PRESENTATION HEADING Cyclic Meter Reading, Disconnections...

PRESENTATION HEADING Cyclic Meter Reading, Disconnections & Reconnections Version 1.0

PRESENTATION HEADING

Purpose & Scope • This document outlines the procedures to be followed by Field Officers when

undertaking meter reads and disconnection/reconnection of supply service orders.

• All Field Officer Staff are to abide by this document and should follow necessary instructions from Essential Energy or Skilltech management and supervisory personnel. If they are required to work outside of this arrangement they must contact their supervisor for approval.

• This Work Instruction must be utilized in conjunction with WI702.19 - Off Cycle Meter Reading and WI702.17 - Routine Meter Reading.


Overview • Employees must be inducted via Skilltech induction processes prior to

commencing work and must have passed all Criminal, Health, Safety, Environmental and Employee checks successfully. Employee then must complete:

– Completed all Meter reader training outlined in WI 702.17 Routine Meter reading;

– Completed all Off Cycle Reading Training outlined in WI 702.19 Off Cycle Meter Reading;

– FM 626 - FO Disconnect/ Reconnect Competency test completed 100% pass (FM 626a – FO Disconnect/ Reconnect Competency Test Answers)

– Meter Reader Identification provided and displayed at all times;

– Read and understand SWMS - Disconnection and Reconnection in order to properly identify and assess the potential hazards of the job and manage safety risks.


• Ability to undertake the disconnection of supply safely

• To ensure all hazards have been identified and assessed prior to the commencement of each job

• Ability to deal with the customer • Effectively manage Aggressive Customer behaviour

• Work within the NECF defined Hours Of Work

• Stationary, Calling Cards, Etc.

• Ability to meet required Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

• Complete all administrative tasks in accordance with Hand held Unit (HHU) operation

• Adequate use of Skip Codes • Report safety and operational

Incidents • Adequate use of Completion Codes

• Ability to properly inspect all equipment/ PPE

• Ensure all equipment/ PPE are in safe working condition and being utilised

Key Learning Outcomes

PRESENTATION HEADING Cyclic Meter Reading


Introduction and Key Terms You have been appointed to read Electricity Meters.

Here are a few key terms for you to know

• A meter is a device used to record consumption of electricity in kwh at premises and may consist of one or more registers or dials

• Cyclic meter reading refers to the frequency in which meters are read to record consumption of electricity so that the customer can be charged correctly

– Quarterly Reads (domestic properties)

– Monthly Reads (commercial and industrial premises)

– Annual Reads (rural and remote)

• Skip reads is the terms used for where it is not possible to read meters at the premises at the time


Areas & Timetable • Areas to be read

– Objective is to allocate meter reading activities closest to where people reside

• Note: From time to time scheduling will need you to travel further distances as required

• Cyclic Timetable/Schedule • 4 day reading window (2 Days in advance of the Scheduled Read Date, on Scheduled

Read Date or one day after the Scheduled Read Date)

• Note: We cannot read on Sundays and/or Public Holidays without the consent of Essential Energy


What a Meter Reader is Required To Do The meter reader is required to:

• Record meter readings

– Including recording new or replacement meters or meters not currently recorded on new premises

• Record changes to dog, meter location or special messages

• Report damaged or faulty equipment

• Report suspected tampering to your Supervisor

• Record or update premise information i.e. house number

• Note meters missing (removed) or not recorded on the system

• Report metering device or equipment not sealed

• Report time discrepancies displayed on electronic meters

– If more than 5 minutes different to EST (Eastern Standard Time)

• Report unsafe access to meters

• Immediately report any metering installations identified as electrically unsafe or pose a risk of fire or shock


Route Allocation • All Employees will be allocated at least 1 route for completion per day

– Each route has a unique identifier i.e. 8169, 8158 etc.

