❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the demand for smart and bi-directional meters due to increased solar panel installations, inquiring about installation numbers, wait times, and Western Power's preparedness. The Minister provides data and explanations.
AnsweredQoN 514Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN POWER — BI-DIRECTIONAL METERS
I refer to the recent high demand for the installation of smart meters and the installation of solar panels. (1) How many customers are currently awaiting the installation of smart meters? (2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to the recent high demand for the installation of smart meters and the installation of solar panels. (1) How many customers are currently awaiting the installation of smart meters? (2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(1) How many customers are currently awaiting the installation of smart meters? (2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(1) How many customers are currently awaiting the installation of smart meters? (2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(2) How many smart meters have been applied for since January 2011? (3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(3) How many smart meters per month have been installed since January 2011? (4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(4) What is the longest waiting period? (5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(5) Why did Western Power not anticipate the extra demand and make provisions? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(1) As of 29 June 2011, 6 280 customers were awaiting the installation of a bi-directional electronic meter for solar photovoltaic panels. Bi-directional electronic meters are not the same as smart meters in that they have no external communication capabilities. Smart meters are only being installed in selected trial areas as part of Western Power’s Perth Solar City program. They are not being used for normal residential installations. (2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(2) Between 1 January 2011 and 29 June 2011, Western Power received 28 058 requests for new bi-directional meters, and 7 412 requests to reconfigure existing bi-directional meters. (3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(3) In January 2011, 2 060 smart meters were installed, including 484 reconfigurations; in February 2011, 2 842 smart meters were installed, including 876 reconfigurations; in March 2011, 3 699 smart meters were installed, including 983 reconfigurations; in April 2011, 3 326 smart meters were installed, including 878 reconfigurations; in May 2011, 4 949 smart meters were installed, including 1 732 reconfigurations; and in June 2011, 4 902 smart meters were installed, including 2 043 reconfigurations. (4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(4) Current data indicates 90 per cent of customers have their metering upgraded within six weeks, the remainder normally within eight weeks; though there may be isolated cases beyond that relating to technical issues. I can advise the most recent extract from Western Power’s system indicates there are no jobs outstanding that were requested before 1 April 2011. (5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
(5) Western Power anticipated the increase in demand for bi-directional meters and employed additional technicians, electricians and contractors to deal with this. The demand coincides with the strong labour market demand for the types of skills needed to install meters. Recent changes to the net feed-in tariff have also increased volumes.
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