How to tell if you have a smart meter in Australia

What a smart meter does

Old electricity meters keep a running total of the electricity you've used, and someone has to come and physically read the numbers on the dial. Smart meters record your electricity use more frequently (such as every 30 minutes) and automatically send the readings back to your electricity company. This means your electricity company can see when you use electricity, not just how much you’re using.

Three ways to check if you have a smart meter

1. Does someone come to read it? If a meter reader still visits, you probably don't have a smart meter.

2. Look at the meter on your property. A spinning disc or a row of dials means an old meter. A digital screen is a good sign that you have a smart meter.

3. Ask your electricity company. The phone number is on your electricity bill. They can tell you for certain if you give them a call.

One more clue: since the end of 2017, new and replacement meters have been smart meters. If your home is newer than that, or your meter's been swapped since, you've got a smart meter.

If you don't have a smart meter

Every home is due to have a smart meter by the end of 2030, and there's no upfront cost for the meter.

You don't have to wait your turn, you can normally ask your electricity company to install one for you.

If your meter box needs work first, such as old wiring, it’s up to the property owner to fix and pay for that work. If you rent, check the rules where you live. In some places you'll need your landlord's OK before a new meter goes in.