What are smart meters?
Smart meters are advanced digital meters that measure and record your electricity usage.
Unlike traditional meters, which require manual reading, smart meters automatically and wirelessly send your usage data to a metering provider. The metering provider makes the data available to us, your retailer.
Key features of smart meters:
- Energy awareness: Smart meters provide near real-time data on energy usage, meaning you can track your energy usage in hourly intervals with My Account.
- Automatic data transmission: Your smart meter will transmit data wirelessly at regular intervals, so there’s no need for manual meter readings. This can help where access might be a problem.
- Two-way communication: The communication is two-way, which means as well as being read, other actions can be taken remotely, such as connecting or disconnecting the meter when moving premises.
Helpful tip: We indicate on page two of your bill whether your meter read is ‘estimated’ or ‘actual’. See How to read your business energy bills.
Smart meters could help save you money
Going smart lets you monitor your electricity in loads of detail and understand when you’re using the most energy.
Patterns, spikes and anomalies in your consumption will be clear to see. Having these insights can really set your business on a path to make changes and save.
Other benefits of smart meters for small business
- More accurate billing – because smart meters provide precise and real-time data, there are fewer discrepancies caused by estimated readings.
- Operational efficiencies – as smart meters offer detailed insights into energy usage, you can identify inefficiencies and areas where your energy is being wasted. Monitoring your energy use can also help you to maintain and manage equipment more effectively, predicting maintenance needs and preventing costly breakdowns.
- Improved budgeting and forecasting – with more detailed energy consumption information, you can better predict your energy costs and budget accordingly. Also, having access to detailed historical data can help you to forecast future energy needs and plan for potential increases in usage or costs.
- Improved reporting – detailed energy usage reports can help you comply with any regulatory requirements or energy efficiency standards.
Timing of the smart meter rollout
As part of a state government initiative, smart meters were rolled out to almost all homes and businesses in Victoria several years ago.
In April 2024, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) announced its intent to achieve Australia-wide uptake of smart meters by 2030. Their formal start date at this stage is 1 July 2025.
Here at Origin, our work has already begun. We’ve commenced our own, retailer-led rollout to get your meter upgraded sooner.
How the rollout happens
We’re contacting customers in all the states we’re an electricity retailer – so in ACT, NSW, QLD and SA. (We retail in VIC, but their rollout is complete.)
When we first get in touch, it’s to let you know your property has become eligible.
Then, two weeks to two months after that, we’ll be in touch again to let you know the date we’ve nominated for your meter replacement to occur.
What if the upgrade date doesn’t suit?
Our small business customers have an option to advise us if the date is unworkable for some reason. We pass that on to the meter providers, who will then attempt to reschedule the work with you.
How long will the installation take?
In cases where the meter is being swapped out, there’ll be a power outage from 30 minutes up to two hours. If major works are being completed in conjunction with the meter exchange, it could take longer.
In almost all circumstances, the power supply will resume the same day.
Are there costs involved?
If we can swap out your meter without the requirement for extra works onsite, then there is no cost to you.
If any major work is required to install the meter – for example, large scale removal of asbestos or meter relocating – we’ll stop work and let you know what needs to be done in order for us to reattempt the work. In these situations, there may be additional charges to the building owner should they arrange this work with an electrician.
The Australia-wide rollout of smart meters represents a significant and forward-thinking step for businesses across the nation.
The implementation of smart meters is an essential progression towards a smarter energy future. It will help Australian businesses understand and manage energy costs and prepare for the technological advancements that come next.
We’re committed to supporting businesses in this transformative journey and ensuring you’re equipped with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly energy-conscious world.
