Energy Safe Victoria has today released its draft report into the safety of Victoria's advanced metering infrastructure (smart meters). The report has found that smart meters are safe and don't present a greater safety risk than older electronic or electromechanical meters.

The report is now open for public comment and submissions will be received until June 15. A final report will then be released.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AND DOWNLOAD THE REPORT AT:

http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/About-ESV/ESVs-reviews-into-smart-meters

ESV's main conclusions are:

• When smart meters fail, they fail safely and potentially reduce the risk of personal

damage and injury.

• The recently reported meter failures in the northern suburbs are attributable to

criminal damage rather than HV injection.

• There is no evidence to suggest that the safety risks associated with smart meters are any greater than older style electronic or electromechanical meters.

• There is no evidence to suggest that smart meters are exploding or causing fires.

• The electricity companies are following Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) minimum procedures for responding to a HV injection when it occurs, which includes requirements to inspect metering equipment and conduct testing as required.

• The smart meters being installed in Victoria meet current Australian Standards including those related to safety, and those standards are robust and appropriate.

• The procedures that describe what is acceptable in relation to the condition of boards and panels prior to meter installation were found to be appropriate and suitable for the purpose.

• While it is generally the responsibility of customers to replace boards/panels that have been damaged or deteriorated as a result of inadequate weather protection, more than 40,000 boards/panels have been replaced by the electricity distribution businesses during the rollout.

• Electrical inspectors are required to carry test equipment when they inspect and test meters.