– Each route has a different number of accounts to be read

• Upon being allocated , you will be advised of the routes previous history, including:

– The time it took to read last cycle

– The number of skip reads associated with the route when it was read last cycle

• Employees will visit multiple meter sites every day

– It is extremely important that you make yourself aware of your surroundings

– DO NOT ENTER if you feel you are placing yourself at risk


Authority to Enter Premises You have authority to enter properties to read meters on behalf of Essential Energy

• You MUST produce your ID (which identifies this authority) at the request of any customer

• If access is refused by a customer, DO NOT pursue the matter

– Leave the premise

– Record the appropriate Skip Code

– Advise your Supervisor

• Entry permits may be required on some sites

– Skilltech may be required to obtain entry permits to satisfy entry conditions prior to entering the restricted areas to read meters.

– You may be required to complete a Site Specific Induction


Hand Held Units (HHU) • A Hand Held Unit (HHU) is primarily used to enter meter readings, meter data

and update premise information

• It is the responsibility of each employee to care for their allocated HHU. They may be made accountable for loss or damage

• NOTE: Below are links to useful sites to help you understand how to read a meter, it is advised that you review these sites

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGCsSYsfGvI

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ogwitaAh4

– https://www.itron.com/aunz/resourcesAndSupport/Pages/Meter-Reading-Training-Tool.aspx Select ‘online meter reader training tool’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGCsSYsfGvI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ogwitaAh4

https://www.itron.com/aunz/resourcesAndSupport/Pages/Meter-Reading-Training-Tool.aspx








Accuracy in Meter Readings • Reasonable effort MUST be used to obtain actual readings

• Where it is not possible to read meters at the premises, a Skip reason MUST be recorded

• The deliberate supply of fictitious meter readings will result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of employment


National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) & Disconnections


Protected Days • Disconnects must NOT occur on any Protected Days.

• NECF defines PROTECTED PERIODS as follows:

– The Distributor must not de-energise in a Protected Period, UNLESS it has been requested by the customer, during an emergency, for health & safety reasons or at the direction of the relevant authority.

– A Protected period is inclusive of:

• a business day before 8am or after 3pm; or

• a Friday or the day before a public holiday; or

• a weekend or a public holiday; or

• the days between 20 December and 31 December (both inclusive) in any year.

– A public holiday, in relation to a customer, means a day that is observed as a local public holiday in the area in which the customer’s premises are located (including the whole of the State or Territory in which the area is located).


When not to de-energise • We must NOT De-energise:

– Where the premises has Life Support Equipment

– During a Protected Period

– UNLESS it has been requested by the customer, during an emergency, for health and safety reasons or a the direction of the relevant authority.

• Disconnects must NOT occur on Protected Days

• If in doubt; do not disconnect, contact your supervisor


Valid reasons not to disconnect Valid reasons not to disconnect include:

• Perceived Risks of threats, verbal or physical assault from the person/s on site (Refer Abusive or Violent Customer)

• They claim Life Support/Critical Load connected

• Tampered Meters

• No Access

• Address/ Meter Mismatch

• New Customer or Retailer

• No Main Switch present


Valid reasons not to disconnect (cont) • Valid Reasons Not to Disconnect:

– Switchboard Configuration

• Disconnection must not occur if the approved methods of disconnection are not met. They are:

– Service Fuse or Main Switch not safely accessible: and

– Unclear labelling of Fuses

– Field Officer not 100% certain of how to proceed with disconnection

– Porcelain or Ceramic Fuses

– Metal Fuse Covers


Essential services Field Officers must NOT disconnect essential services such as:

• Fire Alarms/ Pumps

• Security Alarms – Commercial/ Retail premises only

• Passenger Lifts or Houselights

• Installations where Life Support is evident

• Where Infants or Minors are only present

• Government Departments;

– Emergency Services

– Railway Crossings

• Mobile Phone Towers

If unsure contact your supervisor who in return will contact Essential Energy

PRESENTATION HEADING Equipment & Safety


Equipment • Hand Held Units (HHU)

– Check daily for damage

– Do not drop or knock

– Utilise company provided HHU adaptable equipment only

– HHU must be charged nightly

– HHU must be utilized with the protective case at all times

• Keys

– Master Keys are to be kept secure at all times. Lost or stolen keys must be reported to the Contract Supervisor immediately. A police report must be obtained and an event number must be provided

– Private keys from a real estate or building manager are to be returned immediately on completion of work (Private keys are not accepted to be permanently held by Essential Energy as part of their arrangements for reading meters)


Equipment (cont) • Security of Equipment:

– Check daily for damage

– Meter readers are responsible for the maintenance, care and security of Skilltech and Essential Energy supplied equipment.

