Smart meter myths busted

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 – Name 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!

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!

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 and head to ‘smart meter features’.

With this tool, you can monitor your energy use in two-hour 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 alraedy 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