Not sure what a “smart meter” is, how they work, or what you can expect if your utility provider in Australia installs one at your home? In this article, we will break down the basics of smart meters in Australia, and explain what they are, how they work, what you can expect from installation, and the benefits of smart meters. Let’s get started.

What Is A Smart Meter? How Do They Work?

 “Smart meters” are also sometimes known as “type 4 meters” or “advanced meters.” These devices are electricity meters that measure your energy use – just like a traditional power meter.

The big difference is that “smart” meters, like smartphones and other internet-connected devices, are completely digital. Your meter is able to measure when you use electricity, as well as how much electricity you use – and sending this information back to your energy provider remotely via a network connection.

This means that your power meter does not have to be “read” by a meter reader manually. This helps save your energy retailer time and money and ensures that your meter readings are always accurate and delivered on time.

Because they are built with digital sensors and internet connectivity, smart meters can also do some other tasks and handle other things remotely – such as switching your electricity supply on and off without using a technician, measuring your overall power quality, and notifying power distributors when your electricity goes out.

 So, why bother using smart meters at all? What are the benefits? Here are a few reasons that most Australian power companies have made the switch to digital smart meters.

1. More informed energy use – With a smart meter, you can easily access information about your electricity use online through your power retailer. Often, you can see breakdowns of daily and even hourly power usage. This helps you understand your power consumption habits, and make changes to save money and become more energy-efficient.
2. Improved electricity quality – Your electricity retailer can easily detect things like low-quality power, high energy consuming devices like old air conditioners,  power outages and other things, and make adjustments and infrastructure improvements to improve power quality.
3. Enables BTM (behind-the-meter) storage – Smart meters allow for the use of behind-the-meter (BTM) power storage. BTM storage uses batteries to store power and use it during peak power hours, which can help you save money and reduce stress on the power grid.
4. Allows solar panel feed-in tariffs – If you have solar panels, a smart meter will allow you to benefit from feed-in tariffs. If you generate more power than you use, it can be sent into the power grid and your power bill will be reduced.

Do I Need to get a Smart Meter Installed in my Home?

Most new homes in Australia will have a smart meter installed, as most energy retailers have shifted to using smart meters instead of traditional metres. In addition, if you have an older home and your current meter fails, you will likely need to get a smart meter.

Certain appliances and products may also require the use of smart meter. For example, if you plan to use BTM battery storage or solar panels and you have an old electricity meter, it will likely need to be replaced.

The cost of a smart meter depends on your energy retailer. Some companies do not charge for installation, while others may require an up-front payment, or may even add the fee to your monthly bill for a period of time. We recommend contacting your energy retailer for more details.

Understand Smart Meters – And Why They’re A Great Investment!  

 We hope this article has been informative, and helped you understand the benefits of installing a smart meter in your home. Smart meters are advanced and powerful, and can help you save money, stay informed about your power consumption, and get better overall service from your electricity provider.