– Equipment should not be placed in a location where it may be exposed to adverse conditions or accidental damage

– Equipment is NOT to be left within view inside a vehicle

– HHU not to be left in unoccupied vehicles

– Lost or stolen equipment must be reported immediately to your Contract Supervisor and the Police. Police incident must be completed and incident number reported


Standard PPE Notes

Arc Flash Shirt and Arc Flash Pants Keep the clothes clean

Hard Cap Safety Boots Make sure that you wear safety shoes with a reinforced toecap.

Hard Hat To be utilised in construction zones and when disconnecting from

POA

Hat Always have the brimmed hat with you to protect you from sun

Safety Goggles To be worn when completing disconnects

P2 Dust Masks Always keep P2 Mask in the vehicle for any emergency Air pollution

Sunscreen Apply the sun cream every day and reapply during the day if

required

Insect repellent Apply the Insect replant every day specifically if working in bushy

area

Voltage Detectors Have the voltage tester on

SWER Testers Utilise SWER testers, in place of voltage detectors, only around

SWER lines

Equipment


Equipment Standard PPE Notes

First Aid Kit Ensure the first aid kit contents are not expired

Inner/ Outer/ Rubber

Electrical Safety Gloves

Before using rubber insulated gloves, make sure that you check: the

testing date; for holes or deterioration, by rolling then up and listening

or feeling for air leaks. When not in use, store your insulating gloves in

storage bag to avoid damage. Use outer gloves to protect the rubber

insulated gloves and inner gloves to avoid dampness created within the

glove that could possible attract a possible path for electricity under the

gloves.

Dog Distracting Spray Always have the dog distracting spray at hand prior to entering a

property

Service Fuse Poles To be utilised when completing residential disconnect/ reconnect at

Point of Attachment (POA)

Step Ladders Utilised for high reads. Required for Vehicle Readers. Must meet

Australian Standards for electrical work

Utility Bag Utilised to carry sunscreen, dog distracting spray, other equipment

Torch For use in dark areas such as switch rooms, basement car parks, etc

Insulated Screw driver Utilised to remove fuses from carriers (insulation must be maintained)


Your Safety Responsibilities • Safety Responsibilities

– A Meter Reader must always carry out their work in a safe manner. As an employee YOU have a responsibility to abide by all company and legislative legal safety requirements. You are responsible not only for your safety, but that of your fellow workers and anyone who may be affected by your actions.

• Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

– All the potential hazards and risks associated with this specific job have been identified and listed in a Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). The relevant controls to manage each identified hazard have been listed in the SWMS to ensure “Safe Work Practice”.


Your Safety Responsibilities (cont) • Visual Hazard Assessment

– A pre-job Visual hazard assessment Must be carried out on each site prior to:

• Entering or exiting the property

• Approaching the meter and meter box

• Reading the meter

• HAC Hazard Assessment Checks

– A pre-job hazard assessment (HAC) is to be completed on each site prior to commencing any connection or disconnection

• Remember

– PPE for Job to be checked and used as required

– PPE to be visually inspected daily and NOT be used if torn or damaged

– If using insulated tools, ensure that the insulated covering is in good order

– Do not use tools that have been identified as having fault

PRESENTATION HEADING Disconnection & Reconnection


Service Order Types There are different service order types:

• A disconnect for non-payment is where the retailer has requested a disconnection due to the householder failing to pay relevant charges or make contact after a number of efforts to contact the customer (including multiple phone calls and letters have failed)

• A vacant disconnect is where the retailer has requested disconnection due to the property being vacant

• A reconnection is a reconnection of service

• A special read is a meter read that is requested outside the normal cyclic reading schedule


Meter Types and Approved Disconnection Methods

Within Essential Energy, there are two generic types of meters – electronic meters and disc meters.

