RAAFA’s Digital Meter Upgrade

Preparing for What’s Ahead

RAAFA is upgrading our electrical meters to new digital bi-directional meters.

We’re ensuring our systems are ready ahead of upcoming changes to WA’s energy framework, currently under development by Energy Policy WA

This includes understanding the amount of the power consumed from household solar panels, and the amount of power purchased from the Western Power grid when your panels aren't producing enough energy to power your home — such as during the night.

The new digital bi-directional meters are designed to provide increased transparency on your electricity bills, by accurately pin pointing the amount of power each household is consuming each day.

The introduction of the new digital bi-directional meters means your power bill may look a bit different moving forward, with transparent and accurate calculations now available to help you to track your power usage.

HOW THE NEW SYSTEM WORKS

WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN FOR YOU

The introduction of the new bi-directional digital meters helps RAAFA ensure that you as a resident can be certain of how much power your household solar panels produce during the day.

At the same time, the new meters accurately pinpoint the amount of power you use from the RAAFA grid when the solar panels are not producing sufficient power, which will be reflected in your electricity bill.

Any extra solar power you generate during the day is not stored, and when the sun goes down, you draw power from the RAAFA grid, just like everyone else.

BENEFITS OF THE NEW METERS

Increased accuracy in how your energy usage is measured

The bi-directional digital meters measure exactly when you are using your own solar power, and when you are using power from the RAAFA grid, such as the evenings where solar power is not being produced. This means you will be billed only for the electricity you use from the RAAFA grid.

Stronger Protections for You as an Energy Consumer

Energy Policy WA is developing a new regulatory framework to strengthen consumer protections for residents living on embedded networks. By upgrading our meters now, RAAFA is proactively preparing for these changes to ensure our communities are well-supported.

You may be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA

As you are recieving energy from an embedded network, you may be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA of up to $334.49. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, by clicking here.

FAQs

  • Yes. Energy Policy WA will be holding a public consultation period as part of developing the new framework. RAAFA is recognised as a key stakeholder in this process. Once the consultation period opens, we’ll let you know how you can get involved and have your say.

  • All existing meters across the estate are being replaced with remote-readable, bi-directional digital meters as part of our preparation for upcoming energy policy changes being developed by Energy Policy WA.

    These upgrades enhance the accuracy and reliability of the electrical metering system, providing greater confidence in fair and transparent billing for residents moving forward.

  • You can find more information and submit questions about the Alternative Electricity Services regulatory framework or the Voluntary Embedded Networks Code of Practice from Energy Policy WA.

    To do so, please visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/alternative-electricity-services.

  • With the new digital meters, we are able to measure exactly when you're using solar power and when you're using power from the grid. Previously, this was an estimate made by RAAFA.


    Through the new system, you will only be billed for the electricity you draw from the grid.

  • The electricity you send to the grid during the day does not offset your nighttime usage. Any extra solar power you generate during the day is not stored, and when the sun goes down, you draw power from the main grid, just like everyone else.

  • Any excess solar energy you generate is used to help power shared amenities, such as the pool and other communal spaces. This reduces the need to draw electricity from the main grid for these areas, ultimately lowering the overall operational costs.

    Any remaining surplus electricity is then exported to Western Power.

  • No, because RAAFA is an embedded network – we are not eligible for reimbursement from Western Power and neither are our residents.

    Residents may however be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA of up to $334.49. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, by clicking here.

  • For further information on how you can reduce your electricity bill, please click here to visit Energy Policy WA.