路 1 路 Energy 路 4 min read
Smart Meters in Australia: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
Smart meters are now standard in Australia. Here's how they work, what data they collect, and how to use them to save money in 2025.
Smart meters have become the standard for electricity metering in Australia, with millions now installed across the country. In 2025, understanding how your smart meter works can help you take control of your energy usage and save money. Here鈥檚 your complete guide.
What Is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that measures your energy consumption in real-time and communicates this data remotely to your energy retailer.
Key features:
- Real-time measurement: Records usage every 30 minutes (or more frequently)
- Remote reading: No more estimated bills or meter readers visiting your property
- Two-way communication: Can send and receive data remotely
- Time-of-use compatibility: Enables time-varying tariffs based on when you use electricity
- Solar integration: Accurately measures solar generation and export
How Smart Meters Differ from Traditional Meters
| Feature | Traditional Meter | Smart Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Manual (quarterly) | Automatic (real-time) |
| Data | Total usage only | 30-minute intervals |
| Billing | Often estimated | Always accurate |
| Tariffs | Flat rate only | Time-of-use possible |
| Solar | Basic net metering | Detailed export data |
| Outages | Manual detection | Automatic alerts |
Smart Meter Rollout in 2025
Smart meters are now mandatory for new connections and meter replacements in most states:
- Victoria: Rollout complete since 2013. All households have smart meters.
- NSW, QLD, SA: Ongoing rollout. Most new connections and replacements receive smart meters.
- WA: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout underway.
- Tasmania, ACT, NT: Varying levels of deployment.
If you don鈥檛 have a smart meter yet, you may receive one when:
- You move to a new property
- Your existing meter needs replacement
- You install solar panels
- You request an upgrade from your retailer
Benefits of Smart Meters
Accurate Billing
No more estimated bills. Your usage is recorded precisely, so you only pay for what you use.
Time-of-Use Tariffs
Smart meters enable time-varying pricing, letting you save by shifting usage to cheaper off-peak periods.
Better Energy Monitoring
Many retailers offer apps and portals showing your usage in near real-time. You can see exactly when and how you鈥檙e using electricity.
Faster Connections and Transfers
Switching retailers or connecting new properties is faster because meters can be configured remotely.
Solar and Battery Integration
Smart meters accurately measure solar generation and export, and can integrate with home batteries and virtual power plants.
Outage Detection
Smart meters can alert your network automatically when power goes out, speeding up restoration.
Privacy and Data Concerns
Smart meters collect detailed information about your energy usage. Here鈥檚 what you should know:
- What鈥檚 collected: Usage data at 30-minute intervals, including generation and export if you have solar.
- Who sees it: Your energy retailer and network. Aggregated, anonymised data may be used for planning.
- Your rights: You can access your own data through your retailer. In most states, you can request data in a standard format.
- Security: Data is encrypted and transmitted securely. Retailers must comply with privacy laws.
If you have concerns, you can request details from your retailer about how your data is used and stored.
How to Use Your Smart Meter to Save Money
1. Monitor Your Usage
Access your usage data through your retailer鈥檚 app or portal. Identify when you鈥檙e using the most power and look for ways to reduce or shift usage.
2. Switch to Time-of-Use
If you can shift usage to off-peak hours, a time-of-use tariff can save you money. Your smart meter makes this possible.
3. Set Up Alerts
Some retailers offer alerts when your usage exceeds a threshold or when you鈥檙e using power during peak times.
4. Compare Bills Over Time
Use historical data to see if your usage is increasing and identify the causes.
5. Optimise Solar
If you have solar, monitor your generation and export to ensure your system is performing as expected.
Common Smart Meter Questions
Can I refuse a smart meter? In some states, you can opt out (sometimes for a fee). However, opting out means you lose access to time-of-use tariffs and accurate billing.
Will a smart meter increase my bill? Not directly. Smart meters don鈥檛 change your tariff鈥攖hey just measure usage more accurately. If your bills increase after installation, it may mean your previous bills were underestimated.
Can smart meters be hacked? Smart meters use encrypted communications and are designed with security in mind. No widespread hacking incidents have been reported in Australia.
Do smart meters emit radiation? Smart meters emit very low levels of radio frequency (RF) energy鈥攆ar less than mobile phones. Health authorities have found no evidence of health risks.
The Bottom Line
Smart meters are now standard in Australia, and they offer real benefits for consumers who use them effectively. In 2025, take advantage of accurate billing, time-of-use tariffs, and detailed usage data to take control of your energy bills. If you don鈥檛 have a smart meter yet, you likely will soon鈥攁nd you鈥檒l be glad you do.