AEMC Report Recommends Opening Up Meter Market To Deliver Better Electricity Prices to Australians

Sept. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- The increasing cost of electricity to Australians has been challenging for the governments involved, and for consumers - who have been clearly warned that the situation is bound to continue.  One recommendation in the recently released ‘Power of Choice’ report from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), could make a noticeable difference, believes Alan Belkin.

Mr Belkin is the CEO of electricity price comparison service, Electricity Wizard, and he is quick to identify opportunities for delivering better electricity prices, whenever they present themselves. This particular recommendation in the Report - to free up the electricity meter market, he believes, could make a measurable difference.

“Freeing up the electricity meter market to private enterprise and competition could have a real impact on electricity costs in both residential and business environments” said Mr Belkin. “The cost of metering services is significant, and is controlled by the electricity distributor.”

“Over in New Zealand, where the electricity meter can be owned by the distributor, retailer or even the householder, metering charges are 1 cent/kWh. However, in Victoria, for example, the metering charge is 4 cents/kWh.” explained Mr Belkin.  “In a state where the average household consumes 5,000 kWh each year, the metering services cost difference is signficant.”  

The Power of Choice report recommends a model where metering services can be provided by any approved metering service provider.

AEMC Chairman, John Pierce, explained the recommendation “It is an important step in producing an innovative pricing structure.  Unless there is metering competition, we won’t see market innovation.”

Alan Belkin agrees. “Opening up the provision of electricity meters to competition, combined with Australians comparing prices from electricity retailers, must lead to http://www.electricitywizard.com.au better electricity prices for Australians.”

Electricity Wizard’s free price comparison service can be accessed at ElectricityWizard.com.au


About Electricity Wizard

Electricity Wizard’s mission is to provide an easy way to find a better deal in your area. Its free http://www.electricitywizard.com.au  service has been used by over 50,000 Australians to compare rates and plans, and get a deal that best meets their needs.

The Australian gas and electricity market is one of the most competitive in the world - with dozens of companies, making it extremely difficult to know if you’re choosing the right plan for you.

When consumers contact Electricity Wizard, one of their friendly Australian staff will assess their current rates and plan, and recommend better options for their home or business from their range of preferred partners.

Best of all, the service is completely free. To find a better deal on your energy bills, in minutes, visit electricitywizard.com.au