Your smart meter
By 2030, homes and small businesses in NSW will be upgraded to smart meters. Discover what this means for you.
National metering reforms will see homes and small businesses upgraded to smart meters by 2030.
Smart meters provide you with more detailed information about your energy usage, help you better understand and manage your power bills and offer access to a wider range of retail plans to suit your needs.
Upgraded metering and the energy transition
Smart meters are a key enabler of the transition our energy system.
They play a crucial role in creating a modern, efficient energy grid, helping you fully leverage renewable energy and technologies like rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles, all while delivering more precise data on your energy use.
Smart meters will enable a range of customer benefits
Going solar to save money by using the energy you generate and exporting any excess electricity back to the grid.
Quicker identification of unplanned outages for faster repairs and more effective planned maintenance.
Flexible pricing and wider choice of retail plans to meet your needs.
Track your energy use to help you understand when and how much power you are using to save on your bills.
Accurate and transparent billing with more detailed information about your power use.
Electricity retailers are coordinating the installation of smart meters
Your electricity retailer - the company that sends your power bill - will coordinate the installation of your smart meter.
They will reach out to inform you about your upgrade, including the scheduled date and time for the installation, as well as any changes to your retail tariffs once the new meter is in place.
Your retailer will arrange a convenient installation time with you to ensure minimal disruption, as your power will need to be temporarily turned off for the safe installation of the smart meter.
If you have any questions or need more details, please contact your electricity retailer directly.
What does this mean for you?
Your pricing plan
When you receive your upgraded smart meter, you'll have the option to switch to a time-of-use pricing plan if it suits your needs.
However, it’s important to note that upgrading to a smart meter does not automatically require you to change your current retail pricing plan.
Retailers are not allowed to switch you to a new pricing plan without your explicit, informed consent for up to two years after your smart meter is installed.
Be sure to contact your electricity retailer for more information about your pricing plan options.
Your can exercise your power of choice by:
Ongoing access will be needed to your smart meter
Access to your meter box remains essential even after your smart meter is installed.
There’s a common misconception that once a smart meter is in place, no further access is needed. This is not correct.
To keep you safe, we may need to access meter boxes during electrical emergencies or to perform safety checks following repairs and essential maintenance.
It’s important that clear access is provided at all times for our technicians to ensure your safety.
Trouble shooting your smart meter
If you experiencing issues with your smart meter, contact your electricity retailer immediately.
While smart meters are typically very reliable, some customers have reported:
- problems with their electric hot water system
- inaccurate meter readings
- display malfunctions on the smart meter.
Speak to your electricity retailer to arrange any repairs or replacement of your smart meter, minimising disruption to your normal service levels.
If additional electrical work is needed to install a smart meter at your property
Securing your meter
If you wish to secure your property or switchboard, utility locks are available for you to purchase. These affordable locks offer a secure way to protect your electricity meter while still allowing us and other utilities access when necessary.
Utility locks provide a cost-effective alternative to relocating meters and come in a range of options for various purposes including securing meter boxes, entry gates, building entrances, metering rooms, and enclosures.
We have partnered with Integrity Locksmiths to offer approved utility locks for you to purchase. For more information, please contact them on 1300 366 488 or visit their website at www.integritysecurity.com.au.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to purchase a lock, you can provide us with the combination to your own lock. We will keep this information confidential in line with our privacy policy.
