National smart meter roll-out

The way we use energy is changing. Australians moved from analogue to digital TVs, from landlines to smart phones, and we are now upgrading old electricity meters to the current technology as part of a national roll-out.

The AEMC (Australian Energy Market Commission) has made rules to ensure all customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM) have smart meters by 2030. That includes South Australian electricity customers. The National Smart Meter Roll-out is scheduled as follows:

• Roll-out starts: 1 December 2025
• Roll out complete: 30 November 2030.

The AEMC’s website explains why they’ve made these rules, as well as other changes they’re making to support the smart meter roll-out. Expand each section below to learn more key information from the AEMC's Accelerated smart meter deployment.

Core reforms to deliver the benefits that smart meters offer

Accelerated deployment of smart meters	Compatible with innovative products and services, expanding customers' control of and choices around their energy use. Lower costs to customers for meter reads and installations. Provide a modern, data-enabled energy system. Underpin the cost-effective decarbonisation of the energy market. Support better integration of CER and a safer and more secure energy system.
Access to power quality data	Electricity networks can better manage their networks to reduce network costs for customers. Save energy, minimises network safety risks and lifts hosting capability.

 

Supporting reforms to enable the core reform program

New customer safeguards	Protect customers from potential upfront charges and exit fees for new meters, and bill shock from unwanted retail tariff structure changes. Build social licence for the smart meter acceleration program.
Improving the customer experience	Help maintain social licence for the acceleration program. Ensure customers can access the full suite of benefits that smart meters provide.
Reducing installation barriers	Support delivery efficiencies, and therefore cost savings, in the accelerated deployment of smart meters.
Improved meter testing & inspections	Help minimise costs for industry and customers. Support a 2030 universal smart meter deployment target.

 

 

What are smart meters and how do I know if I already have one?

A smart meter is a digital device that measures your energy use in real-time. It records your electricity consumption every five minutes, with the data collected remotely and sent to your energy retailer for billing. Once installed, there’s no need for anyone to visit your property to manually read the meter.   

Generally, you can tell if you have either a (newer) smart meter or a legacy (old) meter by looking at it. If you’re still unsure, you can contact your electricity retailer. 

The images below show an example of an older or legacy accumulation meter and a newer smart meter. 

Example of a legacy accumulation meter	Example of a newer digital Smart Meter

Who’s responsible for installing smart meters? 

Your energy retailer is responsible for replacing your old meter with a smart meter as part of the AEMC's program. 

How could having a smart meter impact me?

• Remote meter reading
  No more estimated bills or waiting for a meter reader to visit your property. Your usage data is sent automatically, which means more accurate and timely billing.
• Remote connection and disconnection
  Moving house or switching retailers becomes easier. With a smart meter, supply can often be turned on or off remotely, saving time and avoiding site visits.
• Better insight into energy use
  Smart meters record your electricity usage in short intervals. This data can help you track when and how you use electricity, making it easier to spot ways to save.
• Supports renewable energy and smart technology
  Smart meters make it easier to connect and manage solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
• Access to new tariff options
  With a smart meter, you may be able to choose a Time of Use tariff. This means electricity can be cheaper at certain times of day, letting you save if you shift some of your usage to off-peak hours.

For two years after the installation of a smart meter, your retailer must get your explicit consent before switching you to another tariff. Retailers will also be required to offer you a flat/fixed tariff (as well as a Time of Use tariff), if you would prefer that option.

How much does a smart meter cost?

Standard smart meter installation

For most people, the upgrade is a simple swap. An installer will replace the old meter in your meter box with a new smart meter, which usually takes about an hour. There is no upfront cost to you when the meter is installed.

This means your electricity retailer won't ask you to pay any extra fees or charges for the smart meter at the time it’s installed. The cost of the upgrade is part of your regular electricity bills.

If your meter board / switchboard is unsafe or non-compliant

Sometimes the electrician installing the smart meter finds issues: asbestos panels, no space in the board, wiring that doesn’t meet standards, lack of a main switch, or no safe isolation point. These problems need to be fixed before they can install a smart meter.

In these cases, the customer is responsible for paying to upgrade or repair the meter board so that a new meter can be safely installed.

While the roll-out is mandatory, consumers retain the right to refuse to fix site defects, such as problems with your meter board. 

Customer Code

The Energy Charter has developed a Smart Meter Customer Code to ensure customer-centric standards, transparency, and better practices during the roll-out. The voluntary industry Code is designed to simplify the transition for households and small businesses, offering the following:

• Clear, accessible information so customers understand their choices and rights
• Reliable support throughout installation, ensuring confidence in the process
• Empowered decision-making, helping customers use smart meter data effectively to manage their energy
• Ongoing collaboration to keep customer needs at the forefront.

Learn more about the Energy Charter's Smart Meter Customer Code

Until your legacy meter is changed 

In South Australia, SA Power Networks is still responsible for providing metering services for legacy meters, including manual reading as well as testing and maintenance until they are replaced with a smart meter. 

More information

For more information on the National Smart Meter Roll-out, visit the AEMC website.