Smart meters

The Victorian smart meter rollout is underway. Access information and resources to help you understand how it impacts you.

The electrical smart meter rollout

All old electricity meters in Victorian homes and small businesses will be replaced with new digital smart meters by the end of 2013.

How smart meters work

Your new smart meter will be installed in the same spot as your old electricity meter.

There are a number of different types and models, but most smart meters tend to be a similar size as old electricity meters, but with a digital display and no dials. They measure and record power usage in 30 minute intervals.

How smart meters can help you          

New digital smart meters can do things that existing meters can’t.

Smart meters send meter readings directly to electricity distributors. So someone doesn’t need to come out to your house to read your meter if you decide to change your electricity retailer.

Smart meters will make your electricity bill more accurate.

How to use your smart meter

You can use either a web portal or an in-home display connected to your smart meter to access information about your electricity use.

Who installs and owns smart meters

Smart meters are owned and installed by Victoria’s five electricity distributors – Citipower , Powercor ,  Jemena  ,  United Energy  and  SP AusNet . They own and manage the poles and wires that deliver power to Victorian homes and businesses.

You’ll need to contact your distributor if you have any questions about your new meter or any installation issues.

How much energy do they use?

Similar to your current meter's energy use, the level of energy required to run the smart meter is very low. You will not be billed for the energy used to run the metering equipment

Full functionality may not be immediate

Your new meter may not have full functionality in the early stages of the smart meter rollout. The meter will continue to be manually read until the supporting telecommunications network and computer systems are fully operational.

To come – flexible pricing

One of the benefits of smart meters will be flexible pricing, or time-of-use pricing.

Want to know more?

The Department of Primary Industries smart meter fact sheets  offer more information about what smart meters do, flexible pricing, installation safety and privacy.