The Electric Power Corporation (EPC) has been directed to permanently cease the installation of smart meters, following an order from the Regulator, Lematua Gisa Purcell. 

This new directive, Order No. 2024/E91, supersedes the previous Order No. 2021/E84 and comes amidst ongoing concerns and unresolved issues reported by current smart meter users.

In the announcement, Lematua highlighted her authority under the Electricity Act 2020, which empowers her to regulate the electricity sector and issue such orders. 

The new order indicates that EPC has not addressed several regulatory measures during the three-year halt on the smart meter rollout.

The Office of the Regulator noted a surge in public complaints regarding the smart meters and unresolved technical issues. 

These persistent problems have necessitated the call for EPC to take immediate and comprehensive action.

EPC is now required to submit essential documentation to the Office of the Regulator by the end of June 2024. This includes a detailed report on complaints received from smart meter users from July 2023 to the present day and the steps taken to resolve these issues. 

Additionally, EPC must provide monthly reports on the monitoring system of the smart meters.

Despite the cessation order, EPC is obligated to continue monitoring and maintaining the smart meters currently in use. The Regulator emphasised that failure to comply with these requirements would result in legal action against EPC for non-compliance.

This order, issued and made effective on 29 April 2024 aims to address the lingering issues and ensure that the corporation takes responsibility for the existing smart meter system. 

The previous Order No. 2021/E84, dated December 2, 2021, had initially mandated the halt of the smart meter project rollout, but the ongoing issues have necessitated further regulatory intervention.

As the situation unfolds, EPC's adherence to the new regulatory requirements will be closely monitored to ensure that consumer concerns are addressed and that the integrity of the electricity sector is maintained.