Smart meters
The power’s in your hands with a smart meter.
You get clearer insights into how you use energy, automatic readings and the tools to stay in control at home or at work. A smart meter puts more choice, visibility and savings opportunities right at your fingertips.
Benefits of smart meters
✅More visibility and control
You get clear insights into how and when you use energy. Smart meters track usage in precise intervals (every 30, 15 or even 5 minutes) so you can spot patterns and make smarter choices.
✅ More tariff options
A smart meter unlocks access to a wider range of tariffs. My Account can help you pick the best option to suit your lifestyle or business.
✅ Automatic readings
No more organising access for meter readers or worrying about pets escaping. Your meter sends readings electronically – reliably and securely.
✅Smarter tools in My Account
With a smart meter and My Account, you can:
- Check you’re on the best tariff
- See your bill cost to date
- View your predicted bill
- Set budget and usage alerts
- Monitor solar exports
- Track usage by the hour, day, week or month
✅Future‑ready
Thinking about solar, batteries or an electric vehicle? Detailed energy data makes planning and managing those choices easier.
✅No extra meter charges
There’s no upfront cost and no additional meter service fees beyond what you already pay.
Already have a smart meter?
Log in or register for My Account to start using these smart tools today.
Don’t have a smart meter yet?
Request one online in just a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can log in or register for My Account to request a smart meter via the interactive dashboard banner.
Smart meter myths busted!
Ever heard a wild story about smart meters? You’re not alone! There are plenty of myths floating around, and we’re busting them wide open.
Skye from Rockhampton, one of our friendly local team members, walks you through the most common smart meter myths and clears the air with simple facts in our short video.
Transcript
Hey there! Have you ever heard a wild story about smart meters? Well, you’re not alone! There are plenty of myths floating around at the moment, and today, we’re busting them wide open.
I’m Skye from Ergon Energy Retail in Rockhampton, and I’m here to give you the real facts - so let’s set the record straight!
Myth: There are no benefits to smart meters.
Busted! So one of the big benefits of smart meters is you actually don’t have to restrain your dog. We read your smart meter remotely. So dogs like Nami here – Nami come here – can run free! How good is that!
You can learn more about this at Ergon Energy Network’s safe entry policy on their website. Visit ergon.com.au/safeentry
Another benefit is you get access to My Account’s smart meter features, where you can see how much energy you’re using, get budget alerts and check you’re on the best tariff – winning! To access these powerful features, simply visit ergon.com.au/myaccount and click on ‘smart meter features’.
Another huge benefit is that smart meters pave the way for more customers to get solar, batteries and electric vehicles. That’s because smart meters give you detailed information about your energy use, helping you decide which products best suit you. How good is that!
Myth: Ergon Retail will control my power with a smart meter.
Busted! There’s no change to your power supply with a smart meter.
Your power will be switched off for about 30 minutes when your smart meter is installed - after that, it’s business as usual! (30min is for most residential installations and some more complex installations may take up to 4 hours).
Myth: My tariff will change with a smart meter.
Busted! You’re in control of your energy choices at Ergon Energy Retail.
We won’t change your tariff unless you explicitly consent to do so.
The power’s in your hands. With a smart meter and My Account, you can compare tariffs to see how you can save. But remember, it’s your choice to change tariffs, so there’s no sneaky surprises there.
Myth: Smart meters cause fires.
Busted! Smart meters have undergone rigorous testing and comply with all Australian and international safety standards.
Inside each smart meter there’s a tiny lithium battery, which is about half the size of a standard AA battery. It’s the same type of battery powering many common household gadgets, like your trusty TV remote. So, rest assured, your smart meter is just as safe as the devices you already use daily!
Myth: Smart meters result in higher fees and charges.
Busted! Installing a smart meter comes with no upfront cost.
And your service fees? They stay exactly the same as those with basic meters.
No hidden fees and no extra costs - just more control over your energy use! (No additional charges only applies to small users with 100,000kWh or less annual consumption).
Myth: Smart meters take a long time to install.
Busted! Some customers get worried their power will be off for hours on end when they get their smart meter installed.
The reality – it only takes about 30 minutes – quick as a flash!
Myth: Smart meters emit dangerous amounts of radiation.
Busted! Nope, that’s not true! Smart meters in Australia are completely safe and operate well within the limits set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. In fact, the level of radiofrequency energy they emit is much lower than that of everyday devices like your mobile phone. So, if you’re comfortable using your phone, there’s no need to worry about your smart meter!
Myth: My bills will be more confusing with a smart meter.
