a useful starting point to answer many of the above questions.
When it comes to bill and tariff related questions, ensuring the information is clearly documented on utility statements can mitigate the need for owners to enquire. At a minimum we suggest that you include:
Meter number;
Supply period;
If it is an actual or estimated reading;
Tariff applied;
Meter reading; and
A breakdown of charges.
What can Energy-Tec do to help?
Energy-Tec provides a range of core and technical services that can assist you with your meter billing and embedded network documentation, and future compliance to the upcoming Mandatory Embedded Network Code of Practice. Our ‘Essentials’ service package includes energy reconciliation and billing and provides utility statements for each lot/unit which includes all the above bill information. Our Technical Division undertake Meter Network Audits which includes the production of a meter network drawing and meter register reflecting the set-up of your properties embedded network.
To keep up to date with on-going information relating to the new Embedded Network Code of Practice please register your interest at www.energy-tec.com.au/voluntary-code-of-practice.
This article was brought to you by Energy-Tec
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