The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today the decision by the Brumby Labor Government to institute a moratorium on ‘time of use’ pricing with smart meters underlines the confusion that has surrounded this bungled project.
“The Brumby Government promoted ‘time of use’ pricing as a key feature and benefit of its smart meters. The Government has announced there will be no ‘time of use’ pricing for the foreseeable future – despite consumers having to pay for smart meters that are designed to deliver that pricing,” Mr Delahunty said.
“Despite the moratorium on time-of-use pricing, the Government is persisting with its roll out of smart meters into 2.5 million Victorian homes and small businesses. As a result consumers are being forced to pay for smart meters they don’t have, and many don’t want, and may not have for another three years.
“Now that one of the supposed key benefits of smart meters has been shelved by the Government, there must be an immediate freeze to the roll out,” Mr Delahunty said.
“Victorian families deserve to know if good money is being thrown after bad. There has been community outrage over the Brumby Government’s poor management which has resulted in the project blowing out from $800 million to $2.25 billion.
“I have been contacted by many Lowan residents concerned having to pay for these meters and their concerned about price rises and the negative impact this will have on seniors, young families, the unemployed and those who are home during the day.
“I have presented petitions in Parliament and will present further petitions in the next sitting week.
“The Auditor General reported that the electricity industry may benefit from smart meters at the expense of the consumers who pay for them. This again shows the inability of the Brumby Labor government to manage projects and the smart meters are now known as the “Myki” of metering.
“I urge the community to continue to support the Coalition’s concern about the government’s smart meters and sign our petition,” Mr Delahunty said.
The petition is available from Mr Delahunty’s electorate offices at 114 Firebrace Street, Horsham telephone 5382 0097 or 44 Gray Street, Hamilton telephone 5571 9800.
