Enthusiasm for speedy smart meter rollout

Energy Networks Australia has welcomed the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) recommendation for Australia to accelerate the rollout of smart meters to support the transition to net zero.

Smart meters allow electricity retailers, energy networks and customers to securely access energy use data quickly and accurately to provide better energy services.

Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said the current smart meter rules had not delivered for customers and a new approach was needed. “Smart meters are a key enabler of a smart grid. We can’t run a 21st-century grid with 19th-century meter technology,” he said.

“Customers with smart meters can take advantage of flexible pricing to tailor their use to when power is cheaper and save on their power bills.

“They also help networks identify, locate and fix faults and outages faster and make connection processes far simpler, which delivers better customer service.”

Dillon said the entire economy was adopting better technologies to aid in the transition to net zero and energy networks were an essential platform to deliver a decarbonised future.

Energy Networks Australia reported it was looking forward to continuing to collaborate with stakeholders and the AEMC on the recommendations for smart meter reform to deliver better outcomes for consumers.

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