The distribution network service providers (DNSPs) participating in the Victorian Government’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) (or smart meter) roll-out program are required to apply to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to annually revise their metering charges for the period 2013–2015. These charges revision applications provide the DNSPs the opportunity to adjust charges that were determined by the AER in its 2011 Determination, to account for differences between the forecast expenditure approved by the AER and actual expenditure incurred by the DNSP.
On 30 August 2013, the AER received a charges revision application from Powercor. This proposed revised 2014 metering charges that take into account actual expenditures incurred by the DNSP in 2012. The process for determining charges is set out in the AMI Order in Council (the AMI OIC) made under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic).
On 29 October 2013, the AER made its determination in accordance with the AMI Order in Council (OIC). The AMI revised charges outlined in the determination will apply for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014.