Type 9 metering
Type 9 metering is a special metering arrangement for certain types of equipment and infrastructure-based loads. It is not expected to be used for most standard customer connections, alterations or metering work. If Type 9 applies, the request may need extra checks before work can proceed.
What is a Type 9 meter?
Type 9 metering is being introduced as part of National Electricity Market (NEM) reforms.
It provides a new way to meter certain equipment that has traditionally been unmetered or managed through different arrangements. This may include smart street lighting, kerbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers and other approved street furniture or infrastructure-based loads.
As Type 9 meters are a new and emerging part of the metering technology market, devices must go through a two-step approval process before they can be installed. Each Metering Coordinator must ensure the devices installed are approved devices. A device must attain National Measurement Institute pattern approval and then also be approved by AEMO.
When Type 9 metering may apply
Type 9 metering may apply where a new metering arrangement is required for equipment that is not a standard customer connection.
Examples may include:
- smart street lighting - Type 9 CMS (Central Management System) connections only
- kerbside EV chargers
- other previously unmetered loads
Type 9 does not replace all existing arrangements. Existing Type 7 street lighting arrangements will continue to apply where relevant. For Type 9 CMS connections, please engage directly with our Lighting Services Team.
What you need to know about Type 9 connections
If you are working on an installation that may involve Type 9 metering, the request may need to be assessed differently to a standard connection.
Depending on the installation, SA Power Networks may need to confirm:
- whether the installation is eligible for Type 9 metering
- whether it is located on SA Power Networks infrastructure
- whether a Facilities Access Agreement (FAA) or Pole Rental Licence number is required
- the relevant site and location details, including the pole number or asset ID if the installation is on SA Power Networks infrastructure
Requests that do not include the required information may not be able to progress until the missing details are provided. This may delay assessment, approval and connection timeframes.
In many cases, the connection process will feel similar to today. The key difference is that Type 9 jobs need to be identified early so the correct checks, agreements and handoffs can occur.
Type 9 EV charger connections
If a Type 9 EV charger installation is proposed on SA Power Networks infrastructure, approval must first be obtained through the SA Power Networks Infrastructure Solutions team.
Where approved, the customer will be provided with:
- a Facilities Access Agreement (FAA), and
- a Pole Rental Licence number (typically the SAPN Pole ‘Feature ID’).
This information must be included as part of the New Connection request submitted through the Portal.
This can be provided by:
- adding the licence number within the notes section of the Portal request, or
- uploading the Facilities Access Agreement and Pole Rental Licence information as supporting documentation in the Portal request.
If the proposed installation is not located on SA Power Networks infrastructure, a Facilities Access Agreement and Pole Rental Licence number are not required. In these cases, the electrician can submit the New Connection request through the Portal, and it will follow the standard connection process.
What is not changing
Type 9 does not remove the need to follow normal electrical safety, compliance and connection requirements.
Electricians must continue to ensure work is completed safely, correctly certified, and in line with all applicable rules and standards.
Existing arrangements for standard customer connections, alterations and other metering work continue to apply unless SA Power Networks advises that Type 9 is required.
Need help?
If you are unsure whether Type 9 metering applies to your work, submit the relevant request through the Portal or contact us on 13 12 61 before starting work.
Learn more about Type 9 metering
Type 9 metering is part of AEMO’s Flexible Trading Arrangements Release 1, which supports the introduction of Type 9 metering arrangements from 31 May 2026.
For more information, refer to AEMO’s:
These are published on the AEMO website and provide more detail about the National Electricity Market changes, metering procedures and Type 9 substitution arrangements.