Australia Accelerates Smart Meter Rollout Amid Growing Opposition

Image source: Intellihub

Published on October 26, 2024

The Australian Energy Market Commission has set a goal for 100% smart meter adoption by 2030, citing benefits for both consumers and the broader energy market. As part of this effort, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has approved a trial of 5,600 smart meters in New South Wales. Led by Endeavour Energy, this trial covers areas like Greater Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and will run until 2025. It aims to demonstrate how smart meters can help consumers manage energy use and reduce bills.

Supporting this initiative, the federal government has provided a $50 million loan to Intellihub, Australia’s largest smart meter provider, to accelerate the deployment of smart meters and related devices. These meters give users real-time data on electricity consumption, helping them access deals that reduce costs during off-peak hours.

Other states are also preparing for smart meter rollouts. Queensland has a large-scale program starting in 2024, with regulatory changes allowing households to switch back to flat tariffs if they find time-of-use tariffs confusing.

However, Victoria’s smart meter rollout has faced significant resistance from the group Stop Smart Meters Australia, which argues the implementation doesn’t align with national energy laws meant to protect consumers. Despite opposition, smart meters are seen as key to Australia’s transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

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