AMI Program - Smart Electricity Meter

In order to improve electricity delivery and management the Victorian State Government has mandated that all residential and small business electricity customers have a smart meter installed by the end of 2013. This will help customers better manage their energy use. The below Frequently Asked Questions will help you better understand this new initative and how it will affect you. For more information on the policy contact the Department of Primary Industries at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/smartmeters or phone 136 186. For questions regarding the smart meter installation and operation, please contact your electricity distributor.

1. What is a Smart Electricity Meter or smart meter?

A smart meter has many capabilities that the old type electricity meters do not have. Smart meters in Victoria will have the ability to:

• record electricity consumption by the half hour;
• be remotely read so a meter reader does not have to visit your home or business;
• provide greater detail around consumption;
• enable remote connection of your electricity, such as when you move to a new address;
• help your electricity distribution business to detect and locate outages and restore supply more quickly;
• assist distribution businesses to manage networks more efficiently.

2. Why are smart meters being installed?

Smart Meters will assist:

• consumers to better manage their electricity use by allowing access to more information about usage patterns;
• electricity retailers to make innovative time-of-use price offers to suit consumers' needs; and
• electricity distributors to better detect supply faults and respond to them more quickly. Smart meters will also enable improved management of the electricity supply network and provide greater opportunities for network enhancement. The state program is and will continue to be aligned with the National Smart Meter Rollout program.

3.  What are the timeframes involved in the rollout?

Installing the new smart meters in every Victorian household and small business will take place between late 2009 and the end of 2013.

4. What are the roles of the Electricity Distributor and Electricity Retailer in relation to smart meters?

Your electricity distributor is responsible for installing your new smart meter. In Victoria, there are five different electricity distributiors: Powercor, SP AusNet, Jemena, United Energy and CitiPower. 

Electricity retailers such as Momentum Energy are responsible for billing you for your energy consumption.  Your retailer will also be able to offer you a Time of Use tariff.

5. Do I own the smart meter?

No, the smart meter, like your existing electricity meter, is owned by your electricity distribution business.

6. Will I have to pay the installer for the smart meter to be installed?

No. The customer does not pay the smart meter installer.

7. What does the smart meter look like?

A smart meter will be a similar size to the meter you have now, the display is digital and it doesn’t have dials. There will be different types and models of smart meters.

8. Will my electricity be interrupted during the smart meter installation, and if so, for how long?

Yes. As with any meter replacement, the installation of your smart meter will require a short power interruption of approximately 30 to 60 minutes. If there are any unusual circumstances and the interruption takes longer, you will be advised.

9. Do I need to be home for the smart meter installation?

You do not have to be home when the smart meter is installed at your property. However, your electricity distribution business will require clear and safe access to your meter box to complete the smart meter installation.

10. Will my first bill after the meter replacement look any different?

Not necessarily. If there are any changes to your electricity bill an explanation of those changes will be communicated to you by your electricity retailer.

11. Will I still get estimated bills once my smart meter is installed?

In the early stages of the smart meter rollout you may still receive estimated bills until the supporting telecommunications network and computer systems are fully operational. The intention is to collect actual meter data remotely as quickly as possible after the smart meter is installed.