ENERGEX working around the clock to connect Solar PV
ENERGEX working around the clock to connect Solar PV
3 June 2011
ENERGEX is asking customers seeking to install solar PV to be patient while it deals with an unprecedented surge in applications for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The number of home owners and businesses seeking to install solar PV has skyrocketed in recent weeks in preparation for a reduction in government incentives. ENERGEX is currently reaching a high of more than 900 requests a day which is resulting in longer than usual metering connection times for homes and businesses in South East Queensland.
During May, almost 7400 additional solar PV systems were installed in South East Queensland taking the number of installations in the region to more than 69,000. But even as those solar meters were connected to the electricity network by ENERGEX field staff, almost 14,200 additional, new applications were received.
Mike Swanston, ENERGEX’s Customer Advocate, said that meant that even though a record number of staff and contractors, working two shifts a day and overtime, processed and connected a record number of new solar systems, the queue almost doubled.
“Unfortunately that means that while we are installing new solar meters as fast as is humanly possible, the connection time will be longer than usual,” said Mr Swanston.
“We have staff working around the clock to install the meters as fast as possible and we thank customers for their patience during this hectic time.
“It has to be noted that while solar PV connection is a massive demand, priority naturally will remain with customers who need meters for the supply of power, such as new homes and relocations, as well as emergency and safety response and repairs.
“Many of the staff involved in the various stages of this metering process have also worked tirelessly in the post-flood reconnection and Cyclone Yasi as well so it has been a very busy year to date.
“The growth in solar PV has been escalating rapidly in recent years. In late 2008, when a range of incentive schemes commenced on solar installations, there were less than 1000 systems installed in the whole of South East Queensland – last week more than 900 applications arrived in one day.
“Two years ago, one in every 300 homes had solar. As of this week that average is now one in every 20 homes.”
Mr Swanston said ENERGEX was working closely with the solar installation industry, electricity retailers and regulators regarding the surge of applications and connection requests.
“Just as we are being run off our feet, they are as well, but the whole sector is trying to manage this rise in interest as best as we can,” he said.
“We just ask customers seeking connections to remain patient as the growing backlog is addressed. It is worth pointing out that even without a meter being changed, customers are gaining the benefit of reduced energy bills as the solar systems supply some of the average home’s electricity.”
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