Premises with Electronic Meter Premises with Disc Meter


Approved Disconnection Methods For premises with Electronic Meter

Where there is an electronic meter installed, de-energisation at the main switch is the preferred method (complies with Service and Installations Rules of New South Wales August 2012 Section 4.13).

The disconnection method to follow is

1. Place the main switch to ‘Off’ position.

2. Check for load on the installation.

3. Seal ‘Off’ the main switch using a ‘Warning Supply Disconnect’ sticker.

4. Leave an Essential Energy Warning Sticker over the Switch

No other method is approved for Electronic Meters.


Approved Disconnection Methods For premises with Disc Meter (Option 1 Removal of Fuses)

This method of disconnection is to be utilized on single installations only where point of supply is at a switchboard, barge board, or point of attachment (POA) where fuses can be withdrawn using an extraction pole.

Do not use on fuses mounted behind hinged wooden meter panels.


For premises with Disc Meter (Option 1 Removal of Fuses) The disconnection method to follow is

1. Place the main switch to ‘OFF’ position

2. Check for No Load. (Basic Meters- Disc will cease spinning)

3. Place the main switch to ‘ON’ position

4. Check Load

5. Place the main switch to ‘OFF’ position

6. Remove Fuse Element (for barge board fuses) Insert the fuse blank and replace fuse carrier (for non-barge board service fuses) remove the fuse element and replace the fuse carrier)

7. Pull Service Fuse Cartridge

8. Remove Service Fuse from Cartridge - Leave in the vicinity of Meter Box out of Sight if possible

9. Place the Main Switch to ‘ON’ position, confirm no load present, hence a bypass installed

10. Place the Main Switch to ‘Off’ position

11. Replace Empty Cartridge

12. Seal Fuse Cartridge

13. Leave a disconnection card at the meter, Seal; tick S/Fuse Switchboard for Method of Disconnection


Approved Disconnection Methods For premises with Disc Meter (Option 2 Seal off the Main Switch )

Use this form of disconnection only when the Fuse Removal method cannot be utilised

The disconnection method to follow is

1. Place the main switch to ‘OFF’ position.

2. Check for load on the installation.

3. Seal ‘Off’ the main switch using a ‘Warning Supply Disconnect’ sticker.

4. Leave an Essential Energy Warning Sticker over the Switch.


Reconnection • All installations must be considered LIVE until tested and proven dead (de-

energised);

• If installations cannot be isolated, where there is no main switch, then this should be referred back to Essential Energy.

• Carefully inspect and ensure serviceability (ability to disconnect supply) of equipment prior to completing works;

• Ensure that all PPE is used correctly. Including rubber insulation gloves covered with leather outer glove; and

• Utilize voltage detector to ensure there is no conductivity of electricity through the meter box.


Reconnection of Sealed Main Switches

1. Complete a hazard assessment check (HAC).

2. Protective Equipment must be worn.

3. Ensure meter number corresponds with that on the handheld.

4. Obtain meter reading.

5. Remove Orange Sticker from Main Switch.

6. If customer is home, reconnect at main switch (Turn to on Position).

7. Check for load.

8. If there is still load on the meter, turn the main switch off and leave in the off position. Advise the customer there is load on the meter and they will need to isolate the load and then turn the Main Switch on once the load has been identified.

9. If the customer’s not home, then the appropriate field card must be left in order to inform the customer of reconnection.

10. THE MAIN SWITCH MUST BE LEFT IN THE OFF POSITION.


Reconnection of Service Fuses 1. Complete a hazard assessment check (HAC).

2. Protective Equipment to be worn.

3. Check the main switch is in the ‘Off’ position.

4. Check for load.

5. If there is still load on the meter, turn the main switch off and leave in the off position. Advise the customer there is load on the meter and they will need to isolate the load and then turn the Main Switch on once the load has been identified.

6. Replace Service fuse/s.

7. Place the main switch to ‘On’ Position.

8. Check for load.

9. If the customers not home, then the appropriate field card doc. A.435 must be left in order to inform the customer of reconnection.

10. THE MAIN SWITCH MUST BE LEFT IN THE OFF POSITION.


That’s it for now.

Further work instruction and checking your understanding will be

undertaken as part of your induction.

Date post:	09-Jul-2020
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