Smart meter installation
Smart meters provide electricity usage information digitally and remotely to electricity retailers. They can also help customers better understand how they use electricity through online services that are often provided by retailers.
Smart meter data is provided remotely and electronically, which reduces the requirement for physical meter reads. They can also be used to inform future decisions for customers when choosing electricity products that best suit their individual needs.
Since 2017, under the Electricity Act 1994 and the Electricity Regulation 2006, all new and replacement electricity meters have been smart meters.
In 2025 the Australian Energy Market Commission made changes to accelerate the deployment of smart meters across the National Electricity Market. Under the new Rules, electricity retailers are rolling out smart meters to all homes and businesses by 2030, according to Legacy Meter Replacement Plans.
The plans have been developed by Queensland’s electricity distributors, Energex and Ergon Energy, and approved by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). The AER also monitors compliance and enforces the rules.
Responsibility for installation
When a new smart meter is to be installed, your electricity retailer will be responsible for managing the process and will be able to answer your questions.
Smart 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 smart meter be installed
A new smart meter must be installed in the following circumstances:
- new connections (e.g. new homes)
- replacement of old or faulty meters
- to support 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 smart meter roll-out program.
New homes
For connections to new homes, the new smart meter will be installed as part of the building process.
Opt out
Under the updated National Electricity Rules, customers can no longer refuse or opt out of a new smart meter when your electricity retailer contacts you to install one. However, you do have the right to request that an electricity retailer install a smart meter with its remote communications turned off or turn off this function to an existing smart meter.
It’s important to note that if the remote communications are turned off, the meter will need to be read manually. This may potentially result in some bills being based on estimates rather than actual usage. Electricity retailers may also charge a fee for manual meter reads.
Turning off the remote communications functionality might also limit the types of electricity products that customers can access. You can find out more information by contacting your electricity retailer directly.
Extent of property owner responsibilities
The wiring and electrical fittings inside the home, 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 should consider engaging 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 smart meters
If you experience any problems with your meter, or your electricity service, you should contact your electricity retailer immediately. The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland can also assist in customer dispute resolution involving an electricity retailer or network provider.
Find out more
- Contact your electricity retailer for more information about your electricity meter.
- Find out more about the accelerating smart meter deployment.
- 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.