Dr. Tricia Keilthy:

That is certainly an issue about which we have been concerned. We made a number of submissions before the smart meter roll-out began to ensure there were sufficient supports to allow people to understand how to use the meters correctly. The other issue relates to ensuring people are on the best value tariff for them such that they are not paying more than they should be and that they will be able to get the most out of the smart meter. This is a good example of where community energy advisers, who would be able to ensure people were getting the most out of the smart meter, could play an important role. In the long term, the roll-out of smart meters should make things better because people will not get bill shocks and so on, but we need to ensure they are set up correctly, with people on the appropriate tariffs. That is something we have been raising with the regulator and are concerned about but, at the same time, advice and information that is clear and accessible for everyone should be made available.