Electricity network safety
Electricity networks can be dangerous to the public and network workers. Ensuring safety is of the highest priority. That’s why the Minister established the Industry Safety Steering Committee (ISSC). The aim of the ISSC is to improve electricity network safety and produce specialised guides for industry use. The ISSC is made up of representatives from:
network operators
the unions
SafeWork NSW
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Electricity network assets
On 5 June 2015, the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015, came into force. This saw regulation being transferred from NSW electricity networks to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The role of IPART is to ensure electricity operators supply electricity in an adequate, reliable and safe manner in accordance with their licence conditions within the Electricity Supply Act 1995.
For further information:
- visit IPART
- email [email protected]
Installation of digital meters
On 1 December 2017, all meters installed will be digital and capable of two-way communication. There will be new national rules regarding responsibilities, obligations and accountability for installing, operating and maintaining these meters.
The installation of digital meters has been opened to non-ASP electricians who are appropriately qualified, trained and licensed.
Safety management
Any person hired to install digital meters must be properly trained. This includes being proficient in the de-energisation and re-energisation of electrical installations. The details of this training are determined by the individual metering provider, who must follow the minimum standards set out in the Department's Code for safe installation of direct-connected whole current electricity metering in NSW (Minimum requirement for safety management systems of retailers and metering providers), July 2016 (384 KB PDF).
Metering providers are also required to lodge appropriate safety management systems with NSW Fair Trading.
Contacts for meter installation
Under new legislation, the electricity retailer is the main contact for the customer. Retailers will engage metering providers, who will arrange for an appropriately qualified electrician to complete metering works. What this means is that retailers and metering providers are responsible for the installation, maintenance and replacement of meters.
For further information on compliance with digital meter technical and safety standards, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.