Busted! When you get a smart meter, your bill may look a little bit different - your start and end readings will show as zero. No, it’s not broken! It’s just because smart meters work a little differently. They send us the total energy you’ve used over the billing period, not the individual readings.
But here’s the cool part:
Want a full breakdown of your usage? Log in to My Account.
With this tool, you can monitor your energy use in hourly blocks, daily, monthly and also quarterly. It’s so transparent.
So really… smart meters don’t make your bill more confusing - they actually give you a supercharged insight into your energy use.
Myth: I can’t request a smart meter.
Busted! You totally can and it’s super easy! Just head on over to our website at ergon.com.au/smartmeters. You can fill out our quick and easy form, and boom – it’s as simple as that. You’re already on your way to smarter energy.
So, smart meter myths? Consider them BUSTED.
As your local energy experts, we’re here to make the transition to smart meters simple and smooth.
To learn more, visit our website at ergon.com.au/smartmeters
Smart meter FAQs
Smart meter replacement
What’s a smart meter?
A smart meter tracks your electricity use in short intervals (every 5, 15 or 30 minutes).
That means clearer bills and better insights into how and when you use energy.
👉 Tip: An electronic display doesn’t always mean it’s smart.
How do I request a smart meter?
You can request a smart meter quickly and easily via our online form.
Why are you installing smart meters?
Smart meters are all about making your life easier and giving you more control over your electricity usage.
Queensland is targeting 100% penetration of smart meters by 2030. In accordance with National Energy Law, all new and replacement meters in NSW, ACT, SA and QLD must be smart.
Do I need to get a smart meter now?
Not immediately. Queensland is targeting 100% penetration of smart meters by 2030.
When will my new smart meter show up in My Account?
Your new smart meter and data will pop up in My Account in about 10 business days after the swap.
If you haven’t already, log in or register for My Account.
I don't want a smart meter - can I get a new basic meter instead?
In accordance with National Energy Law, any new or replacement meters must be smart to be compliant.
Will you control my power once I have a smart meter?
No. There’s no change to your power supply with a smart meter.
Your power will be switched off for about 30 minutes when your smart meter is installed - after that, it’s business as usual!
Do I need to get my landlord's permission?
No, as the account holder of the electricity service at the property you're not required to seek your landlord's permission. However you may need to contact them if we identify any issues with your wiring which need to be fixed by an electrician
Will my meter be smart if I don’t have 3G or 4G mobile coverage?
Your meter will record thirty, fifteen or five minute data and a meter reader will collect your usage data manually.
If I have two meters but only one needs replacing will you change both?
Yes, the good news is we’ll update both meters to smart meters. Meters at the same site must all be the same type – either basic or smart, not a mix of the two.
I have solar connected at my property. Can I have a smart meter with solar?
Yes, smart meters work with your solar installation.
Can I take my smart meter with me when I move?
No, all meters must remain where they've been installed.
Is anyone excluded from this metering change?
Sites in Mount Isa and selected isolated communities are exempt as they're not part of the National Electricity Market. In these locations, we'll determine the meter required for your premises.
Will my meter box need to be upgraded? Who pays for it?
You won’t have to make any changes if your meter box/switchboard complies with current standards. If it doesn't, for example if it contains asbestos or a timber backing-board, you'll need to organise for it to be made compliant at your expense. A site defect form will be left onsite outlining your next steps if the crew are unable to complete the installation. If your property is a rental, contact your landlord to rectify any issues.
Understanding smart meter data
How can I access my smart meter data?
You can access your smart meter data through My Account, which provides smart insights to help you take control of your energy. Once you're logged into My Account, simply click the 'Explore usage’ button from the dashboard. You can also request your meter data to be emailed to you by clicking the ‘Request my meter data’ button.
How do I read my smart meter?
The simplest way to keep an eye on your usage and smart meter data is through My Account.
Want to track your usage straight from your smart meter? No problem! Check out our how to read your smart meter guide.
Curious about how to break down your bill? Our understanding your bill page has you covered.
How do I read NEM12 smart meter data?
The easiest way to access your smart meter data is through My Account.
If you have NEM12 data, the below guides are designed to help you understand your NEM12 data and find the information you need from your meter:
Prices and billing
Will there be any change to my service fee?
No. There’s no upfront charges or change to your service fees with a smart meter – they’re the same as for customers on basic meters.
Can I stay on quarterly bills with a smart meter?
There are no extra charges for monthly billing. You have a choice to continue with quarterly billing if it suits you better, however monthly billing means you receive smaller, more manageable bills around the same time each month.
