Meter services charge
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Meter services charges cover the cost of providing your meters and the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining your meters.
This cost structure provides a transparent way of billing metering costs so that you’re only required to pay for your own metering services. The aim is to move towards greater competition in metering services in the electricity market and greater customer choice in the future.
What are the charges?
Meter services charges apply for customers using basic meters (type 5 and 6) for primary, controlled load tariffs and solar connections. Each of these charges is made up of two components:
- Capital component – covers the cost of the meter
- Non-capital component – covers the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the meter
Where there is more than one primary tariff at the same premises, charges will only apply for one. However if you have more than one controlled load tariff (ie. both Tariff 31 and 33) you'll receive meter charges for both. Solar charges only apply if you have a solar power system installed.
| Primary tariff meter charge | GST incl. from 1 July 2017 | GST incl. from 1 July 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Capital component - cents per day | 7.659 | 7.472 |
| Non-capital component - cents per day | 2.449 | 2.365 |
| Total - cents per day | 10.108 | 9.838 |
| Controlled load tariff meter charge | GST incl. from 1 July 2017 | GST incl. from 1 July 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Capital component - cents per day | 2.298 | 2.242 |
| Non-capital component - cents per day | 0.735 | 0.710 |
| Total - cents per day | 3.033 | 2.951 |
| Solar connection meter charge | GST incl. from 1 July 2017 | GST incl. from 1 July 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Capital component - cents per day | 5.361 | 5.231 |
| Non-capital component - cents per day | 1.714 | 1.656 |
| Total - cents per day | 7.405 | 6.887 |
Charges are based on Energex rates, under the Queensland Government's Uniform Tariff Policy to ensure customers in regional Queensland pay the same Metering Services Charges as customers in South East Queensland.
If you're making changes to your tariffs which require a meter replacement, you'll need to pay upfront for the cost of this new meter.
Frequently asked questions
Why are meter services charges applied?
The Australian Energy Regulator is helping to transition the electricity industry to a fairer, more transparent way of billing metering costs. Previously, meter services charges were spread across all customers and wrapped up into network costs.
Does everyone have to pay these charges?
These changes apply to all customers across Queensland with a regulated meter.
If I'm a designated self-read customer, do I have to pay this charge?
Yes, as these charges cover the combined cost of providing your meter and the operation and maintenance costs. Even if you provide your own readings, we are still required to visit your property to obtain readings.
Do these charges apply to card-operated meters?
No. Card-operated metering costs are bundled in with other charges that Ergon Network passes through to Ergon Retail.
What if I want to change tariffs but it requires a new meter?
If you want to change tariffs and this requires a new meter you will be required to pay an upfront cost for that meter.
What if my meter stops working? Do I have to pay for the replacement?
If your meter has malfunctioned and is no longer operational, you won't be charged for a replacement.
Will supply charges still appear on my bill?
Yes, these cover the costs of supplying and maintaining your electricity service, including costs such as poles and wires, billing and administration.
Don't supply charges cover metering?
No, they cover the costs of supplying and maintaining your electricity service, not your meters.
