You’ve probably heard some talk about smart meters in NSW recently. That’s because all faulty existing meters are required by law to be replaced with new smart meters. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has proposed that all homes and businesses be fitted with smart meters by 2030.
In this article, we’ll discuss the rules for smart meters in NSW, and whether you need one in your home.
What are smart meters?
Smart meters are advanced digital meters that can record your electricity usage in 30-minute intervals. The meter transmits data to your retailer which results in more accurate charging. Importantly, smart meters also remove the need for manual meter readings, leading to data being received by the retailer more frequently. This makes the billing process faster. It should also be noted that smart metering is essential if you want to install a rooftop solar system.
The benefits of smart meters in NSW
There are many benefits of installing a smart meter, specifically that you’ll future-proof your home for future energy needs. Some other benefits include:
- Accurate billing: With smart meters, you no longer deal with estimated power bills. You’ll only pay for the exact electricity you use.
- Cost savings: Smart meters can certainly help you save money by providing detailed, real-time information about your energy usage. With this knowledge, you can find clever ways to reduce consumption.
- Remote connections and disconnections: They enable remote connections and disconnections, which can reduce service fees when moving house.
- Suitable for solar: Smart meters are essential if you want to install solar panels in your home.
Smart meters in new homes
In NSW, smart meters are usually installed as part of the construction process. This is following legislation introduced in 2017 requiring all new homes to be fitted with smart meters. So, if you’re building a new home or buying one that’s been built since 2017, it’s likely you’ll already have a nice new smart meter ready to use.
Smart meters for solar energy
If you’re like many other people in NSW who want to install rooftop solar panels, you’ll need a smart meter. Traditional meters don’t have the capabilities required to support a solar system installation, so if you want to go solar, you’ll need an upgrade.
Proposed changes to smart meter rules in NSW
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has tabled a range of proposed changes to support cheaper, more efficient electricity systems. The major change being proposed relates specifically to smart meters in NSW. Under the new plan, all existing traditional electricity meters would be upgraded to smart meters by 2030.
Other changes include better information for customers to support efficient energy use, and also giving customers access to real-time usage data without extra fees.
Need more information?
Supply Workforce provides a fully licensed and professional smart meter upgrade service. If you want a new smart meter in NSW, we’ve got highly skilled Level 2 electricians fully endorsed by the ASP scheme. Contact us today to learn more about smart meter upgrades.