Will my tariff change once the smart meter is installed?
No. Your tariff will stay the same unless you explicitly consent to change.
The power’s in your hands! With a smart meter and My Account, you can compare tariffs to see how you could save. But, it’s your choice to switch - no sneaky surprises here!
Will I get a new bill after the meter is installed? When do I have to pay this?
You'll receive two interim bills - the first is for the period between your last bill and the date of your meter change and the next is for the period between your meter change and the start of your normal bill cycle. All of your bills will have clearly marked due dates. Our average daily usage and cost calculator gives you an average daily amount across the multiple shorter bills to compare it easily against last year's bill.
Why is the start and end read on each bill zero?
When you get a smart meter, your bill might look a bit different - your start and end readings will show as zero. It’s just because smart meters work a little differently. They send us the total energy you’ve used over the billing period, not individual readings.
For both styles of meters, the total usage is listed in the quantity column.
For a detailed breakdown of your usage, simply log in or sign up for My Account. Once you're logged into My Account, simply click the 'Explore usage’ button from the dashboard.
I’ve recently had a smart meter installed and my bill’s higher than usual. Why could this be?
Our high bill checklist can help you understand why your bill is higher than usual.
Common reasons may include price changes that happen every year from 1 July or increased usage e.g. more air conditioning over summer or heating over winter.
At Ergon Energy Retail you can have peace of mind that we won’t change your tariff when you have a smart meter installed. Your tariff will stay the same unless you explicitly consent to a change.
Why am I charged a manual read fee when I don't want my data sent electronically?
A manual read fee for Type 4A meters will apply for customers who specifically request to disable the remote communications on their smart meter which prevents the meter being read remotely. This charge covers the additional cost of reading the meter manually, including travel. It does not apply if the remote communications could not be enabled for other reasons.
A charge of $54.85 per scheduled read will appear in the ‘Other Charges’ section of your bill. This is a mandatory charge which can be avoided by requesting us to enable the remote communications on the smart meter.
Meter installation
Why do you need to turn off my power?
Your power needs to be off to safely remove and replace your meter. This is done by turning off the main switch on your switchboard. The change process only takes around 30 minutes, or a little longer if the work is more complex than anticipated.
How will I know when the installation will happen?
We’ll send a notification with the date range our team will be on-site to install your meter. Additionally, our metering provider, Yurika, will send you an SMS the day before the meter exchange, so you’ll know exactly when to expect their arrival.
Do I need to be there when the meter is installed?
If your meter box, main switchboard/s, and main switch/es are easily accessible, there’s no need for you to be there. However, if our metering provider, Yurika, encounters any access issues when they arrive at your premises, they’ll send you an SMS requesting that you contact them to arrange a new appointment with clear and safe access.
Do I need to organise an electrician?
Some customers prefer to have an electrician check their meter board before the installation, however it's not a requirement.
Who do I call if I want to change the appointment time?
Please contact us using the phone number provided on the notification with details on the interruption to your supply.
Who will turn up to install my new meter?
Technicians will be authorised by Ergon Retail and will carry or wear identification. They are required to produce identification to you if requested.
When you install the meter, will my power be switched off?
Yes, your power will only be off for about 30 minutes, or a little longer if the work is more complex than anticipated.
How long will it take to be installed?
Your smart meter installation will only take around 30 minutes, or a little longer if the work is more complex than anticipated.
Safety, health and security
Do smart meters cause fires?
No. Smart meters are very safe. They've undergone rigorous testing and comply with all Australian and international safety standards.
Inside each smart meter there’s a tiny lithium battery, which is about half the size of a standard AA battery. It’s the same type of battery powering many common household gadgets, like your TV remote.
Do smart meters cause any health effects?
Smart meters in Australia are completely safe and operate well within the limits set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). In fact, the level of radiofrequency energy they emit is much lower than that of everyday devices like your mobile phone. Your meter will send signals at very low power for just a fraction of a second.
Smart meters, mobile phones and other wireless devices used for communication are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which requires them to comply with exposure limits ensuring they're not harmful.
Is my meter and data secure? Can it be hacked?
Smart meters and associated data communication equipment must comply with strict standards for accuracy and security. Data is sent using systems and protocols that meet Queensland Government cyber security standards, the Australian Government’s Privacy Act 1988 and the National Electricity Law. These standards are the same ones that protect all government data. All customer data will be held and collected in compliance with these requirements, just as it is today.
Will anyone else see my electricity data?
No. Your data and personal information are protected under the National Electricity Law, Queensland Government cyber security standards and the Australian Government’s Privacy Act 1988.