Smart Meter Rules Expedited to Unlock Consumer Energy Potential

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is accelerating the push for universal smart meter adoption by 2030, with plans to publish a draft determination on the process in the coming weeks. This decision comes after a request for a rule change in September 2024 from SA Power Networks, Intellihub, and Alinta to expedite the deployment of smart meters.

Following the release of the final report on the Regulatory Framework for Metering Services in August 2024, the AEMC recommended a nationwide program to install smart meters in all homes and small businesses within the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2030. The commission emphasised the importance of this NEM-wide rollout to establish the digital infrastructure for Australia’s evolving renewable grid, especially as households increasingly adopt solar power, home batteries, and electric appliances and vehicles.

Efforts to Accelerate Implementation

The journey towards achieving universal smart meter uptake by 2030 began in November 2022 when the AEMC initially proposed the target. After extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and the public, the commission committed to collaborating with energy advocacy groups to progress the rule change process. Nearly a year later, following a rule change request from SA Power Networks, Intellihub, and Alinta, the AEMC opted to expedite the process.