Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - Te Kaitiaki Taiao a Te Whare Pāremata

Presentation to the Commerce Select Committee on Smart meters and smart grid

Thank you for the opportunity to come back and update you on my views on smart meters.
It’s a year and a half since I last spoke to you on this subject and I have been following developments over that time.
It has become clear that thinking about smart meters needs to be expanded from just about meters to the wider area of building a smart grid in New Zealand.
As you know smart meters are a key component of a smart grid and it makes sense to think about this bigger picture.
So that’s why I’m talking about a smart grid as well as smart meters.
I’m going to begin by first talking about why I as Environment Commissioner care about electricity.
Then briefly describe the players in the electricity sector and the rollout of new meters.
Then I will refresh your memories about my main concerns and update you on what has happened since.
I will finish by talking about a smart grid.