Smart meters to power the future of Australia's energy market by 2030


Australia is entering a transformative phase in its energy journey with the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) announcing a mandatory rollout of smart meters across the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2030.

This landmark reform marks a significant step toward modernising the nation’s energy infrastructure and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

A milestone in energy reform

The new rule requires all homes and businesses within the NEM to have smart meters installed by 2030.

Starting in December 2025, the accelerated rollout aims to deliver the benefits of smart energy technology sooner, while providing strong consumer protections.

Over 56% of meters in the NEM are already remotely read, with Victoria leading the nation at 99%. The remainder of the country is now set to follow.

These changes not only support Australia’s climate goals by enabling a more flexible and connected energy system but also pave the way for improved cost-efficiency and consumer empowerment.

Key reforms at a glance

The AEMC’s reforms are underpinned by two primary objectives:

Accelerated smart meter deployment

Speeds up the rollout to ensure households and businesses gain earlier access to cost savings, enhanced services, and more control over their energy use.

Access to power quality data

Improves how electricity networks manage their infrastructure by providing vital data, which in turn helps reduce operational costs, improve safety, and support the integration of renewable technologies like rooftop solar and batteries.

There are also four supporting reforms to ensure that customers are well-informed and protected:

Customer protections

No upfront costs for smart meter installations. Customers must give explicit, informed consent before any changes to their electricity tariffs.

Improved customer experience

Clear, accessible information must be provided to help customers understand how to make the most of their smart meters.

Lower barriers to installation

Streamlined processes aim to reduce costs and speed up deployment.

Enhanced meter testing and inspection standards

These will help ensure that smart meters are reliable and cost-effective.

Customer safeguards and transparent billing

One of the standout features of the reform is the focus on customer protection. For two years following the installation of a smart meter, energy retailers are not allowed to move a customer to a different tariff without explicit informed consent.

After this period, any tariff changes must come with side-by-side bill comparisons to show customers the impact on their costs, along with tools and guidance for managing their energy usage.

Retailers may also be required to continue offering flat-rate tariffs to ensure customers retain choice and stability as they transition to smart technologies.

The benefits of smart meters

Smart meters represent a leap forward in how consumers interact with energy. They enable:

  • Real-time usage tracking: Understand when and how you use electricity to make smarter choices and reduce bills.
  • Faster outage response: Utilities can detect outages remotely and restore power more quickly.
  • Support for renewables: Seamlessly integrate rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles into the grid.
  • No more manual meter reads: Accurate, automated readings eliminate estimated bills and reduce administrative costs.
  • Greater energy plan flexibility: Access to time-of-use tariffs that reward off-peak usage and help spread demand more evenly across the grid.

What’s next?

The reforms will roll out in stages, starting in December 2024 and accelerating in December 2025. By July 2026, most of the deployment infrastructure will be in place, setting the stage for full coverage by 2030.

Take control of your energy future

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how smart meters and modern energy plans can work for you. Call Compare Energy today on 1300 790 106 to discuss your options for switching plans and learn how smart meters can unlock new savings and sustainable energy choices for your household or business.