Digital Metering Data Policy

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Policy statement
Purpose
Scope
Policy details
Policy review and approval
Normative references

Policy statement

Gippsland Water is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible management of customer data collected through digital water meters. This policy outlines how digital metering data is collected, used, and managed in accordance with Clause 5.3 of the Water Industry Standard – Urban Customer Service set by the Essential Services Commission.

Purpose

The objective of this policy is to:

Inform customers about how data from digital water meters is managed and used.
Ensure compliance with Clause 5.3 of the Water Industry Standard.
Protect customer privacy and maintain the security of digital meter data.

Scope

This policy applies to the collection, management and use of data associated with Gippsland Water’s trial of Digital Metering.

It will describe the processes for the data in this trial which will be utilised for monitoring of the networks and identification of customer side leaks.

This policy is not relevant to, and has no impact on, the current meter reading or billing processes. Customer’s meters will continue to be read and bills created according to the pre-existing processes.

This policy is complementary to, and does not supersede, other relevant policies including Gippsland Water’s Privacy Policy.

Policy details

Collection

Digital meters collect and record the amount of water customers use. They also allow us to detect leaks and identify unusual usage patterns, helping conserve water resources and prevent wastage.
Digital meters will collect flow, pressure and vibration data throughout the network. They are also configured to monitor their own health, location and performance. They transmit data to us about battery status and notify us when a meter has been tampered with.
No personal information is stored within the digital meter. The data collected by the meters is transmitted securely via Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) with end-to-end encryption.

Management

The data will be managed in accordance with relevant laws, acts and regulations including but not limited to the Essential Services Commission Water Industry Standard Urban Customer Service, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) and Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV).

Use

Data collected in the digital metering trial will be used to identify potential leaks on the customer and network side of the meter.
The data collected in the trial will also be analysed for system performance and planning. The data will also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of digital meters and whether they will be beneficial right across our service area. Device health and performance information will be used during the trial to manage operations and to inform the evaluation.
The data collected in this trial will not be used for billing purposes. The meter reading and billing processes will continue in their standard procedure throughout and after the trial.

Policy review and approval

It is recognised that, from time to time, circumstances may change leading to the need for minor administrative changes to this document. Where an update does not materially alter this document, such a change may be made administratively without requiring approval of the approving body. Examples include only a change to the template, name of a position or department, or a minor update to legislation which does not have a material impact.