Under new national rules, electricity retailers will begin accelerating smart meter installations from December 2025. By 2030, most homes and small businesses will have a smart meter.
These changes are part of reforms introduced by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to help customers access the benefits of smart meters sooner, while supporting a more efficient energy network.
You can find more about these reforms on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website.
Electricity retailers are responsible for installing smart meters
Your electricity retailer, the company that sends your electricity bill, is responsible for coordinating the installation of smart meters. Under national energy rules, retailers are also financially responsible for the costs associated with installing smart meters at customer premises.
Retailers are your main point of contact for anything related to smart meters.
You can contact your retailer to:
- Find out when your area is scheduled for installation
- Request a smart meter earlier
- Raise any issues or concerns about the installation process
- Get help understanding your new meter and how it works
Before installation, your retailer will:
- Provide at least four business days’ notice before installation
- Let you know who will be installing the meter
- Explain any changes to your energy plan
- Offer easy-to-understand information about your new meter
If you have questions about the rollout, or if you experience any issues, please contact your electricity retailer directly. They are responsible for managing the process and covering the costs.
Benefits of upgrading to a smart meter
Smart meters record electricity usage in five-minute intervals and transmit this data securely to your retailer. With a smart meter, you can:
- Track your energy use in real time
- Identify opportunities to save on your electricity bill
- Access new energy plans tailored to your lifestyle
Smart meters also generally eliminate the need for manual readings and support Consumer Energy Resources such as solar.
Meter types and how to identify them
- Legacy meters (installed before 1 December 2017) typically feature Evoenergy, ACTEW Corporation, ACTEA or ActewAGL Distribution branding and require manual readings.
- Smart meters (installed after 1 December 2017) have a digital display and are usually branded by third-party accredited providers. These transmit data remotely and normally do not require manual readings.
If you’re unsure which type of meter you have, your electricity retailer can confirm this for you.
Installation process and how to prepare
A licensed technician will replace your existing meter with a smart meter. During installation:
- Your electricity supply will be temporarily switched off
- The technician will test and certify the new meter once installed
- Your electricity supply will be restored before they leave
To prepare:
- Unlock gates and ensure clear access to your meter box and point of attachment
- Keep pets indoors for safety
- Charge essential devices and unplug sensitive appliances
- Move vehicles out of garages with electrical doors
- Avoid opening fridges or freezers during the outage
- If you are a registered life support equipment customer, follow your Emergency Management Plan and ensure backup power is available
Smart meters are safe and secure
Smart meters use encrypted wireless communication, not the internet, to send data. No personal information is sent with your energy usage. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency confirms there is no established scientific evidence that smart meters emissions cause health effects.
Meter access
Even after installation, Evoenergy may need access to your meter for safety checks or emergencies. If you’d like to secure your meter box, Evoenergy padlocks are available for purchase. These allow safe access for technicians while keeping your property secure.
Evoenergy uses smart meter data to support a safe and reliable network
While retailers manage installations, Evoenergy continues to operate and maintain the electricity network in your area. Smart meter data helps us:
- Detect faults and respond to outages faster
- Monitor energy use across the network
- Plan upgrades and manage peak demand more effectively
- Deliver a safer, more reliable electricity supply to the community.