Smart metering (Electricity)

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#217054 22-May-2009 21:14

Hah! I just got sent some pictures of the Arc installed meter and data interface installed at a friend's place in ChCh.. I've asked if I can post them, the interface has an rj11 data connection that may interest some of you guys..

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zocster

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#217055 22-May-2009 21:21

yer I know I used to work for Arc :) and unfortunately if you read your retailer t/c that it is in there some where that you need to use their meter as supplied (this is for smart meters, other meters is OK), and if you want to argue about usage, you then can complain to them to get their meter tested etc etc ...

mjb

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#217057 22-May-2009 21:28

From what I understand, it's perfectly acceptable to provide your own meter, as long as it's certified by an inspector... But I'll go have a read at some stage, thanks :)

Aha, so you may be able to provide more info about the data interface?

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zocster

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#217058 22-May-2009 21:30

please post the picture you received :)

mjb

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#217064 22-May-2009 21:48

zocster: please post the picture you received :)

How'd you know he just said ok ? :P...

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Damager

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#217069 22-May-2009 22:07

The NGC/AMS smart meters have multiple lcd displays for each meter/tariff showing the reading, as well as some usage information. i think it flashes the reading every few seconds. I noticed the Metrix one above has the single lcd display

AMS are rolling out smart meters for Genesis Energy and another retailer, forgot who.

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Damager

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#217071 22-May-2009 22:18

been in and around the electricity industry for a few years.. cant think of anyone i know yet with their own meter? i dont know if it would make a difference to the tariff though, if you did. if the ripple control failed on the meter, getting it fixed for free would be better than getting a sparkie in to replace it at the customer's cost.

mjb

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#217074 22-May-2009 22:21

Heh. yeah, there are downsides. I'd probably only use the tariff thing as I was recommended - to get the meter change fee waived by my supplier.

I forgot that I actually called them today, and the CSR was pretty helpful, saying that it would be fine to change the meter myself (via a sparky of course).. but the change fee would still exist.

No ripple control here though, Gas hot water. Damn it's cheap. :)

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Damager

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#217077 22-May-2009 22:35

in this day, installing your own meter would be a good idea. every cent spent, or in this case, not spent counts :-) the meter change fee would be a small price to pay.

gas hot water? :-) :-)

mjb

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#217080 22-May-2009 23:00

Yeah, a Rinnai Infinity. Had it for about 6 weeks so far, and still on the first gas bottle.

Mains pressure hot is great, I don't think I could go back now.

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#217098 23-May-2009 06:06

mjb:
zocster: please post the picture you received :)

How'd you know he just said ok ? :P...

Hmm this one is a night/day or two rate tariff, and it is a G1 still the display used there is rather stupid, as it is actually the prepay meter display however they used it because of the lack of info that the meter itself can give consumption information. As Damager says I can't remember anyone having their own meter unless it is a check meter for a sleepout or something.

The AMS one is awesome meter, and surprised Meridian hasn't gone with them, there is a threat of doing so though. Only 4000 properties or so to be installed with the G2 now ....

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#217161 23-May-2009 11:25

Contact (ChCh) and Genesis are installing mostly the EDMI Mk7A http://www.edmi.com.au/index.asp?l1=2&l2=20&l3=40 Communications via GPRS modem under the cover