ENERGY BILL

Get smart -
the lowdown on
smart meters.

The Australian Energy Regulator requires all new and replacement meters to be smart devices, so if you’re building a new home or replacing a faulty meter, your new meter will be a smart meter. In addition, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has set a target of having 100% smart meter uptake in the ACT and NSW by 2030. This is great news for consumers, as smart meters come with a host of benefits to help you take control of your energy use and save!

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is an electronic device that measures your electricity usage at regular intervals throughout the day and sends the data directly back to your energy provider. They typically measure your energy use every five minutes. You can access this information by logging in to My.ActewAGL online or downloading the My.ActewAGL mobile app. You'll see your detailed energy usage data and associated costs.

Benefits of smart meters

Understand your energy use.

Smart meters provide access to data at frequent intervals enabling you to view your energy use and manage accordingly. Armed with the data, you can make informed decisions on how to reduce your bill. You can immediately see the impact of using high-energy consumption appliances such as pool pumps, air-conditioning and heating.

Take advantage of time-of-use tariffs.

Some energy retailers, like ActewAGL, offer time-of-use tariffs, which charge different rates depending on the time of day. You can use your smart meter data to identify times when energy is cheaper and adjust your energy usage accordingly.

Automated meter reading.

Gone are the days of manual readings or bill estimates. With a smart electricity meter, your data is transferred electronically enabling accurate and up to date billing. Smart meters are also remotely managed, allowing energy companies to monitor and diagnose network issues and reduce downtime.

Reduce environmental impact.

By helping you to manage your energy usage more efficiently, smart meters can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Smart meters can also integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, allowing you to track energy production and use.

Integrate with home automation and EV chargers.

Some smart meters allow you to control your EV charger remotely, so you can start and stop charging sessions from your smartphone or tablet. This can be especially useful if you want to take advantage of off-peak rates or manage your energy consumption while you're away from home. Some home energy management systems also integrate with smart meters to help optimise your energy consumption.

A source of motivation.

You can set targets for reducing your energy usage and track your progress using your smart meter data. This can help you stay motivated to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your bills.

How can I get a smart meter?

The national rollout of smart meters is currently underway. Under rules set by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), the aim is for everyone to have a smart meter by 2030. You don’t need to request a meter upgrade. We’ll contact you before you're scheduled to get your smart meter installed. However, you can request a smart meter for your home or small business ahead of the rollout schedule, if you don't already have one.
   
Following installation, you can use your smart meter data to check whether you would be better off on a time-of-use tariff, which helps you to save money when using electricity in off-peak times. Once you start receiving data, be sure to compare plans and make sure you are on the best plan for your needs.

Summary

• The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has set a target of having 100% smart meter uptake in the ACT and NSW by 2030.

• Smart meters measure electricity consumption at regular intervals throughout the day and send the data to the energy provider, allowing customers to access the information online or through an app.

• The benefits of smart meters include understanding your energy use, taking advantage of time-of-use tariffs, automated meter readings and support for home automation systems, battery storage and EV chargers.
  
  ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great-value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service.

   

   

Sources

www.actewagl.com.au/metering/upgrade-my-meter
https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/electricity-smart-meter-upgrade
https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Inquiry%20into%20the%20National%20Electricity%20Market%20-%20May%202022%20report%2813880615.1%29.pdf

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.