News & Views

NECA has now confirmed with the Division of Resources and Energy (within the NSW Department of Industry) that ASP 2s will automatically qualify for the roll-out of smart meters in NSW.

Section 9.3 of the government’s recently released Code for safe installation of direct-connected whole current electricity metering in NSW mandates that:

“A metering provider must have installing electricians (or supervising installing electricians) with acceptable competencies equal to or better than, the competencies required under the National Quality Framework, UEENEEG171A install, setup and commission interval metering.”

We have confirmed with the Division of Resources and Energy that the training required to qualify as an ASP2 is considered by the government to be equal to or better than the competencies required under the National Quality Framework, UEENEEG171A install, setup and commission interval metering.

NECA was keen to ensure on behalf of our ASP members that they would not have to complete UEENEEG171A install, setup and commission interval metering or undertake an RPL (recognition of prior learning) process, at their own expense, in order to qualify as meter installers.

With the finalisation of the Code for safe installation of direct-connected whole current electricity metering in NSW, the regulatory framework for the roll-out of smart meters in NSW has largely been established.

NECA is currently participating in a committee for the development of an Australian Standard for the installation of smart meters.

Going forward, NECA is advocating that a rigorous and independent inspection regime is implemented from the very outset of the smart meter roll-out.  NECA will continue to advocate on behalf of members in relation to smart meters and monitor any issues that emerge during the smart meter roll-out.

Should you have any feedback or queries, please contact Adam Spivakovsky, Policy Adviser on telephone: (02) 9021 9687 or email: adam.spivakovsky@neca.asn.au