Integrity of smart meters under review in Tongatapu [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Friday, October 28, 2022 - 01:38
Mr Rafael Cuerto and Tongan counterparts. Nuku'alofa, 26 October, 2022. Photo: Australian High Commission
The integrity of Tonga's smart meters is being reviewed in response to increases in power bills reported, after the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunamis.
Engaged by the Australian Government, independent consultant, Mr Rafael Cuerto is in Nuku'alofa to carry out a review within the next 10-days, aiming to produce an independent report of his findings and recommendations in November this year.
He has since met and discussed the scope of the assistance with Tonga Power Ltd, Acting CEO Finau Moa, MPE Deputy CEO, Falahola Naidu and Australian High Commission's Program Manager for Infrastructure and Energy, Mapa Taumalolo.
“The request came in response to huge increases in power bills following the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption and the subsequent tsunami on 15 January 2022,” stated the Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa.
However, it was not clear where the increases in power bills were reported.
The mission will include an assessment of the smart meters system including the physical meters, data collection and billing systems, as well as investigate any variations in the operation of the smart meter system pre and post 15 January.
These assessments will also help to determine the extent to which the HTHH volcanic eruption and tsunami impacted the operation of the smart meters system.
Energy [8]