MPDs (Meter Protection Devices) are electrical devices that temporarily 'isolate' a property's electrical infrastructure from neighbouring properties. They are required when it is not possible to disconnect your property from the electrical grid without also disconnecting your neighbours.
This help article also answers the following questions:
- Which sites require meter isolations?
- How will I know if my site will need a meter isolation?
- What are my options is my property cannot be isolated from others?
- What is the process for a temporary meter isolation?
Which sites require meter isolations?
The overwhelming majority of properties can be dis/connected from and to the electrical grid without inconveniencing others. Some properties, however, cannot be. This is particularly the case for:
- shared spaces like commercial complexes and apartment buildings, and
- old buildings that were not built to modern standards.
How will I know if my site will need a meter isolation?
Typically you will not. Customers most often realise a meter isolation is required after they request a smart meter installation, and on arrival the installer advises them that it cannot be done without scheduling additional works at a later time.
This can be a frustrating surprise so if you suspect you might have this problem and have any way of checking prior, consider doing so. Alternatively, simply manage your expectations and deal with it later if it arises. Most sites are not affected.
What are my options if my property cannot be isolated from others?
There are two broad options for customers with this issue: a permanent infrastructure upgrade or a temporary meter isolation.
You will need to organise the former yourself by contracting a private (Level 2) electrician to upgrade your site's electrical infrastructure. Alternatively, if you do not wish to do that our retail partner Energy Locals will offer to facilitate a temporary isolation as a matter of process.
Given this problem most often arises in shared spaces, consider proposing to share the cost of a permanent upgrade with your neighbours. It might require some effort on your part to organise but it will be fairer and more cost-effective than each owner separately paying for temporary isolations as the need arises. You may also be able to kill two birds with one stone and make other improvements to your electrical infrastructure at the same time.
What is the process for a temporary meter isolation?
If on arrival your meter installer determines that you need a meter isolation, our retail partner Energy Locals will ask your local network company to quote the cost of temporarily isolating your property.
If you accept, Energy Locals will coordinate another site visit for you, and have the meter installer and network technicians arrive at the same time to finish the job.
The cost of the additional work will be passed onto you through your electrical bill and is likely to be in the range of $200 - $600 depending on the difficulty of the job. Unfortunately, your local network company may not offer a standard price in advance and may only quote you once they have arrived on site to do the work.