The network infrastructure that supplies energy and water to your property, the meters, poles, wires and pipes, can sometimes lead to complaints.
On this page:
What are meters, poles, wires and pipes?
The network infrastructure needed to bring electricity, gas and water to your property is made up of many parts. Some of these parts can lead to problems that result in complaints.
Meters record how much electricity, gas and water is used at your property.
Poles carry electricity wires in many neighbourhoods in Victoria, and are different depending on the voltage they carry.
Wires carry the electrical current from the electricity source, such as a power station, to your property. These can be overhead or underground.
Pipes carry gas and water to your property.
More about meters
Most properties have meters that record how much energy and water is used. Your companies use this information to work out how much your bill should be.
Most electricity meters in Victoria are smart meters – digital meters that record how much power you use every half-hour. They don’t need to be read manually by meter readers. Information about usage is transferred to your company via communications networks. A small number of properties in Victoria (for example, if you live in an embedded network) still have original, non-smart electricity meters. Read our Electricity, gas and water fact sheet for more information.
All water and gas meters, and some electricity meters, have to be read manually to record usage. Your water company owns and reads your water meter. Electricity and gas distributors own and read electricity and gas meters. It’s your responsibility to make sure your company can access the meters that must be read manually or for maintenance or replacement. If you live in an embedded network, your owners’ corporation or the company that bills you owns and reads your meter. They’re also responsible for the maintenance of the meter.
Reading your meter
You can read your own meter to check your electricity, gas and water usage. You’ll need to locate your meter, match the unique meter number with the number listed on your bill, and then read the meter display. Watch our video for more information.
Problems with meters
There are several problems that can happen with meters, including:
- when you transfer from one electricity or gas company to another one, the wrong meter may be transferred
- your meter may be incorrectly recording your usage
- your company may not be able to access your meter to read it and they may send you a bill based on estimated usage.
If you think there’s something wrong with your meter or the bills associated with your meter, talk to your electricity, gas or water company. If you're not happy with its response, you can contact us.
Problems with poles, wires and pipes
Sometimes the poles, wires and pipes that supply electricity, gas and water to your property can lead to problems. These might include:
- tree roots blocking water pipes
- water entering the gas pipes and affecting supply
- dangerous electrical wires and poles
- placement of poles, wires and pipes near or on your property.
If you have a problem with the network infrastructure that supplies your electricity, gas or water, talk to your water company, or your electricity or gas distributor. If you're not happy with its response, you can contact us.
Fact sheets
Electricity, gas and water meters Explaining different meter types and how technology is changing.
Estimated bills Explains when and why bills are issued based on estimated meter readings.
Water licensing and EWOV Help with deciding where to lodge your complaint about water licensing.
Water in gas pipes Explains the reasons for water-related faults including what can happen when water gets into pipes, and what distributors are doing about it and what kind of compensation may be payable.
How we can help
If you have a problem with your meters, the bills associated with your meters, or any of the poles, wires and pipes that supply your property, try to work out the problem with your companies first. If you’re not happy with its response, contact us.
We can help with most complaints about energy or water issues in Victoria, big or small. Our service is free to Victorian customers.
"The EWOV personnel were helpful and constructive. They made the process of resolving our complaint easier than it otherwise would have been."
Victorian customer
* Name has been changed
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You’ll need to tell us some basic personal details, who your complaint is about and what has happened.
Need general information?
If you don’t have a complaint but just want some general information, we call this an enquiry. We may even be able to refer you to another agency.
You can make an enquiry at any time. Call us on 1800 500 509, send us an email or start a live chat.