Access to Power Room being refused

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  • 12/05/2016 at 5:11 pm #10451 Reply | Quote
    Claire

      Hi

      I hope someone can provide clarification on this issue for me.

      My strata manager is refusing to allow me access to the common property power room to read my electricity meter.

      The reason given is that it is too dangerous, and that I should ask my provider to come and do a reading.

      I recently switched providers and their business model requires that I regularly self-read to maximise savings.

      An extraneous reading outside the normal cycle will cost me around $80 per time.

      Our strata complex does not have smart meters, and I don’t believe I should have to fork out to have one installed inside my unit; which would require strata approval and a bylaw.

      We are a NSW strata and I am a resident lot owner.

      The Victorian Electricity Distributors Rules 2014 explicitly state:
      “8.5 Access

      8.5.1 General

      The customer must provide convenient and unhindered access to metering locations and equipment, and all other supply related assets as follows:

      Meter installation, reading and planned maintenance, as a minimum between the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday;

      At all times for supply and metering fault rectification; and

      At any other time agreed by the Distributor or meter provider and the customer or customers agent.

      Meters shall be located in accordance with clause 8.6 (Location).

      All occupants shall have common right of access to their occupancy’s meter equipment located in a group meter location within a multiple occupancy electrical installation.
      “

      NSW is not quite so clear cut.

      Department of Industry Resources and Energy Service and Installation Rules as revised June 2015:

      “4.2.3 Multiple Occupancy Premises
      The metering for new multiple occupancy premises will be grouped at the one metering position. Provision should be made to cater for any future metering requirements.

      The grouped metering must be in a location accessible to all associated tenants. It must not be located within any one occupancy.

      If located in a secured common area access must be available by means of a standard locking system obtained from the electricity distributor.
      “

      The NSW regulation infers access, and I have not found any regulations or directives prohibiting me from access.

      I would be grateful if someone can provide some clear cut advice on this issue.

      Thanks

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    Reply To: Reply #24911 in Access to Power Room being refused
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