Your smart meter is a two-way digital communication device that is located at your home or small business to measure the amount of electricity you use.
How does my smart meter work?
Your meter records electricity usage every 30 minutes and automatically sends this data to your electricity distributor.
What benefits can I get from my smart meter?
Automatic outage detection and restoration
Smart meters quickly notify your electricity distributor if your power is out. The problem can be located faster, repair crews can be allocated in a priority manner and repairs can begin sooner.
Remote meter readings
Your meter is remotely read, eliminating the need for manual meter reading. This means you will no longer receive estimated bills.
SMS Notifications from Distributors of Power Outages
Victorian electricity customers can register for a free SMS service to notify of major electricity outages. You will receive information about outages in your area and the estimated restoration time.
| Company | Area Served | Faults | General Enquiries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ausnet Services | Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria | 13 17 99 | 1300 360 795 |
| Citipower | City and inner suburbs | 13 12 80 | 1300 301 101 |
| Jemena | Northern and north-western suburbs | 13 16 26 SMS service: 0427 840 744 | 1300 131 871 |
| Powercor Australia | Western suburbs and western Victoria | 13 24 12 | 13 22 06 |
| United Energy Distribution | Southern suburbs and Mornington peninsula | 13 20 99 SMS service: 0447 100 333 | 1300 131 689 |
Monitor your energy - You can monitor your own usage in almost real time using web portals and in-home displays. This means you can have more control over your daily energy use.
Energy alerts - You can set up your system to receive messages warning you of excessive energy consumption, giving you the opportunity to take action.
Cheaper costs when moving house - Power companies can now remotely turn power on or off, which means that disconnection and reconnection fees have dropped from about $25 to between $5 and $8.
Smoother switching between retailers - As your meter is read daily, you no longer need to wait for weeks or months to switch retailers. Connecting, disconnecting or switching to a new electricity retailer is cheaper and easier because you can get onto a better plan and start saving more quickly.
Flexible pricing - On a flexible pricing plan the cost of electricity changes according to what time of the day you use it. The technology of smart meters has made it likely that other innovative pricing options will also become available in the future.
Smart appliances / smart thermostats - You can time when your appliances will start, or turn them on remotely. A smart thermostat takes all the guesswork out of keeping your house at the right temperature.
Solar - You can easily monitor what percentages of solar and mains electricity you are using and change your usage patterns to take advantage of your solar generation.
Who is responsible for my smart meter?
Smart meters are part of the network infrastructure that is the property of the electricity distributors. Find your distributor at Energy Victoria or call 136 186.
To find out more about smart meters, visit Energy Victoria.
If you have a complaint about an electricity retailer or distributor, and have been unable to resolve it directly with them, you can call the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria for assistance or call 1800 500 509.