Digital meter installation
Under the Electricity Act 1994 and the Electricity Regulation 2006, all new and replacement electricity meters must be digital meters. All old accumulation meters will be replaced with modern digital meters by 2030.
Responsibility for installation
When a new digital meter is required, your electricity retailer will be responsible for managing the installation process and will be able to answer your questions.
Who installs digital meters
Digital meters can only be installed by licensed and qualified electricians, acting on behalf of your electricity retailer, and in accordance with relevant electrical safety standards.
Your electricity retailer will organise the electrician who will install the new meter.
When will a digital meter be installed
A new digital meter must be installed in the following circumstances:
- new connections (e.g. new homes)
- replacement of old or faulty meters
- to support a your chosen electricity product or service (e.g. a new tariff or installation of a solar power system)
- replacement of working meters as part of an electricity retailer’s digital meter roll-out program.
For information on your potential opt-out choices for the installation of a digital meter refer to opt out rights.
New homes
For connections to new homes, the new digital meter will be installed as part of the building process.
Replacement of meters
For replacements of existing meters, old meters will be removed by the installer and returned to the electricity distributor (i.e. Energex, Ergon Energy). If the old meter is left at your home you should contact your electricity retailer.
Extent of property owner responsibilities
The wiring and electrical fittings inside the house, those in and including the switchboard and meter enclosure/box remain the responsibility and at the cost of the property owner (e.g. home owner or landlord). This may include, but is not limited to, being required to upgrade, replace and/or relocate the existing meter housing to meet current standards when any metering is being replaced. If you are advised by your retailer or their electrical technician that you have to make changes to your electrical installation so they can safely install the new meter as required under electricity regulation, you will have to engage a licenced electrical contractor of your choice to make the changes at your expense. Once complete you (or your electrical contractor) must notify your retailer that the new meter can be safely installed.
If you are not the owner of the property, you must refer the matter to the property owner or their agent.
Residents of multi-unit complexes
If you live in a multi-unit complex (e.g. apartment block, caravan park or any other type of residential complex) check with your site owner or building manager if you have any questions about property owner responsibilities regarding your wiring and the meter box.
Problems with digital meters
If you experience any problems with your meter, or your electricity service, you should contact your electricity retailer immediately.
Find out more
- Contact your electricity retailer for more information about your electricity meter.
- Read the Energex and Ergon Energy power of choice information.
- Learn more about how to choose or change your electricity retailer.
- Read more about electricity for residents of multi-unit complexes.