OPERATIONAL management of the electricity distribution network located within the boundaries of the East Gippsland Shire in Victoria will transfer from Essential Energy to SP AusNet, a Victorian electricity distribution business, on June 29.
This means SP AusNet will assume full operational control of the electricity network – the ‘poles and wires’ and electricity meters – that connect electricity to around 240 homes and businesses located in the East Gippsland Shire Council area.
This includes maintaining and reading meters, and maintaining, replacing and extending the network to ensure customers receive safe and reliable network services into the future.
From June 29, customers will need to call SP AusNet on 13 17 99 to report electricity network faults, supply interruptions and emergencies.
Essential Energy will continue to provide first response network services on behalf of SP AusNet from its depot in Bombala. This means that when customers call SP AusNet on 13 17 99, local Essential Energy field crews will respond.
SP AusNet will be scheduling the installation of smart meters in this area as part of the Victorian Government’s mandated program to install smart meters at every home and small business across the State by 2013.
Smart meters will give consumers greater detail around electricity consumption while enabling SP AusNet to detect and restore network faults faster.
Residents and small businesses in the area have been sent a letter notifying them of the change.
More information on the smart meter program can be found at www.sp-ausnet.com.au/smartmeters.