If you could track your energy use in real time and potentially cut your power bill by almost a third, wouldn’t you give it a go?

Smart meters have been empowering Australian households to take control of their electricity use for years. Back in 2018, one Brisbane resident shared how accessing half-hourly data from his digital meter helped him shift energy-intensive chores like doing laundry to off-peak times. The result was a power bill reduction of nearly 30 percent.

Fast forward to today and smart meter technology has advanced considerably. These digital tools are now more powerful, accurate and accessible than ever before.

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records your energy use in regular intervals, usually every 30 minutes, and sends this data automatically to your energy provider. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters don’t require manual readings. They also eliminate estimated bills, helping you avoid surprises when your bill arrives.

The power of real-time energy tracking

Modern smart meters allow households to track electricity use in near real time, with data often accessible through your energy retailer’s online portal or app. Some apps go even further. They can break down usage by appliance, send alerts when your usage spikes, and integrate with rooftop solar systems. This allows users to see how much energy they’re generating, using and exporting back to the grid.

Save money, reduce emissions

The potential savings from using a smart meter wisely can be significant. By shifting usage to off-peak times, when electricity is cheaper and demand is lower, households can reduce their bills. But the benefits go beyond cost.

Using electricity during off-peak times often aligns with greater availability of renewable energy sources in the grid. This means households can help reduce strain on the grid and potentially lower their carbon footprint by making simple behavioural changes.

Smarter habits made easy

With the rise of home energy management systems and user-friendly apps, it’s easier than ever to:

• Schedule appliances to run when electricity is cheapest
• Understand, monitor and cut back on standby power use
• Adjust heating and cooling schedules seasonally
• Set alerts for high energy use or unusual spikes

Even simple awareness, like spotting which time of day your home uses the most energy, can lead to lasting change.

What’s next for smart meters in Australia?

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is targeting a full rollout of smart meters across the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2030. If you don’t already have one, your electricity distributor will likely be in touch in the coming years.

In the meantime, households can request a smart meter installation through their energy retailer. For most homes, there’s no upfront cost involved. However, fees can vary depending on your provider and contract, so it’s always worth checking.

Get ahead of the curve

If you haven’t explored your smart meter’s features or if you’re still using an older meter, now is a great time to get ahead of the curve. A data-driven approach to energy use is one of the easiest ways to save money, reduce emissions and take control of your household’s footprint.

To learn more about how smart meters work or to find out how to get one installed, visit the Australian Energy Regulator or contact your electricity retailer directly.